Chehalis Champion of the Month

The Chehalis Champion of the Month program recognizes individuals who make a positive difference in our community through acts of kindness, volunteerism, leadership, service, or community spirit.

Each month, Experience Chehalis highlights a local champion whose contributions including their affiliation with Experience Chehalis, help make Chehalis a welcoming, vibrant place to live, work, and visit. This program celebrates the people who embody The Spirit of Community while encouraging residents to recognize those making an impact every day.

Outstanding Community Member

Exceptional Volunteerism

Community Involvement

Get to Know September's Champion!

David James

Experience Chehalis is excited to recognize David James as our September Chehalis Champion of the Month, and the very first recipient of this new community recognition!

A longtime supporter of our community, David can often be found quietly giving his time wherever it is needed. He creates stage backdrops for Southwest Washington Dance Center, picks up litter along local roads, volunteers at Experience Chehalis activities and events, and continually looks for ways to make Chehalis a better place.

David joined the Experience Chehalis Board of Directors in 2020 and currently serves as chair of our Promotion Committee. He is also a past board secretary. Throughout his years of service, David has provided thoughtful and meaningful guidance, bringing a genuine commitment to our organization, local businesses, and the Chehalis community.

What makes David especially deserving of this recognition is his willingness to step up and help without seeking recognition in return. Whether he is volunteering behind the scenes, contributing his creativity, or simply taking the initiative to care for our community, his love for Chehalis is evident in all he does.

We are thrilled to honor David as our first Chehalis Champion of the Month and thank him for his outstanding commitment to making Chehalis a community we are proud to call home!

How it works!

Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year online.

Anyone may submit a nomination, including community members, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups.

To be considered for the upcoming month, nominations must be submitted by the 10th of the current month.

A strong Chehalis Champion candidate would likely be someone who:

Gives their time to make Chehalis better — through events, cleanups, downtown projects, committees, or other community activities.
Consistently goes above and beyond, rather than simply participating once.
Strengthens community connections. Experience Chehalis’s mission is to “cultivate relationships and celebrate community to deliver a more vibrant Chehalis.”
Helps create a more vibrant, attractive, and inclusive community, which is the organization’s stated vision.
Supports local businesses and the Chehalis community. Their volunteer work spans promotion, beautification, economic vitality, outreach, events, and community projects.
Demonstrates initiative and reliability — someone who sees something that needs doing and helps make it happen.
Represents the spirit of Chehalis, including kindness, civic pride, generosity, collaboration, and willingness to help others.
Makes a tangible impact, whether that’s through a large project or lots of small acts that improve people’s experience of Chehalis.