The Pillars of Strength & Crystal Apple Awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of local businesses, nonprofits, and educators whose leadership, innovation, and service strengthen our community. Each year we recognize those whose dedication makes a meaningful impact on the lives of others and enhances our region’s vitality.
Pillars of Strength Awards
The Pillars of Strength Awards honor businesses and organizations that demonstrate excellence in products, service, growth, and community involvement. This recognition highlights those whose efforts enhance economic vitality, foster collaboration, and contribute to the quality of life in our area.
Nomination Categories
Small Business
of the Year Award
(Under 50 employees)
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
- Their involvement with the Kelso Longview Chamber
- Their involvement with other organizations
- The level at which they demonstrate excellence in products, service and growth
- How the business’ presence adds to the economic vitality and quality of life of the area
Large Business
of the Year Award
(Over 50 employees)
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
- Their involvement with the Kelso Longview Chamber
- Their involvement with other organizations
- The level at which they demonstrate excellence in products, service and growth
- How the business’ presence adds to the economic vitality and quality of life of the area
Small Non-profit
of the Year Award
(Under $1 million budget)
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
- Their involvement with the Kelso Longview Chamber
- Their involvement with other organizations
- The level at which they demonstrate excellence in products, service and growth
- How the organizations presence adds to the economic vitality and quality of life of the area.
Large Non-profit
of the Year Award
(Over $1 million budget)
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
- Their involvement with the Kelso Longview Chamber
- Their involvement with other organizations
- The level at which they demonstrate excellence in products, service and growth
- How the organizations presence adds to the economic vitality and quality of life of the area.
Business Individual
of the Year Award
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
- Employed by a Kelso or Longview business.
- Exhibits initiative and creativity, enhancing the stability and improvement of the business.
- Promotes a positive attitude towards his/her job and the business that employs them.
- Is an active participant in service projects and programs leading to civic improvement, human welfare or environmental enhancement
Rising Star
of the Year Award
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
- Employed by a Kelso or Longview Chamber business.
- Exhibits initiative and creativity, enhancing the stability and improvement of the business.
- Promotes a positive attitude towards his/her job and the business that employs them
- Is active in the community and displays qualities that will eventually cast them into a leadership role, not only in the community but in their work environment.
Lifetime Achievement
Award
An individual working in a role that has characteristics that align with the criteria below.
1. Impact on a student or our community
- Demonstrates a clear, positive, impact on student or community’s success, engagement, access or overall well-being
- Enhances the overall experiences for their community, if that’s their industry, campus, or their business.
- Going beyond job expectations to meet community needs
2. Excellence in Professional Performance
- Consistently performs duties at a high level
- Demonstrates strong work ethic, reliability, and accountability
- Maintains accuracy, efficiency and professionalism
3. Collaboration & Teamwork
- Works effectively across departments, roles or the community.
- Builds positive relationships and fosters a culture of respect
- Supports colleagues and contributes to shared goals.
4. Service to their Industry or Institution
- Shows dedication to their industry or institutions mission and values
- Participates in their industry or institution committees, initiatives or events.
- Represents the industry or institution positively internally and externally.
Applicants who have been awarded within the previous five (5) years are ineligible.
Crystal Apple Awards
The Crystal Apple Awards spotlight outstanding educators and education professionals whose commitment to students, families, and learning inspires excellence. From classroom success to leadership and support roles, these individuals help shape the future of our community through dedication and passion.
Nomination Categories
K-12 District Leader
of the Year Award
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
- School or district administrator (principal, assistant principal, superintendent, etc.)
- Shows strong, fair leadership
- Focuses on student success
- Creates safe and welcoming schools
- Supports staff and includes families
- Communicates clearly and listens to others
- Leads by example
- Builds partnerships with the community (extra consideration)
K-12 District Leader
of the Year Award
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
- Licensed school professional (teachers, counselors, psychologists, specialists, etc.)
- Makes a positive impact on student learning and well-being
- Builds strong relationships with students and families
- Goes above and beyond job duties
- Works well with colleagues
- Supports a positive school climate
- Shows dedication, creativity, and kindness
- Engages with families or community partners (extra consideration)
K-12 Support Educator
of the Year Award
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
- School employee not required to hold a teaching license
- Includes assistants, office staff, custodians, drivers, tech staff, and more
- Dependable and caring
- Takes pride in their work
- Helps create a safe, welcoming school
- Builds connections with students, staff, and families
- Goes above and beyond to support the school
- Supports family or community engagement (extra consideration)
Higher Ed Support Staff
of the Year Award
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
1. Impact on Students & Community
- Demonstrates a clear, positive impact on student success, engagement, access, or well-being
- Enhances the overall campus experience for students, faculty, or staff
- Goes beyond job expectations to meet community needs
2. Excellence in Professional Performance
- Consistently performs duties at a high level
- Demonstrates strong work ethic, reliability, and accountability
- Maintains accuracy, efficiency, and professionalism
3. Collaboration & Teamwork
- Works effectively across departments or roles
- Builds positive relationships and fosters a culture of respect
- Supports colleagues and contributes to shared goals
4. Service to the Institution
- Shows dedication to the institution’s mission and values
- Participates in committees, initiatives, or campus events
- Represents the institution positively internally and externally
Higher Ed Faculty
of the Year Award
Consideration for this award will be based on the following criteria:
1. Teaching Excellence
Demonstrates outstanding commitment to student learning and success by:
- Using effective, innovative, and inclusive teaching strategies
- Engaging students and fostering critical thinking
- Demonstrating clarity, organization, and subject mastery
- Adapting instruction to meet diverse learning needs
- Receiving consistently strong student and peer evaluations
2. Student Mentorship & Support
Shows exceptional dedication to advising and mentoring students by:
- Providing meaningful academic and career guidance
- Supporting student persistence, growth, and achievement
- Serving as a role model and advocate for students
- Contributing to student success beyond the classroom, connecting learning to real world needs
3. Scholarship, Research, or Creative Activity
Demonstrates impact in scholarly or creative work by:
- Producing high-quality research, publications, or creative outputs
- Involving students in research or creative activities
- Applying scholarship to real-world or community issues
- Advancing knowledge or professional practice
4. Professionalism & Collaboration
Models excellence as a faculty member by:
- Demonstrating integrity, reliability, and ethical conduct
- Collaborating effectively with colleagues and staff
- Taking initiative and showing leadership within the institution
- Contributing to a positive and supportive academic culture
5. Service and Leadership
- Contributes to committees, initiatives, or programs
- Provides leadership within the institution and community
- Supports institutional goals and mission
Lifetime Achievement
Award
An individual working in a role that has characteristics that align with the criteria below.
1. Impact on a student or our community
- Demonstrates a clear, positive, impact on student or community’s success, engagement, access or overall well-being
- Enhances the overall experiences for their community, if that’s their industry, campus, or their business.
- Going beyond job expectations to meet community needs
2. Excellence in Professional Performance
- Consistently performs duties at a high level
- Demonstrates strong work ethic, reliability, and accountability
- Maintains accuracy, efficiency and professionalism
3. Collaboration & Teamwork
- Works effectively across departments, roles or the community.
- Builds positive relationships and fosters a culture of respect
- Supports colleagues and contributes to shared goals.
4. Service to their Industry or Institution
- Shows dedication to their industry or institutions mission and values
- Participates in their industry or institution committees, initiatives or events.
- Represents the industry or institution positively internally and externally.
Applicants who have been awarded within the previous five (5) years are ineligible.
Nomination Period: FEB 12 - MAR 8
Voting Period: MAR 16 - APR 3
Awards Ceremony: Wednesday, MAY 6, 2026 at the
Rose Center for the Arts - Lower Columbia College
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