A business leader, a community philanthropist, and an advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities are the winners of the 2012 Iris Awards, honoring women of achievement in Southwest Washington. The awards will be presented to Lisa Nisenfeld, president of the Columbia River Economic Development Council; Sally Schaefer, a community leader and volunteer for more than 50 years; and Mary Strehlow, developmental disabilities manager for the Clark County Department of Community Services.

Nisenfeld, Schaefer and Strehlow will be honored on Thusrday, March 8, in Clark College’s Gaiser Student Center. Following a 5 p.m. reception, the awards ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with KGW news anchor Brenda Braxton as emcee. The Iris Awards are presented by Clark College, the Clark College Foundation, and the Vancouver Business Journal with support from Riverview Bank.

Tickets are on sale at www.vbjusa.com. The cost is $25 per person, and includes an appetizer buffet and a choice of beverages. Tables of eight are available, if all seats are purchased at one time. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations may be made online on the Vancouver Business Journal website. For more details, call Debbie Trimble at 360-448-6006. For special accommodations, contact Disability Support Services at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (video phone).