Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Seeks Nominations for Annual A+ Awards

AMHERST — Nominations for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 A+ Awards are now open. Each year, the chamber bestows A+ Awards to individuals and organizations that enrich the life of the community through their work in education, business, and civic engagement across the area the chamber serves (Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland) and the Pioneer Valley as a whole.

“The A+ Awards are a powerful platform for sharing the inspiring stories of leaders, businesses, and organizations who shape our community through innovation, creativity, and impactful solutions,” said Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “Through professionally produced videos and our annual awards dinner, attended by hundreds of community and business leaders, we celebrate and amplify these stories, highlighting their essential role in making our region thrive. If someone in your network has made a difference this year, now’s the time to nominate them and ensure their story is told.”

Nominations are welcome in six award categories:

• The Legacy Award recognizes remarkable individuals and businesses for their exceptional contributions to the Amherst area throughout their career, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

• The Leader in Innovation Award spotlights visionary entrepreneurs who revolutionize the way we live, work, and learn in the Amherst area through their creative solutions and forward-thinking mindset.

• The Leader in Sustainability Award honors businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to building a sustainable future for the Amherst area, preserving its vitality for generations to come.

• The Young Professional Award applauds the impressive achievements of young professionals who have made a significant impact and brought positive change to the Amherst area.

• The Community Service Award recognizes businesses, nonprofits, and individuals whose outstanding work and outreach have greatly enriched the lives of the Amherst area community.

• The Chamber MVP is an individual who truly embodies the mission of the Amherst Area Chamber as a champion for business and community development, serving as a convener, connector, and catalyst.

Nominations can be submitted online through the chamber’s nomination form at amherstarea.com/awards. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. Chamber membership is not necessary to nominate or be nominated for an A+ Award. There is no limit to the number of nominations a person can submit. Everyone who submits a nomination will be entered into a raffle to win one free ticket to the A+ Awards Dinner held on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the UMass Student Union Ballroom, presented by PeoplesBank.

Anyone interested in learning more about the event or joining as a sponsor can visit www.amherstarea.com/awards or email Robinson at director@amherstarea.com for more details and sponsorship information.