Hamden Chamber Choice Award Honorees Announced

HAMDEN, CT — Several businesses and community members will be honored at the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 29th Annual Chamber Choice Awards next month.

The event recognizes “outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals whose leadership, dedication and contributions continue to make a lasting impact on the community,” according to organizers.

The celebration will take place on Thursday, Nov. 12, at Cascade Fine Catering at 480 Sherman Avenue in Hamden.

“For nearly three decades, the Chamber Choice Awards have celebrated the people and businesses who go above and beyond to strengthen the local economy, support their neighbors and contribute to the vitality of the region,” according to a news release.

“Since 1996, the Chamber Choice Awards have provided an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the remarkable people and businesses who make a difference in our community every day,” Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Dudchik said. “Each year, we are reminded of the incredible talent, generosity and commitment that surrounds us. We are proud to recognize this year's honorees and share their stories of leadership, service and success.”

This year's recipients represent a “diverse group of business owners, educators, community advocates and leaders whose dedication reflects the spirit of collaboration and community that the Chamber strives to foster,” according to the news release.

The 2026 Chamber Choice Award honorees are:

• Alltown Fresh – Business of the Year
• Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina – Small Business of the Year
• State Senator Martin Looney – Notable Citizen of the Year
• Alicia Dawson – Chamber Leadership Award
• David Schaefer – Community Advocate
• Bethany Zemba, Quinnipiac University – Community Leadership Award
• Linens of Love – Non Profit of the Year
• Whitney Center & Nimaz Fine Art – Community Collaboration Award
• Jameka Jefferies, Diamond Realty Partners – Minority-Owned Business of the Year
• Erin Bailey, Hamden Public Schools – Educator of the Year
• Mary Pursell, Abbate Insurance Associates – Women-Owned Business of the Year
• Joe DeRisi, Town of Hamden – Sustainability & Environmental Leadership Award

“The Chamber Choice Awards are a wonderful reflection of the people and organizations who help make our community such a special place to live, work and do business,” Dudchik said. “Whether through business success, volunteerism, education or community partnerships, each of our honorees has made a meaningful contribution, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.”

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 7 p.m.

“The event brings together business professionals, community leaders, family members and friends for an evening of recognition and celebration,” the news release states.

Tickets are $100 per person and include the reception and dinner. Reservations can be made online at www.hamdenregionalchamber.com.

For more information about the Chamber Choice Awards or other Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce events and programs, visit www.hamdenregionalchamber.com or contact the chamber office at 203-288-6431.