CHICOPEE — The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2026 Shining Stars, recognizing individuals whose exceptional contributions strengthen and inspire their community. This year’s honorees are Al Picard as the Ernest Laflamme Jr. Citizen of the Year, HB Real Estate as Business of the Year, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry as Nonprofit of the Year, and Heather Leclerc at Volunteer of the Year.

For decades, Picard has embodied what it means to serve one’s community with heart, consistency, and unwavering commitment. Professionally, he devoted 40 years as an educator with Chicopee Public Schools. As a volunteer leader, he has volunteered for more than 20 years at Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry, including service as board president, and eight years with the Friends of the RiverMills Center, where he also served as president. Additionally, he has served on the Chicopee Veterans’ Services office board, the charter review board, and the board of directors for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Founded in 2021, HB Real Estate has quickly become one of Chicopee’s standout real estate brokerages. Since opening with 12 agents, the firm has expanded to 31 agents across offices in Chicopee and Wilbraham. Known for its highly personalized, relationship-driven approach, HB Real Estate is also deeply community-minded, supporting local nonprofits including Kane’s Krusade, the Chicopee Queer Consortium, Alianza DV Services, Rick’s Place, and Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry. The firm frequently hosts and participates in local events, such as its upcoming Holiday Author Stroll benefiting the Bellamy House Assoc.

Serving Chicopee since 1980, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry has been a lifeline for residents facing food insecurity. What began as a small volunteer-led effort offering peanut butter and jelly sandwiches has grown into a vital community institution providing hot meals, groceries, and essential services to thousands of families each year. The organization offers year-round meal service, a robust food pantry, holiday programs, monthly health clinics, and social service referrals. In 2021, it expanded its reach by launching a mobile pantry with weekly neighborhood stops. Under Executive Director Kim Caisse, a long-time volunteer and community advocate, Lorraine’s has strengthened its presence and partnerships across Chicopee.

For years, Leclerc has been one of the chamber’s most reliable, energetic, and enthusiastic volunteers. A longtime member of the Shining Stars events committee, she has played a key role in shaping and elevating one of the chamber’s most celebrated annual traditions. In 2023, when the chamber revived its member relations committee, LeClerc stepped up as chair, bringing new energy, structure, and community-minded leadership to the group. Under her guidance, the committee has become a vital connection point for member engagement, support, and outreach.

The 41st annual Shining Stars Gala takes place Friday, Feb. 27 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive. Tickets cost $75 per person and are on sale now. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorships, visit www.chicopeechamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 594-2101.

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.

CHICOPEE —  The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce invites local business leaders and community members to the final Coffee & Conversation networking event of the year at Westover Metropolitan Airport, 255 Padgette St., Chicopee. The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 15 from 9 to 10 a.m.

This session, sponsored by Valley Opportunity Council, marks the conclusion of the Coffee & Conversation series introduced in 2024 as a dynamic alternative to traditional after-hours networking. This initiative has successfully brought together a diverse range of businesses and organizations, enhancing engagement and fostering new connections within the Chicopee Chamber community.

The event at Westover Metropolitan Airport is particularly meaningful as it coincides with National Veterans Small Business Week. The host, Andy Widor, president of the Westover Metropolitan Development Corp. (WMDC), is a veteran of the U. S. Air Force. He expressed his eagerness to showcase the extensive economic activities supported by the airport and WMDC, especially as WMDC celebrates a half-century of success. This is an opportunity for attendees to learn about the various projects and initiatives driving growth in the area.

The event is free for chamber members and open to non-members for a fee of $15. Complimentary attendance is extended to veteran-owned businesses. Click here to register.

CHICOPEE — The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce presented a $4,172 donation to Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry at its Holiday Business After Hours event on Dec. 6.

The donation is a result of the chamber’s 2022 Thriller 5K held at the end of October. On race day, 236 pounds of food donations were also collected for Lorraine’s.