The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce recently announced the winners of its 2026 Bellevue Regional Awards Gala. The annual event, which the Chamber has hosted for more than 30 years, honors outstanding contributions across business, community, and civic life on the Eastside.
First held in 1990 under the name The Chamber’s Eastside Business Awards, the event has since been rebranded as the Bellevue Regional Awards Gala. The Bellevue Chamber, which serves as the voice of business on the Eastside with a focus on economic growth and community prosperity, selected this year’s winners across five categories. Nominees were submitted by the public and reviewed by the Chamber’s Board of Directors before a final vote determined the honorees.
People’s Choice Business: Bellden Cafe
Bellden Cafe was voted the People’s Choice Business for 2026. The community cafe, a fixture in Bellevue, faced a temporary closure earlier this year following equipment failures, but has since reopened.
Public Official of the Year: King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci
King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci was named Public Official of the Year. Before her role on the County Council, Balducci served as a Bellevue City Councilmember and Mayor, where she was involved in transportation and growth planning, including efforts to extend light rail to Bellevue.
Nonprofit of the Year: KidsQuest Children’s Museum
KidsQuest Children’s Museum received the Nonprofit of the Year award. The museum recently acquired the former Bellevue Arts Museum building and has announced plans for expanded programming at the new location.
Signature Experience of the Year: Snowflake Lane
Snowflake Lane was named the Signature Experience of the Year. The month-long holiday event, held annually in downtown Bellevue each winter, has become one of the most recognized traditions in the region.
Chamber Member of the Year: Kevin Wallace, Wallace Properties
Kevin Wallace of Wallace Properties was recognized as Chamber Member of the Year for his long-standing contributions to the Bellevue Chamber and the broader Bellevue business community.
