Chicopee Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Shining Stars Recipients

CHICOPEE — The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2025 Shining Stars, recognizing individuals whose exceptional contributions strengthen and inspire the community. This year’s honorees are AJ Crane, owner of A. Crane Construction, as Citizen of the Year; Ashley Batlle, owner of Beauty Batlles Lounge, as Volunteer of the Year; the Springfield Thunderbirds as Business of the Year; and Health New England as Nonprofit of the Year.

The Chicopee Chamber introduced Shining Stars in 1985 when Ernest Laflamme Jr. was recognized as the first Citizen of the Year. Since then, the Chamber has paid tribute to an extraordinary citizen, business (since 1989), volunteer (since 1993), and nonprofit (since 2014) at its annual Shining Stars event. Recipients are selected by a nominating committee chaired by Laflamme and including Carol Campbell of Chicopee Industrial Contractors, Ted Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools, City Treasurer Marie Laflamme, Michael Siddall of Siddall & Siddall, P.C., and Jeffrey Sattler of Liberty Bank.

The 40th annual Shining Stars Gala takes place Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Castle of Knights at 1599 Memorial Dr. The chamber invites its membership and the public to celebrate this year’s Shining Stars and their impact in the community. Tickets cost $75 per person and are on sale now. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorships, visit www.chicopeechamber.org or call (413) 594-2101.