The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 44th annual A+ Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
This year’s theme is ‘Harvesting Excellence.’
Honoring Leaders
Held at the UMass Student Union Ballroom, this celebration will honor local leaders in business, education, and civic engagement who have significantly impacted the area.
Representing the towns of Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland, the Amherst Area Chamber is a vital advocate for local businesses and community initiatives. Over the years, the Chamber has been instrumental in connecting businesses across these seven towns.
Since its inception over four decades ago, the A+ Awards have celebrated a wide range of individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to enhance life in the Amherst area.
2024 Honorees
This year’s recipients continue this legacy of impact. The 2024 honorees are:
- Legacy/Lifetime Achievement Award: Colleen Kelley, retired Education Director at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, recognized for her 40 years of transformative contributions to environmental education.
- Leader in Innovation: Feel Good Shop Local, launched in 2020 by Michelle Wirth and acknowledged for exceptional initiatives supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable shopping practices.
- Young Professional Award: Kayla Sheridan, Marketing Director at TommyCar Auto Group, noted for dynamic marketing strategies and leadership within the automotive industry.
- Community Service Award: Seiha Krouch, paraeducator and community leader in Amherst, honored for dedication to the Cambodian community and cultural preservation.
- Chamber MVP Award: Georgia Moore, Director of Leadership Gifts at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, recognized for extensive community service and enhancing business and nonprofit collaboration.
- Harvesting Excellence Award: Claudia Pazmany, former Executive Director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrated for leadership in revitalizing and strengthening the Chamber during critical times.
The awards ceremony is being sponsored by People’s Bank.
Previous Winners
Over the years, the A+ Awards have spotlighted outstanding individuals and organizations whose work has left an enduring impact on the Amherst area. Notable past honorees include:
- Pioneer Valley Hotel Group/Parmar Family (2019): Received the Lifetime Achievement Award for exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry and community engagement.
- Amherst Innovative Living (2019): Honored with the Leader in Innovation Award for sustainable, place-based development projects positively impacting the local economy.
- Kestrel Land Trust (2020): Awarded the Leader in Sustainability Award for dedication to preserving natural spaces and promoting environmental stewardship.
- Mercedes-Benz of Springfield (2020): Received the Community Service Award for outreach efforts through the Driven by Community platform, benefiting the Amherst-area community.
- Former Congressman John Olver (2018): Honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for longstanding commitment to public service and advocacy for Western Massachusetts.
- Amherst Cinema (2018): Received the Economic Vitality Award for enriching the cultural landscape of the Amherst area.
- Jim Brassord (2017): Recognized with the Community Service Award for impactful work in higher education and sustainability initiatives.
- Barry Roberts (2016): Honored with the Legacy Award for leadership and contributions to local real estate development and community growth.
Find out more
To learn more about the A+ Awards and purchase tickets for the upcoming ceremony, please visit the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce’s official website.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the UMass Student Union Ballroom. Tickets are priced at $90 per person or $700 for a table of eight.
CONTRIBUTOR
Inc413 News Team
The Inc413 news team compiles business stories from across Western Massachusetts and beyond. Our primary focus is on stories that have an impact on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the people they employ.
