Agenda

A+ Award Nominations

Through Aug. 29: 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. Nominations are welcome in six award categories: Legacy Award, Leader in Innovation Award, Leader in Sustainability Award, Young Professional Award, Community Service Award, and Chamber MVP. 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 [email protected] for more details and sponsorship information.

Women of Impact Nominations

Through Sept. 4: BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for the eighth annual Women of Impact awards. Nominations for the Women of Impact class of 2025 are due by Thursday, Sept. 4. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nominations. In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact program as a way to honor women in the region who are making an impact and creating positive change. There are many different ways to do this. While nominees can hail from the world of business, they can also emerge from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of these — in short, the program recognizes inspirational women on any level. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Discounted Big E Tickets

Through Sept. 10: Rocky’s Ace Hardware, one of the country’s largest family-owned Ace Hardware dealers with 50 locations in nine states, announced the return of its Big E ticket presale. Now through Sept. 10, customers can purchase one-day tickets to the Big E at discounted prices at select Rocky’s locations: $16 for adults and $10 for children. Beginning Sept. 11, tickets will still be available at participating stores, but at regular pricing. Participating locations include Agawam, East Longmeadow, Holden, Ludlow, Northborough, Palmer, South Hadley, Springfield, Westfield, and Worcester, as well as Stamford and Vernon, Conn.

Food Truck Friday

Aug. 8, 15, 22, 29: The town of West Springfield announced the launch of its inaugural Food Truck Friday series, inviting the entire community to the town common for food, local crafts, and family fun throughout August. This event series aims to bring residents together and support local businesses. Food Truck Friday will take place on the West Springfield town common on Park Street from 4 to 8 p.m. The series is sponsored by Titan Fence. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of food and craft vendors. Parking will be available at the West Springfield Council on Aging. Confirmed participating trucks include Aqui Me Quedo, Macken’s Sliders, and Holyoke Ice Cream on Aug. 8; West Side Creamy Cones, the Saucy Mama, and Holyoke Ice Cream on Aug. 15; Macho Taco, Macken’s Sliders, and Holyoke Ice Cream on Aug. 22; and Macken’s Sliders, Lattitude 850 Degrees Artisan Wood Fired Pizza Truck, and Holyoke Ice Cream on Aug. 29. In addition to the vendors, various town departments will be present, including representatives from the Police Department, Fire Department, Veteran Services, Whip City Fiber, and more, offering an opportunity for community outreach and engagement. A handful of local craft vendors will also be featured on each date.