CHAMBER TO HONOR BUSINESSES WITH IMPACT AWARDS AT 2026 GALA;
JIMMY MAC’S, BELLA RED, AND WASTE MANAGEMENT TO BE RECOGNIZED
The Greater Federal Way Chamber will honor businesses with Impact Awards as part of its annual Gala on November 14, from 5-9 p.m., at the Woodbridge Corporate Park headquarters building. The 2026 theme celebrating business leadership is Gala Galaxy: Outta This World.
The 2026 Impact Award recipients: Jimmy Mac’s Roadhouse will receive the Business Impact Award, Bella Red Salon will receive the Community Impact Award, and Waste Management South Sound will receive the Regional Impact Award. EQUALUS, LLC will receive the 2026 President’s Award.
“Business leadership takes many forms and in the greater Federal Way area and we see the powerful impact businesses make in our region,” said Chamber CEO Rebecca Martin, CCE. “The annual Gala and Impact Awards celebrate the enduring vision of our Chamber network to create opportunities that sustain and grow our business base.”
The Business Impact Award recognizes leadership in providing unique opportunities for business growth through economic initiatives, participation in community and business projects, and a commitment to enhancing economic growth in the region.
Jimmy Mac’s Roadhouse is a locally owned Texas-Style Restaurant here in Federal Way. Jimmy Mac’s is a family friendly steak house that prides themselves on their handcrafted food, their quality steaks, and of course their ability to bring high-energy fun to their customers.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce for recognizing Jimmy Mac’s Roadhouse with the 2025 Impact Award,” said Paul Houghton, General Manager. “This honor means so much to our entire team, and we’re proud to be part of and serve the Federal Way community.”
The Community Impact Award recognizes leadership which serves as a model of inspiration in personal, professional and volunteer efforts; a track-record of community enhancement through projects or business concerns designed to make a difference; and service to the community- personal and/or professional.
Bella Red Salon paves the way by showing that it is possible to be an industry professional who really does enjoy going to work. With a team of 25 hairstylists, including new-talent professionals who are part of Bella Red Salon’s associate training program, this small local business also works to make an impact on their greater community by offering free back-to-school haircuts for kids and teens.
"Connection is a core value at Bella Red Salon,” said owner Kristin Speakman. “We serve because it connects us to our community in Federal Way, and when an individual feels seen and uplifted-- now that’s impact that matters."
The Regional Impact Award recognizes leadership in economic development initiatives of the South Puget Sound; leadership in the development of the region through best practices within an industry segment; and an inclusive approach to new and existing business opportunities within our regional corridor and the global marketplace.
Waste Management South Sound manages recyclables, food/yard waste, and garbage throughout the Pacific Northwest. With their recycling centers’ state-of-the-art equipment that meaningfully repurposes old materials, and their landfill facilities engineered to provide safe disposal for waste, they show that education and innovation can reduce waste and generate more recyclable material for new products.
“WM’s success in Federal Way and South King County reflect the power of collaboration,” said Han Kirkland, WM’s local account executive. “It shows how working together can advance sustainability and create meaningful benefits for businesses and entire communities. We are honored to serve our friends and neighbors, and grateful for a chamber that brings people together to make our community stronger.”
In addition to the Impact Awards, EQUALUS, LLC in Federal Way will be honored with the President’s Award. The President’s Award recognizes a member business who generously takes that extra step to help the Chamber achieve organizational effectiveness. The Award honors that special commitment of the member, often working behind the scenes, to volunteer time, services, equipment, and other support which helps to sustain the Chamber’s overall program of work.
“Joining the Chamber was one of the best business decisions I've ever made,” said Dan Eisenman, owner EQUALUS, LLC. “The friendships I've made also make it one of my best personal decisions.”
The Chamber Gala is open to the business community and will be held at the Woodbridge Corporate Park headquarters building, on November 14 from 6-9 p.m.; doors open at 5:30. Registration is open online at federalwaychamber.com and early bird discount registration runs through September 4, 2026. For sponsorship and program advertising, call the Chamber 253-838-2605.