The Whatcom Business Alliance (WBA) hosted the 39th Annual Whatcom Business Awards Black & Gold Gala. At the gala, Kelsey Van Miert, the CEO of Northwest Health Care Linen, Bellingham, WA, was named the Business Person of the Year in Whatcom County (WA).
Each finalist is featured in a full-length article in the current March/April edition of Business Pulse, the magazine published by the WBA. Click here to view the March/April issue of the magazine. Van Miert’s profile appears on page 34 of the publication. In the article, Van Miert, who serves on TRSA’s Board of Directors, talks about the importance of the long-standing relationships that Northwest Health Care Linen has built with both its customers and staff.
“It’s a family business, and we really look at it as everyone here is a part of the family,” Van Miert said. “We want to make sure everybody feels like family, rather than just an employee.”
Nominations and the selection of finalists and winners follow an inclusive, year-long process. In early 2025, the WBA opened nominations to the public for worthy candidates who meet the criteria in each awards category. From the nominee pool, finalists are qualified by the WBA Board of Directors, and votes are cast for winners in each category.
“Every year, the WBA hosts the Whatcom Business Awards Black & Gold Gala to shine a spotlight on 12 individuals whose talents and achievements might otherwise go unrecognized,” said WBA Executive Director Barbara Chase.
The sold-out March 26 event began with an elegant cocktail reception at the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham followed by a seated gourmet dinner in the Hotel Bellwether Ballroom. At the gala event, outstanding achievements of business leaders in Whatcom County were recognized in four award categories: Start-up Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Employee of the Year and Public Service Awards also were presented.
The awards show included video stories of the nominees on the big screens, recognition for honorees as they took to the stage via a lighted runway amid customized music selections, tributes and thank-you speeches.
In 2025, Northwest Health Care Linen was honored as the Family-Owned Business of the Year by the Association of Washington Business (AWB). Click here for details on that award.
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