2025 40th Annual Shining Stars Gala

Join us Friday, February 28, 2025 for our our 40th Annual Shining Stars Awards Gala presented by PeoplesBank at the Castle of Knights when we celebrate our 2025 Shining Stars and their impact on our community! This year’s honorees are AJ Crane as Citizen of the Year; Ashley Batlle as Volunteer of the Year; the Springfield Thunderbirds as Business of the Year; and Health New England as Nonprofit of the Year.

Citizen of the Year: AJ Crane
AJ Crane exemplifies what it means to be a leader in Chicopee. A lifelong resident, AJ returned home after college to join the family business, A. Crane Construction, where he now serves as its innovative leader. Under his direction, the company has evolved into a full-service, multi-state commercial construction firm and developer. Among his recent contributions is the construction of the Chicopee Boys & Girls Club’s new Teen Center, Haven, a vital addition to the community.
 
In addition to his professional accomplishments, AJ dedicates his time and expertise to multiple organizations. He serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for both the Westmass Area Development Corporation and the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, a Corporator for Monson Savings Bank, and is a board member of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Western Massachusetts. AJ’s commitment to both business and community embodies the very best of Chicopee.
 
Volunteer of the Year: Ashley Batlle
Since opening Beauty Batlles Lounge in 2018, Ashley Batlle has become an indispensable member of the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce. A member of the Board of Directors since 2021, Ashley has played a pivotal role in fostering community engagement, particularly through her leadership as Chair of the Thriller 5K committee. Under Ashley’s guidance, the Thriller 5K has grown into a hallmark event for Chicopee, with the 2024 turnout being the largest to date. Her tireless dedication and vision have helped build connections and enthusiasm within the community, making her a cornerstone of the Chamber’s success.
 
Business of the Year: Springfield Thunderbirds
Since reintroducing hockey to the region in 2016, the Thunderbirds have been a driving force in the region, creating a positive impact both on and off the ice—and their contributions to Chicopee have been particularly noteworthy. Chicopee is one of the top five communities supporting the Thunderbirds through ticket sales, and the team has reciprocated that enthusiasm by becoming an integral part of the city’s community fabric. Through their Thunderbirds Foundation, the organization donated over $128,000 to charitable causes last season, while players and mascot Boomer made more than 300 community visits, many of them in Chicopee.
 
Nonprofit of the Year: Health New England
As a nonprofit health plan since 2012, Health New England has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the community, reinvesting nearly $500,000 annually into programs and initiatives that benefit local residents. From partnerships with social service agencies and food pantries to supporting wellness programs, schools, and senior centers, Health New England is a vital partner in advancing health and quality of life in the region.

The Chicopee Chamber Shining Stars Awards began in 1985 when Ernest Laflamme Jr. was recognized as the first Citizen of the Year. Since then, the Chamber has paid tribute to an extraordinary Citizen, Business (since 1989), Volunteer (since 1993), and Nonprofit (since 2014) at its annual Shining Stars event. Recipients are selected by a Nominating Committee chaired by Ernest Laflamme, Jr. and comprised of Carol Campbell of Chicopee Industrial Contractors, Theodore Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools, City Treasurer Marie Laflamme, Michael Siddall of Siddall & Siddall, P.C., and Jeffrey Sattler of Liberty Bank. The Chicopee Chamber believes it is important to honor the people and the organizations who provide vital services to our community.