Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce Opens Voting for 2026 Choice Awards
Palmer, Massachusetts – Online voting is now underway for the 2026 Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce Choice Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and businesses within the region. The annual awards program, a long-standing tradition, celebrates those who contribute to the vitality of the Quaboag Hills area. Voting is open to the public until March 15th, allowing community members to voice their support for the nominated finalists across seven distinct categories. The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce has a history stretching back over two decades of recognizing local contributions, with a brief pause during the pandemic before resuming in 2025.
James Przypek, CEO of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of the awards, stating, “The annual Choice Awards continues to be one of the most beloved traditions we operate.” Last year’s event saw an impressive turnout, with over 22,000 votes cast by the public, demonstrating the community’s strong engagement with the program. BusinessWest reported on the opening of voting this week.
Recognizing Community Contributions Across Diverse Sectors
The 2026 Choice Awards encompass a broad range of categories, reflecting the diverse fabric of the Quaboag Hills region. Finalists represent contributions in community service, education, essential trades, manufacturing, non-profit function, and dedicated support of the Chamber itself. The Chamber Legacy Award specifically honors businesses with a sustained commitment to the area’s economic well-being. This year’s awards highlight the dedication of individuals and organizations working to improve the quality of life for residents and foster a thriving local economy.
2026 Choice Award Finalists
Here’s a detailed look at the finalists vying for recognition in each category:
- Community Hero of the Year: Ann Davidson (Wales Community Food Pantry), Karen Jacobs Davis (Monson Together Community Cupboard), Brenda McCarthy (Bondsville Post Office), Amy Scribner (River East School to Career), and Chris Smith (Light Up Palmer).
- Educator of the Year: Pam Ellis (Granite Valley School), Jacqueline Fernandez (North Brookfield Elementary School), Marcie Fusco (Wildwood Acres Farm & Forest School), Beky O’Brien (Old Mill Pond Elementary School), and Marion Reilly (Wales Elementary School).
- “We Retain You Running” HVAC Business of the Year: C.W. Angell, Noonan Energy, Pioneer Valley Environmental, River-Air HVAC, and Squier & Co.
- “We Build It” Manufacturer of the Year: Palmer Foundry, Palmer Paving, Quabbin Wire & Cable Co., Quirk Wire Co., and Sanderson MacLeod.
- “We Do Good” Non-Profit of the Year: Behavioral Health Network, Hitchcock Free Academy, Palmer Historical & Cultural Center, Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp., and Workshop13.
- Chamber Champion of the Year: Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C., Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, Pathfinder Tech, SERVPRO Team Fall, and Superior Plus Energy.
- Chamber Legacy Award: Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency, Country Bank, Monson Savings Bank, Moulton Insurance Agency, and North Brookfield Savings Bank.
A Tradition of Recognition in the Quaboag Hills
The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce Choice Awards have a rich history, dating back more than two decades. The awards program was temporarily suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but made a successful return in 2025, reaffirming its importance to the community. The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce details the history of the awards on their website.
Past recipients demonstrate the breadth of talent and dedication within the region. In 2025, Steven Duff was recognized as Educator of the Year, while Hardwick Farmers Co-op earned the title of Retail Establishment of the Year. Lorna Stone was honored as Chamber Volunteer of the Year, and Teresa’s Restaurant received the Chamber Business of the Year award. Steaming Tender Restaurant was celebrated as the Food/Drink Establishment of the Year, and Jillian Smith was named Community Hero of the Year. Looking further back, the 2019 awards saw Angels & Backpacks Program recognized as Business of the Year and Tim O’Brien as Citizen of the Year. Gretchen Mollins received the Teacher of the Year award in the same year, with Dorrinda O’Keefe-Shea honored as Volunteer of the Year.
The awards also acknowledge long-term contributions. In 2018, Fire Service Group was named Business of the Year, and Gail Moryl received the Citizen of the Year award. Colleen Mucha was recognized with the Heart of the Year award, and Heather Malin was honored as Teacher of the Year. Previous accolades include the 2016 Citizen of the Year award for Dan Flynn and the Teacher of the Year award for Christopher Carlson. The Carson Center was recognized as Business of the Year in 2015, with Patricia Donovan receiving the Citizen of the Year award. Life’s Memories & More earned the Business of the Year title in 2014, alongside Beth Beardslee-Romeo, Keith & Kim Goodreau as Citizens of the Year, and John P… as Teacher of the Year.
Event Details and How to Participate
The winners of the 2026 Choice Awards will be announced at a celebratory dinner on Wednesday, May 6th, at the Steaming Tender restaurant in Palmer. Tickets for the event are currently available for purchase on the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce website, qhma.com. This event provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of the finalists and celebrate the spirit of community within the Quaboag Hills region.
The Facebook page for the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce also announced the awards, further promoting community participation. The Chamber’s Facebook page is a valuable resource for updates and information about local events.
The Quaboag Hills region, encompassing towns like Palmer, Monson, and Wareham, benefits from the dedication of these nominees. The awards serve as a reminder of the importance of local businesses and individuals in fostering a strong and vibrant community. The Chamber’s commitment to recognizing these contributions underscores its role as a vital advocate for economic development and community well-being.
Key Takeaways:
- Online voting for the 2026 Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce Choice Awards is open until March 15th.
- The awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses across seven categories.
- The awards dinner will be held on May 6th at the Steaming Tender restaurant in Palmer.
- The program has a long history of celebrating community contributions, with a brief hiatus during the pandemic.
The next step is for the public to cast their votes before the March 15th deadline. We encourage readers to visit qhma.com to learn more about the finalists and participate in this important community tradition. Share this article with your networks and let’s celebrate the best of the Quaboag Hills!
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