Tri-Citian of the Year is community’s top honor. Who do you want to nominate?

The deadline to nominate individuals for the Mid-Columbia’s highest civic honor, Tri-Citian of the Year, is just a few weeks away.

The award is given annually to an individual whose volunteer service positively impacts the region, its economy and the well-being of its residents.

Nominations must be received by 5 p.m., March 15.

The Tri-Citian of the Year for 2026 will be announced at a banquet April 30 at the Three Rivers Convention Center.

By tradition, the honoree’s name is a closely held secret until it is announced the previous year’s winner, retired Benton County Prosecutor Andy Miller.

David LaMotte, songwriter, speaker, author and Rotary Peace Fellow, will give the keynote address at the 2026 banquet.

Tri-Citian of the Year is presented by local Kiwanis and Rotary clubs.

The program is in its 54th year. It was inaugurated by the Tri-City Herald in 1962 and continued for a decade before falling inactive in the 1970s.

The local service clubs revived the program in 1980.

Banquet tickets are $75 for individuals, with sponsorships available starting at $1,000 for a table of 10.

Go to tricitianoftheyear.com for sponsorship, nomination and banquet information.