AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced the return of the A+ Awards Dinner, created to honor leaders in the Amherst area who have made a positive impact through their dedication in education, business, and civic engagement. The 2025 A+ Awards Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the UMass Student Union Ballroom.

Presented by PeoplesBank, the A+ Awards Dinner recognizes contributions to the community across Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland, as well as the broader Pioneer Valley. Attendees have the opportunity to network with business leaders in the community and enjoy a meal catered by award-winning UMass Dining. Following dinner, the A+ Award honorees are celebrated with custom videos that share their story.

“PeoplesBank is honored to support the chamber’s efforts to highlight the remarkable individuals whose visionary leadership and passionate commitment have made a profound impact on our community,” said Matt Bannister, senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships at PeoplesBank. “We stand with the chamber in celebrating these local heroes who inspire us all.”

The 2025 A+ Awards recipients include:

• Young Professional Award: Alyssa Petrides, owner of Nature & Nurture Preschool, recognized for her entrepreneurship in founding and operating an inclusive preschool;

• Community Service Award: Sarah Maroney, chair of the Belchertown Creative Economy Committee, recognized for her dedication to creating community engagement events and cultural projects in Belchertown;

• Leader in Sustainability Award: Weston Dripps, director of Sustainability at Amherst College, recognized for his leadership and development of campus and community sustainability programs;

• Chamber MVP Award: Robert Allingham, Marketing & Communications manager at the Amherst Business Improvement District, recognized for his creativity and commitment to the Amherst Area Chamber as an ambassador;

• Legacy Award: Clare Higgins, retired executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley, recognized for her impact in the region throughout her 14 years of leadership; and

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Tullio Inglese, founder and principal architect of TIA Architects, recognized for his sustainable architectural projects and 50 years of mentorship to young architects.

“The A+ Awards Dinner is a signature event that highlights members of our community who deserve to be recognized for their efforts in making the Amherst area a vibrant, connected place to live and work,” said Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of our awardees and their meaningful impact on the area.”

Tickets to the A+ Awards Dinner are available now, and select sponsorship opportunities remain to recognize the 2025 A+ awardees. For tickets and more information, visit www.amherstarea.com/awards or email [email protected].

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 [email protected] for more details and sponsorship information.