MILFORD, NH – June 9, 2026 – The Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed nearly 200 business and community leaders on Monday, June 8, for its Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration at The Event Center at Hampshire Hills in Milford. This year's theme, illuminate! Celebrating the Spark of Success, highlighted the remarkable businesses, organizations, professionals, and volunteers who make the Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley region thrive.
Guests arrived through the beautiful gardens at Hampshire Hills and gathered outdoors on the patios and decks overlooking the venue's picturesque waterfall. Under perfect June skies, attendees enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, networking, and the lively sounds of the Amherst Town Band, creating a memorable start to the evening.
The celebration then moved indoors where guests enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner followed by dessert while recognizing outstanding achievements throughout the region. The event also included the installation of the Chamber's Board of Directors, scholarship recognition, and the presentation of six prestigious annual awards.
The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to the many sponsors whose support helped make the 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
The Chamber also gratefully acknowledges the Amherst Town Band for providing music during cocktail hour and Lynne Duval Photography for capturing the evening's special moments.
One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing the recipients of the Chamber's 2026 Scholarships. The Chamber awarded two $1,500 scholarships to outstanding students from the region:
• Traditional Scholarship Recipient: Arwen Feng
• Trade Scholarship Recipient: Madison Labrecque
The evening culminated with the presentation of the Chamber's Annual Awards, honoring excellence in business, leadership, volunteerism, and community impact.
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 Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration is one of our favorite traditions because it allows us to shine a light on the incredible people, businesses, and organizations that strengthen our communities every day," said Liz Calabria, President & CEO of the Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce. "We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, volunteers, members, and guests who helped make this year's celebration such a wonderful success."
About the Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce serves businesses and organizations throughout Amherst, Brookline, Greenville, Hollis, Lyndeborough, Mason, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Ipswich, Temple, and Wilton. The Chamber's mission is to promote and support the economic vitality and quality of life within the region through advocacy, education, networking, and community engagement.
For more information, visit www.gmsvcc.org or call 603-673-4360.
