Tri-Cities celebrates entrepreneurial spirit at 30th annual awards luncheon in Richland

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Seven businesses received awards at the 30th annual Richland Rotary Entrepreneurial Awards luncheon, including Big Bro Joe Foundation (Nonprofit Business of the Year), Café Con Arte (Overall Business of the Year), and Just Juice (Hispanic Business of the Year).

The Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award honored Ty Haberling of HFG Trust and Steve and Shirley Simmons of CG Public House & Catering for decades of business leadership and community service.

The 30th annual awards mark a historic milestone: for the first time in the program’s three-decade history, the program opened nominations to the general public, expanding recognition across Benton and Franklin counties.

RICHLAND, Wash. — From morning coffee shops to family-owned restaurants, small businesses form the backbone of the Tri-Cities economy. On Tuesday, community leaders gathered to recognize the entrepreneurs and business owners driving that growth at a milestone event that signals a major shift in how the region honors its innovators.

Richland Rotary and Fuse hosted the 30th annual Entrepreneurial Awards luncheon at the Richland Riverfront Hotel, celebrating companies that demonstrate exemplary entrepreneurial success and the individuals who have shaped the region’s business landscape. The 30-year milestone marks three decades of honoring business innovation across Benton and Franklin counties, and this year introduced a historic change: for the first time in the program’s history, nominations were opened to the general public.

Seven businesses received awards for their contributions to the community. Big Bro Joe Foundation earned the Nonprofit Business of the Year award, while Café Con Arte was named Overall Business of the Year. Just Juice received the Hispanic Business of the Year award. Crowe Wines, Digital IT Solutions, Swagg Coffee Company LLC, and Wild Olive’s Charcuteries Kingdom also were recognized.

Big Bro Joe Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth ages 8 to 17—primarily young males—through mentorship, structured education, and character-building programs. Founder Joe Thornton said the recognition extends beyond the award itself. “The work that we put in and the sacrifices and the time committed. It just shows that, you know, somebody is watching and opportunities like this is, you know, it allows us to show our community what we’re doing, what we’re about, our mission and the things that we believe in as far as empowering our youth and uplifting our community overall,” Thornton said.

Thornton started Big Bro Joe Foundation to pay forward the mentorship he received. “I’m a product of mentorship,” he explained. “Instead of saying thank you, sometimes it’s just better to pay it forward. Somebody took the time and invested in me, and I just see where I’m at personally. It’s been a journey for me, coming from Atlanta to Tri-Cities. I have a lot of people that played a big part in my success and where we’re at today.”

The luncheon also honored two recipients of the Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award (Sammy), given to individuals who have demonstrated true entrepreneurial leadership and significantly contributed to the region’s success.

Ty Haberling, a pioneering entrepreneur and community leader, received the award for his vision in building HFG Trust (formerly Haberling Financial Group) into a regionally recognized wealth management and trust company overseeing more than $2.5 billion in assets. Over four decades, Haberling has built a culture rooted in integrity, fiduciary responsibility, and service to others. Beyond his professional success, he has dedicated countless hours to coaching youth sports, mentoring future leaders, and supporting nonprofit organizations.

Steve and Shirley Simmons, owners of CG Public House & Catering, also received the Sammy award for their decades of quiet service to the community. The couple has supported more than 45 local organizations, including United Way, Kids’ Haven, and Meals on Wheels. When Meals on Wheels lost its kitchen in 2015, the Simmons opened their restaurant kitchen to keep meals available for homebound seniors while Steve led fundraising efforts to secure needed equipment.

Joan Wright, of Richland Rotary, emphasized the importance of recognizing these business leaders. “What makes it really important is it gives us a chance to honor young businesses and to celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit,” Wright said. “Because it’s a challenge when you’re starting a brand new business.”

According to Wright, the nominees demonstrate exceptional work ethic and customer service. “They don’t forget the details, and they make it almost like a family atmosphere of their business,” she said. “And they get the job done.”

Entrepreneurs across the Tri-Cities—Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco—face a combination of high operational costs, regulatory hurdles, and localized market dynamics. Despite these obstacles, the award winners have found ways to overcome barriers and build successful enterprises.

Small businesses contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation in the Tri-Cities. “They’re vital to our community. They help with the growth of small businesses, are really foundational to our community, and they bring in new ideas and new products to us that we wouldn’t have otherwise,” Wright said.

Wright noted that entrepreneurs in the region face financial challenges and the need to effectively use social media to promote their businesses. For aspiring entrepreneurs considering starting a business in the Tri-Cities, she offered encouragement: “I hope it encourages them to take that next step, to give it a go and recognize that you can do it. You can be successful starting a young business here.”

Thornton also shared advice for those hesitant to pursue their business dreams. “Keep going, keep going, keep going,” he said. “My biggest quote to myself personally is, you know, walk by faith and not by sight. Sometimes you can’t see what’s on the other side. And sometimes we quit right before we reach that point. I just want to tell people to believe in themselves. Trust the process. Enjoy the journey.”

The Entrepreneurial Awards were presented by Strong Racing and sponsored by Freeform, HFG Trust, IT Haven, Port of Benton, Riverfront Hotel, Rotary Club of Columbia Center, Tri-Cities Angel Alliance, Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, TRIDEC, Washington State University Tri-Cities, and West Richland Chamber of Commerce.

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