Daily News

Amherst Area Chamber Calls for A+ Awards Nominations

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced its call for nominations of individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the Amherst area that have made a positive difference. The annual A+ Awards will be presented at the A+ Awards Dinner, presented by PeoplesBank, on Oct. 6 at the UMass Amherst Student Union Ballroom.

The A+ Awards, formerly the Millicent H. Kauffman Distinguished Service Awards and the Janet & Winthrop Dakin Community Service Citations, were renamed in 2010 to extend the chamber’s branding. These awards are designed and named to reflect the chamber’s mission; “to create, maintain, and promote a vital, thriving business climate throughout the Amherst area, and to initiate and support the civic, education, recreational and economic well-being of the Amherst area.”

A+ Awards are given in the following categories: Legacy, Most Valuable Player, Community Service, Lifetime Achievement in Business, and Young Professionals. The Legacy Award is given to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to the Amherst area and has changed the lives of its citizens for future generations. The Most Valuable Player Award is given to an individual that has gone above and beyond the call of service in aiding, assisting, and promoting the chamber.

The Community Service Award seeks to recognize an individual, nonprofit, or business that has made a positive change in the lives of the citizens of the Amherst area through community work and outreach. The Lifetime Achievement in Business Award seeks to honor and recognize a chamber member business that has made an exceptional difference in the Amherst community. Finally, the Young Professionals Award, which was created last year, was created to recognize youthful businesses or individuals that are making a positive investment in the community.

“The A+ Awards are the most prestigious honor the chamber can bestow upon its recipients,” said Executive Director Don Courtemanche. “As you look through the list of past winners, you get an overwhelming sense of just how special this community is. This year’s crop of nominations will be no exception.”

Nominations may be made by e-mailing Courtemanche at [email protected]. Nominations must include the nominee’s name, short bio, and relevant facts that the awards committee should know. Nominations are due to the chamber office by April 15.