Business Community

Chamber Awards Gala: Standup for Peninsula Schools wins Citizen of Year

Standup for Peninsula Schools, an advocacy group that promotes Peninsula School District ballot measures, won the Citizen of the Year award at the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Awards Gala on Saturday, Feb. 25.

It was the second big win of the month for SUP. The volunteer group helped get the word out about two PSD levies approved by voters Feb. 14.

Other citizen of the year nominees included Richard Pifer of Timberland Bank and Gary Parker of BBQ2U.

The Kentucky Derby-themed awards gala was held Saturday, Feb. 25, at Ocean5.

Kentucky Derby-themed attire at the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce gala on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.

Other award winners and nominees included:

Business Person of the Year: Tie, Parker and Tim Lopez of American Family Insurance. Paige Schulte of Neighborhood Experts Real Estate was the other nominee.

Business of the Year: Morso Bistro. Tim Lopez Agency and St. Anthony Hospital were the other nominees.

Nonprofit of the Year: Food Backpacks 4 Kids. Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank and Gig Harbor Now were the other nominees.

Emerging New Business: Tie, KettleFish and In-Gear Media. Gig Harbor Pressure Washing was the other nominee.

Ambassador of the Year: Vickie Howell of Mary Kay.

Chair’s Choice Award: St. Anthony Hospital.

Exceptional Advocate for Gig Harbor Businesses: Miriam Battson, Gig Harbor Chamber president and CEO.