Amherst Business Excellence Awards: Nominate a Rising Star

Amherst Chamber of Commerce Opens Nominations for 2025 A+ Awards

AMHERST – The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its prestigious 2025 A+ Awards. These annual awards celebrate individuals and organizations that significantly enrich the lives of those in Amherst, belchertown, Hadley, leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, Sunderland, and the broader Pioneer Valley.

“The A+ Awards are a vital platform for recognizing the inspiring work of local leaders, businesses, and organizations,” said Jacob Robinson, Executive Director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “We aim to share their stories of innovation,creativity,and positive impact through professionally produced videos and our annual awards dinner,attended by hundreds of community and business leaders.If you know someone who has made a difference, we encourage you to nominate them and help us amplify their contributions.”

Award Categories

Nominations are being accepted in the following six categories:

• The Legacy Award: Honors individuals and businesses with remarkable, long-term contributions to the Amherst area.
• The Leader in Innovation Award: Recognizes visionary entrepreneurs driving progress in how we live, work, and learn.
• The Leader in Sustainability Award: Celebrates dedication to building a enduring future for the Amherst area.
• The Young Professional Award: Acknowledges the achievements of young professionals making a significant impact.
• The Community Service Award: Recognizes outstanding work and outreach that enriches the community.
• The Chamber MVP: Honors an individual who champions business and community development as a convener, connector, and catalyst.

How to Nominate

Submit nominations online through the Chamber’s nomination form at amherstarea.com/awards. The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 29th at 5:00 PM. Chamber membership is not required for nomination or to be nominated.

Individuals can submit multiple nominations. All nominators will be entered into a raffle to win a free ticket to the A+ Awards Dinner,presented by PeoplesBank,on Tuesday,November 18th at the UMass student Union Ballroom.

Sponsorship & More details

For information about sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about the event, visit www.amherstarea.com/awards or contact Jacob Robinson at [email protected].

How does the nominee demonstrate rapid growth within the last 1-3 years, and can you provide specific examples (e.g., revenue increase, market share expansion, team growth)?

Why Nominate? Recognizing Amherst’s Future Leaders

The Amherst Business Excellence Awards are a cornerstone of our local community, celebrating innovation, dedication, and success within the Amherst business landscape. but these awards aren’t just about recognizing established giants; they’re also about spotlighting rising stars – those individuals and young companies demonstrating extraordinary potential. Nominating someone is a powerful way to invest in their growth and acknowledge their contributions to Amherst’s economic vitality. This year,we’re particularly focused on recognizing emerging leaders and entrepreneurial spirit.

Who Qualifies as a “Rising star”?

Defining a “rising star” goes beyond simply being a new business.We’re looking for individuals and companies that exhibit:

Rapid Growth: Demonstrable progress and expansion within the last 1-3 years. This could be in revenue, market share, or team size.

Innovation: A unique approach to solving problems, disrupting the market, or offering a novel product or service. Think business innovation and creative solutions.

Community Impact: A commitment to giving back to the Amherst community through volunteer work, charitable donations, or sustainable business practices. Local business support is key.

Leadership Potential: Individuals who inspire others, demonstrate strong decision-making skills, and are poised for continued success. Leadership growth is a core value.

Resilience: The ability to overcome challenges and adapt to changing market conditions. Business resilience is more significant than ever.

The Nomination Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nominating a deserving individual or company is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Gather Information: Collect details about the nominee’s accomplishments, impact, and future potential. Focus on quantifiable results whenever possible.
2. Complete the Online Form: Visit Archyde.com/ABEAwards to access the nomination form.
3. Write a Compelling Nomination statement: This is your opportunity to truly advocate for the nominee. highlight their unique qualities and explain why they deserve recognition. aim for 300-500 words.
4. Supporting Documents (Optional): Include any relevant materials, such as business plans, financial statements (redacted as needed), letters of recommendation, or media coverage.
5. Submission Deadline: all nominations must be submitted by September 15, 2025. Don’t miss the deadline!

What Makes a Nomination Stand Out?

A strong nomination goes beyond simply listing achievements. Here are some tips for crafting a winning submission:

tell a Story: Don’t just state facts; weave them into a compelling narrative that showcases the nominee’s journey and impact.

Focus on Specific Examples: Instead of saying “they are innovative,” provide concrete examples of their innovative solutions.

Quantify Results: Use numbers to demonstrate the nominee’s success.For exmaple, “increased revenue by 20% in the last year” is more impactful than “experienced significant growth.”

Highlight Challenges Overcome: Demonstrate the nominee’s resilience by showcasing how they overcame obstacles.

Emphasize Community Involvement: show how the nominee is making a positive difference in Amherst.

Benefits of Winning an Amherst Business Excellence Award

Receiving an amherst Business Excellence Award offers numerous benefits:

Increased Visibility: Winners will be featured on Archyde.com, in local media outlets, and at the awards ceremony. this provides valuable brand awareness and marketing opportunities.

Enhanced Credibility: The award serves as a testament to the nominee’s excellence and can enhance their reputation within the business community.

Networking Opportunities: The awards ceremony provides a platform for networking with other business leaders and potential partners.

Employee Morale Boost: Recognition can substantially boost employee morale and foster a sense of pride.

Attracting Investment: For young companies, an award can attract potential investors and funding opportunities.

Past Winners: Inspiring Examples of Amherst Success

Several Amherst businesses have benefited from the recognition provided by the Business Excellence Awards.

GreenTech Solutions (2023 Rising Star): This eco-amiable cleaning service experienced a 30% increase in clients following their award win, attributed to increased media coverage and community recognition.

Amherst Artisan Bakery (2022 Emerging Leader): The bakery used the award as a springboard to expand their online presence and launch a accomplished wholesale program.

CodeCrafters Academy (2021 Innovation Award): Their coding bootcamp saw a surge in enrollment after receiving the award, solidifying their position as a leading tech education provider in Amherst.

Resources for Nominators & Nominees

Amherst Chamber of Commerce: https://www.amherstchamber.org/ – Provides resources and support for local businesses.

Small business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/ – Offers guidance and funding opportunities for