Widely regarded as the highest honor the Tri-Cities community can bestow on one of its citizens, the prestigious Tri-Citian of the Year award is presented at the annual banquet.  Presentation of the award is based upon "Service Above Self".

The Tri-Citian of the Year recipients have demonstrated outstanding leadership and contribution to positive development, economic growth and quality of life in the Tri-Cities.

Depending on the hosting service club recipients are designated as Paul Harris Fellows (Rotary), Kiwanis, or Soroptimist, and $1,000 is contributed in the recipients' honor to help further the cause.

2011 Skip Novakovich, Picture 2010 John Umbarger, Picture 2009 Ken Hohenberg, Picture 2008 Mike Schwenk, Picture, Interview 2007 George Garlick, Picture 2006 Frank Armijo 2005 Calvin Dudney 2004 Drs. Lewis and Sara Zirkle 2003 Sandy Matheson 2002 Red Rutheford 2001 Fran Forgette 2000 John Nolan 1999 Ray Robinson 1998 Dean Strawn 1997 George Jones 1996 Jack Briggs 1995 John Goldsbury 1994 George Grant 1993 Dr. Al Corrado 1992 Neil, Billie Jane, and Bill Lampson 1991 Bud Dazy

1990 Kelso Gillenwater 1989 Dr. William Wiley 1988 Lane Bray 1987 Coke Roth 1986 Ernie Boston 1985 Bob Young 1984 Greg Adams 1983 Gene Spaulding 1982 Dean Mitchell 1981 Marry Gallant & Ed Hendler 1980 Glenn Lee 1971-79 Inactive 1970 Dr. Larry Olsen 1969 Harry Kramer 1968 John Neuman 1967 Clif LaHue & Jerry Horrobin 1966 W.E. Johnson 1965 Hanford Executives 1964 Batelle Executives 1963 Sam Volpentest 1962 Owen Hurd

From documentation held by Carol Kruegar, Tri-City Herald article copies, and other sources