Each year, AAOA will recognize an individual or company who is making a difference in Washington State. The AAOA Spirit of Business Award was initiated in honor of Pat Chestnut's father, to pay tribute to those who are fostering the success of small business at the local level, which is the driving force of job creation and the development of economically viable communities. AAOA values and recognizes those areas of focus in addition to education, health, community development, and business advocacy. AAOA will present the Spirit of Business Award annually to a business or individual in Washington State, announcing the recipient alongside one of its partnering Chambers or Associations.