Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 A+ Awards Recipients

Amherst, MA – The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2026 A+ Awards Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, November 12th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the UMass Student Union Ballroom. 

The A+ Awards Dinner is an annual event created to celebrate the people, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, innovation, service, and commitment to education, business, and civic engagement strengthen the Amherst Area.

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, and provides an opportunity for regional networking and connection. Attendees will enjoy a delicious dinner catered by award-winning UMass Dining before the evening’s honorees are recognized with custom videos sharing the stories and impact behind each award.

“PeoplesBank is proud to support the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and the A+ Awards because they reflect what we value as a community bank — investing in the people, businesses and organizations that make our communities stronger,” said Matt Bannister, Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships of PeoplesBank. “Celebrating local leadership, innovation, and service is an important part of building a vibrant region, and we’re pleased to recognize this year’s outstanding honorees.”

The 2026 A+ Awards recipients include:

• Leader in Innovation Award: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, to be accepted by Executive Director Susan Nicastro, recognized for expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening community connections through creative programming.
• Leader in Sustainability Award: The Hartsbrook School, to be accepted by Head of School Diego Sharon, recognized for over 40 years of integrating academic learning with environmental stewardship.
• Community Service Award: Rotary Club of Amherst, to be accepted by Rotary Club President Robin Brown, recognized for 100 years of service in Amherst, including scholarships for local students and more than $1.3 million contributed to area nonprofits.
• Emerging Business Leader Award: Tim Drost, Owner of Window World of Western Massachusetts, recognized for growing a successful business, creating over 125 jobs, and expanding pathways into the skilled trades.
• Chamber MVP Award: Sherri Willey, Property Manager of RLS Properties, recognized for her relationship-centered leadership on the Chamber Board of Directors and multiple signature event committees including the Annual Golf Tournament and Margarita Madness.
• Legacy Award: Janice McCarthy Rogers, Owner of McCarthy’s Pub, recognized for building a beloved local institution known for its longstanding support of the community over the last 40 years.

“One of the Chamber’s greatest privileges is shining a light on the people and organizations that make our region stronger,” said Jacob Robinson, Executive Director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “The A+ Awards recognize excellence in many forms, from business leadership and innovation to community service and sustainability. Together, this year’s recipients tell a remarkable story about the talent, generosity, and spirit that define the Amherst Area.”

Tickets to the A+ Awards Dinner are available now and select sponsorship opportunities remain to recognize the 2026 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.