2025 A+ Awards Dinner Announcement
October 24, 2025
Amherst, MA – The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce 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, November 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM 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 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 of 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.
- 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. Join us in supporting and celebrating the leaders who shape our community! For tickets and more information, please visit www.amherstarea.com/awards or contact info@amherstarea.com.