Covington Chamber celebrates 2025 Business Excellence Award winners
Published 4:47 pm Tuesday, April 14, 2026
The Covington Chamber of Commerce celebrated the outstanding achievements of local businesses, organizations and community leaders at the Night-at-the-Museum themed 2025 Covington Chamber Business Excellence Awards on March 25. The annual event brought together members and guests for an inspiring evening, recognizing those who are making a meaningful impact across the Covington business community.
This year’s awards highlighted excellence in leadership, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, economic impact and community service. With dozens of nominations, the awards reflect the strength, collaboration and innovation that define the Covington business community.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award celebrates a new Covington Chamber member who immediately jumped in with enthusiasm and purpose. Their leadership, involvement, and passion for making a difference truly reflect the spirit of a rising star.
Winner: British Swim School – Renton-Covington
Finalist: Happy Lemon Covington
Other Nominees:
• Elk Run Farm
• Ensemble Ballet Theatre
• Firehouse Subs
• KD Water Systems
• Jenn Sparks at Multi-Service Center
• PNW Cheesecake Company
• South East Asian Mart
• Stottle Winery
• TLC Krafty Designs
• Trapper’s Sushi Co.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
This award recognizes a standout Covington area business that exemplifies innovation, leadership and engagement. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset and active chamber involvement, the recipient makes a lasting impact on the local business community.
Winner: Stephanie Hunziker, Hunziker Real Estate
Finalist: Diana Patterson, The Patterson Team
Other Nominees:
• Dahlia Nails
• Erica Miller, EDM Consulting
• Ensemble Ballet Theatre
• Firehouse Subs
• Elif Mokran, British Swim School
• Susie Parr, Our Hive Juicery & Happy Lemon
• Keylona Temeyosa, New Craft DiƯerent Day
• Trapper O’Keefe, Trapper’s Sushi Co.
• TLC Krafty Designs
• Jean Wall State Farm
• Stottle Winery
Chamber Volunteer of the Year
This award honors an individual whose time, energy, and leadership help strengthen the Covington Chamber. This volunteer consistently steps up to support members, build connections and advance the chamber’s mission.
Winner: Daman Khatra
Finalist: Dr. Wade Barringer, Kent School District
Other Nominees:
• Brad Belcher, Bicycle Rescue for Youth
• Rich Cieslikowski, Auto-Chlor
• Myung Hong
• Cari Korpi
• Bryan LaBelle, Edward Jones
• Rod Meyers, Covington Community Church
• Bridget O’Connor, Red Canoe Credit Union
Covington Economic Impact Award
The Covington Economic Impact Award honors significant contributions to economic growth in the greater Covington area. Through innovation and collaboration, the recipient strengthens the local economy and improves the business climate.
Winner: Regan Bolli, City Manager, City of Covington
Finalist: Josh Lyons, Pinnacle Wellness & Lifestyle Medicine
Other Nominees:
• Covington Library
• Rich Cieslikowski, Auto-Chlor
• Edward Jones members (Scott Beusch, Greg Greynerovich, Stephanie Hawes, Bryan LaBelle, Dave Wilson, Saggau Wealth Management)
• Red Canoe Credit Union
• Justin VanLandschoot
Business Excellence Award
The Business Excellence award honors a member business that exemplifies workplace excellence through a strong, people-centered culture. By valuing employees, supporting professional growth, and fostering engagement, this business sets a high standard for leadership, performance and community impact.
Winner: City of Covington, Washington
Finalist: Weatherly Inn of Lake Meridian
Other Nominees:
• British Swim School
• Green River College & Green River College Foundation
• Bryan LaBelle, Edward Jones
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Malone’s Landscape
• Red Canoe Credit Union
• Ristrettos
• TLC Krafty Designs
• Jean Wall State Farm
• Valley Medical
Nonprofit Excellence Award
The Nonprofit Excellence Award honors a nonprofit whose dedication and service strengthen the greater Covington community. Through impactful programs, outreach, and charitable efforts, this organization improves lives and inspires positive change.
Winner: The Storehouse
Finalist: Vine Maple Place
Nominees:
• Children’s Therapy Center
• Eileen & Callie’s Place
• Elk Run Farm
• Multi-Service Center
• See Ya Later Foundation
Jeff Wagner Community Champion Award
Named for Jeff Wagner, a founding member of the Covington Chamber and passionate supporter of the Covington community, this award was created to celebrate a servant leader whose heart for service and commitment to community have left a lasting impact. The recipient leads with integrity, listens with intention, and inspires others through action and example.
Recipient: Debby Hartsock
Debby has been actively serving the Covington community in a variety of roles for nearly two decades, including serving on the Covington City Council and volunteering for and supporting The Storehouse, Covington Chamber, Covington Rotary, and the Kent Guild of Seattle Children’s Hospital. She leads with both strength and heart, stepping in where needed, guiding others forward, and lifting up those around her. Above all, she embodies grace, integrity, and a deep commitment to service.
Honorary Lifetime Membership and Key to the Chamber
Recipient: Jeff Wagner
The evening concluded with special recognition honoring Jeff Wagner. Board chair Rod Meyers presented Jeff with an honorary lifetime membership and the Key to the Chamber in appreciation of his extraordinary service as one of the Covington Chamber’s founders and longtime chamber leader.
“We want to extend our thanks and congratulations to our 2025 award winners, finalists and nominees for their outstanding service to the community,” said Meyers. “They represent the best of us while setting a high standard for others to follow. We are proud to call them members and to help them grow and thrive.”
The Covington Chamber wants to thank the event sponsors who made the evening possible: presenting sponsor and host Weatherly Inn; dessert sponsor Ube Overload; photography sponsor Pooja Anoop Photography; awards sponsor C and B Awards; gift basket sponsor Apple Blossom Gift Baskets; and floral sponsor Iris & Peony.
The Covington Chamber congratulates all nominees, finalists and award recipients for their outstanding contributions and continued commitment to excellence.
