Quaboag Hills Chamber Opens Online Voting for 2026 Choice Awards
PALMER — Online voting has opened for the 2026 Choice Awards on the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce website, qhma.com. Each year, the Quaboag Hills Chamber recognizes individuals and businesses that enrich the region. Members of the public are encouraged to cast their votes between now and March 15 for the finalists being celebrated this year.
“The annual Choice Awards continues to be one of the most beloved traditions we operate,” said James Przypek, CEO of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce. “Last year, we tallied more than 22,000 votes for the deserving people and businesses nominated.”
The 2026 Choice Award categories and finalists are:
• Community Hero of the Year finalists: Ann Davidson of Wales Community Food Pantry, Karen Jacobs Davis of Monson Together Community Cupboard, Brenda McCarthy of Bondsville Post Office, Amy Scribner of River East School to Career, and Chris Smith of Light Up Palmer.
• Educator of the Year finalists: Pam Ellis of Granite Valley School, Jacqueline Fernandez of North Brookfield Elementary School, Marcie Fusco of Wildwood Acres Farm & Forest School, Beky O’Brien of Old Mill Pond Elementary School, and Marion Reilly of Wales Elementary School.
• “We Keep You Running” HVAC Business of the Year finalists: C.W. Angell, Noonan Energy, Pioneer Valley Environmental, River-Air HVAC, and Squier & Co.
• “We Build It” Manufacturer of the Year finalists: Palmer Foundry, Palmer Paving, Quabbin Wire & Cable Co., Quirk Wire Co., and Sanderson MacLeod.
• “We Do Good” Non-Profit of the Year finalists: Behavioral Health Network, Hitchcock Free Academy, Palmer Historical & Cultural Center, Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp., and Workshop13.
• Chamber Champion of the Year finalists: Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C., Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, Pathfinder Tech, SERVPRO Team Fall, and Superior Plus Energy.
• Chamber Legacy Award finalists: Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency, Country Bank, Monson Savings Bank, Moulton Insurance Agency, and North Brookfield Savings Bank.
The winners will be announced and all finalists will be honored at the QHMA Choice Awards dinner on Wednesday, May 6 at the Steaming Tender restaurant in Palmer. Tickets to the event are on sale now at qhma.com.