As we move into summer, I’m reflecting on the amazing events we’ve had and want to thank everyone who helped make this season so impactful. This year has been filled with exciting opportunities for connection, celebration, and growth, including events like our Fire & Ice Reception and our newly named Chamber Spotlight and Annual Meeting, among many others.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us for the Fire & Ice Reception! What an incredible night it was—filled with member-crafted cocktails (including creative zero-proof options) and a delicious selection of unique appetizers. We had the privilege of showcasing the outstanding work of our nonprofit members—thank you to everyone who had a table for sharing your vital contributions with the community. Guests had the chance to capture the night in Fotograf Lab’s 360 photo booth and enjoyed some friendly competition at Rivera’s Inflatable Games. A huge shoutout to our cocktail creators, the Mariott Springfield Downtown, our sponsors, and non-profit partners for making this event possible. Your contributions truly made this evening one for the books.

We also had the pleasure of wrapping up our event season with our Chamber Spotlight and Annual Meeting. What an inspiring evening it was! We honored Rich Tettemer as the 2025 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year, celebrating his decades of dedication to our community. Held at MGM Springfield, the evening featured a delicious Italian spread, including favorites like chicken parmigiana and a live pasta station. We also took time to elect our Board of Directors and recognized several incredible individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Chamber and our region, including awardees for Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Board Member, Outstanding Ambassador, and more. The evening was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our achievements and look toward the future, and it was a true celebration of the people who help make our community such a special place.

As we look to the future, we’re excited to share some upcoming opportunities where you can help us continue our tradition of excellence. Submissions for MassLive's Reader Raves 2026 are officially open, and we’d love for you to show your support by voting for the Springfield Regional Chamber as Best Chamber of Commerce. We’ve been honored with this title for the past twelve years, and we’re aiming for lucky 13! Submissions close on July 27, so be sure to vote before it’s too late!

We’re also gearing up for the Super 60 2025 nominations, which will be opening soon! Super 60 is a celebration of the region’s most successful businesses and nonprofits. Whether you know a company that’s been growing rapidly, a nonprofit that’s making a major impact, or a business that’s giving back to the community, we want to hear about them. This year, we’ll be honoring companies in categories regarding Revenue, Growth, Start-Up, Give Back, and Non-Profit. Keep an eye out for more details and get ready to recognize the game-changers who are driving positive change in our region. Mark your calendars for November 7 as we celebrate these incredible leaders at the MassMutual Center.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy to our recent events—it's your passion and involvement that keep the Springfield Regional Chamber buzzing with life! As we head into warmer days, take some time to recharge and enjoy the beautiful weather ahead. The Chamber will keep the momentum going, but don’t forget to step outside, soak up the sunshine, and refresh before we dive into the next wave of events and connections!