WALLA WALLA — Earlier in December, the Walla Walla Valley Chamber held the 2023 Business Awards Showcase at Baker Boyer, where the recipients of the eight award categories were announced. The Walla Walla Valley Business Awards Showcase, presented by Baker Boyer, honors outstanding business achievements and contributions in the Walla Walla Valley. The award categories were created to recognize the individuals, groups, and organizations that have demonstrated resilience, community commitment, leadership, and strong business practices.

Requests for nominations were opened to the public earlier in 2023. Nominees were then reviewed and scored by a panel of judges based on criteria established for each award:

The 2023 Award recipients are:

Magnaghi Hauling received the Business of the Year Award, presented by Columbia REA. The award recognizes businesses that have been open for more than three years, share a commitment to professional excellence, business growth, and resilience, and provide an essential resource for our community.

Fresh Fruits was awarded Agribusiness of the Year, presented by The City of Walla Walla. The award honors individuals, businesses, and organizations instrumental to the success and excellence of agriculture in Walla Walla Valley.

Judy Bennett of American 35 in Waitsburg was awarded Business Leader of the Year by Academy Mortgage. The award is presented to individuals who demonstrate a history of vision, service, and leadership for the betterment of the Walla Walla Valley.

Turner Van Slyke, a senior at Walla Walla High School, received the Future Business Leader of the Year award presented by The Port of Walla Walla. The award recognizes high school seniors who display leadership qualities daily, such as honesty, integrity, dependability, respectfulness, and compassion.

Walla Walla Taxi won the Start-Up Business of the Year Award, presented by the Washington Small Business Development Center. The award is given to start-up companies in business for three years or less that have successfully created a business plan, obtained financing, and opened their doors. Every start-up has its journey to success, and nominees of this award show a path of growth, resiliency, strong business practices, and job creation.

American 35 received the Duane Wollmuth Catalyst Award, presented by PocketiNet. The award is presented to individuals, businesses, or organizations that collaborate and motivate to make big things happen in the Walla Walla Valley and contribute to its future sustainability and quality of life.

The STAR Project was presented with the Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award by Hayden Homes. The award is presented to successful and impactful philanthropic efforts that significantly benefit the Walla Walla Valley. The nominated organization must be an active 501(c)3, (c)4, or (c)6 organization located and operating in the Walla Walla Valley Area.

Woodward Canyon Winery was recognized with the $mart Business of the Year Award, presented by The Sustainable Living Center. The award recognizes businesses and organizations with outstanding commitment to sustainable business practices. $mart Business Partners meet Sustainable Living Center’s criteria to protect, preserve, and improve the environment. Nominees for this award will be chosen by the Sustainable Living Center from a group of Walla Walla Valley Businesses and Organizations who have qualified by participating in the $mart Business Partners Program.

Visit the Walla Walla Chamber at https://www.wwvchamber.com/bas/ to see videos highlighting each of the award winners and the annual showcase.