The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Hall at Fauntleroy for the 2026 Westside Awards, an annual event dedicated to celebrating the local businesses and individuals who "don't just talk about community, they build it".

Presented by Nucor Steel, the breakfast highlighted the collective investment required to make a neighborhood thrive. Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the Chamber, reminded the audience that a chamber exists because "the work of building a community is too important to do alone".

The ceremony recognized four distinct winners, each embodying the "West Seattle way" of service and connection.

Nonprofit of the Year: Center for Active Living

The Center for Active Living (formerly the Senior Center of West Seattle) was honored for serving over 1,300 members with more than 40 weekly programs ranging from art to counseling. In the first of series of video profiles during the event, Executive Director Amy Lee Derenthal highlighted the center’s vital role in combating the "quiet isolation" that often goes unnoticed.

"Isolation is super real and people need to be with people and that we have a place that people can come... it's just super fun to watch people building relationships, connecting." — Amy Lee Derenthal

Board member Christine Milkovich added that the center’s mission is about more than just age: "Inclusion and the need and the fight of loneliness is why we're all here".

Emerging Business of the Year: Fourth Emerald Games

Founded by residents Joshua and Tiara Silas, Fourth Emerald Games was recognized as a "true third place" for the neighborhood, functioning as a retro video game lounge and inclusive tournament space. Joshua Silus shared the challenges of building the business "one all-nighter at a time" and the overwhelming support they received from the peninsula.

"When you show up and you are giving something interesting... [the community] will support you any way, shape, or form they can because they don't want you to go. And we definitely felt that love." — Joshua Silas

Westsider of the Year: Jessica Pierce

Jessica Pierce, founder of West Seattle Junction FC and the West Seattle Rhodies FC women’s team, was named Westsider of the Year for her efforts to make semi-professional soccer accessible to everyone. Pierce has distributed hundreds of free tickets and clinics to ensure the sport "belongs to everybody in this community".

"Volunteering for me is not about necessarily all the big moments, but all these little micro moments that happen throughout the season... seeing our jersey on a little kid who's so proud to wear it." — Jessica Pierce

She emphasized her commitment to affordability, noting: "I just wanted to make sure... that anyone could walk into our stadium on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy themselves".

Business of the Year: West Seattle Bowl

A community anchor since 1948, West Seattle Bowl was honored for its long-standing commitment to local fundraising and its family-driven culture. Partner Jeff Swanson spoke about the importance of remaining a local, independent business in an era of corporate consolidation.

"In a time when centers are closing their doors or being scooped up by national corporations, we continue to be independently owned and we're proud of this... Bowling to me is still one of the greatest sports and activities because it's face to face in person." — Jeff Swanson

Swanson also invited families to participate in their "Kids Bowl Free" program this summer, continuing the business's legacy of giving back.

The event concluded with remarks from Chamber Board Secretary Jordan Crawley, who noted that while Seattle is a fast-moving city, "West Seattle knows how to rally around our people and that matters".