Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber Celebrates Business Excellence at Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration
The Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce gathered nearly 200 members, business leaders, and community partners on Monday, June 8, at The Event Center at Hampshire Hills for its Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration. This year's theme, illuminate! Celebrating the Spark of Success, honored the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose dedication and achievements help our region thrive.
The evening began outdoors as guests entered through the beautiful Hampshire Hills gardens and gathered on the decks and patios overlooking the venue's stunning waterfall. Under perfect June skies, attendees enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, networking, and the wonderful sounds of the Amherst Town Band, creating the perfect atmosphere to reconnect with colleagues and friends from across the region.
Guests then moved inside for a delicious buffet dinner and dessert as the Chamber recognized the accomplishments of its members and celebrated another successful year of supporting business and community growth throughout the Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Chamber's 2026 Scholarship recipients. Through the generosity of our Scholarship Sponsors and the support of our annual scholarship fundraising efforts, the Chamber awarded two $1,500 scholarships to outstanding local students:
• Traditional Scholarship Recipient: Arwen Feng
• Trade Scholarship Recipient: Madison Labrecque
The Chamber also recognized its Board of Directors and celebrated the transition of leadership as outgoing Board Chair Gary Zimmerman passed the gavel to incoming Board Chair Aprille Barker.
The evening culminated with the presentation of the Chamber's Annual Awards, recognizing excellence in business, leadership, volunteerism, and community impact throughout our region.
2026 Award Recipients
Business of the Year
Lobster Boat Restaurant
Business Leader of the Year
Mike Apfelberg, United Way of Greater Nashua
Non-Profit of the Year
Bridges: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Support Services
Small Business of the Year
Lajoie Home Team
Volunteer of the Year
Todd H. Leo
Young Professional of the Year
Jeff Marquis, Bangor Savings Bank
The Chamber extends its heartfelt thanks to the many sponsors whose generosity helped make this memorable evening possible:
Presenting Sponsor: Millyard Bank
Table Gift Sponsor: Primary Bank
Centerpiece Sponsor: Triangle Credit Union
Bar Sponsor: Todd H. Leo & Associates, Ameriprise Financial
Hors d'Oeuvres Sponsor: Bangor Savings Bank
Dessert Sponsor: Ledgewood Bay at Milford
Live Entertainment Sponsor: YMCA of Greater Nashua
Welcome Sponsor: Woodman's Florist
Photography Sponsor: Lynne Duval Photography
We also extend special thanks to the Amherst Town Band for providing the soundtrack to a beautiful evening and to Lynne Duval Photography for capturing the memories of the celebration.
The Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration remains one of the Chamber's most anticipated events, bringing together the people and organizations who make our communities vibrant places to live, work, and do business. Congratulations once again to all of our nominees, award recipients, scholarship winners, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the evening such a tremendous success.
View event photos below and join us in celebrating the spark of success throughout our region!
