AMHERST — The late restaurateur Andy Yee, a pioneer in the region’s hospitality industry, is among those being recognized by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce with A+ awards this fall.
Yee’s memory will be honored with the Legacy Award when the annual awards ceremony, where business and community leaders are feted, are presented at the Student Union Ballroom at the University of Massachusetts on Nov. 10 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Chamber Executive Director Claudia Pazmany calls those getting awards “heroes of the time.”
“They have dreamed big, acted creatively, demonstrated unwavering commitment, and stirred economic impact throughout the region despite a global pandemic,” Pazmany said in a statement.
Yee, who died in May, ran the Bean Restaurant Group, which owns eateries that include Johnny’s Tavern and Iya Sushi and Noodle Kitchen in Amherst; Johnny’s Bar & Grille, Johnny’s Tap Room, Iya Sushi and Noodle Kitchen, The Boathouse and The Halfway House Lounge in South Hadley; Johnny’s Roadside Diner in Hadley; and Wurst Haus in Northampton.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will recognize Todd Barron of Applied Mortgage for significant contributions to the region, including his work for the United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region and the Amherst Boys & Girls Club.
Gabrielle Gould, executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District, is getting the Leader in Innovation Award for advocacy for relief legislation and building a resilient downtown that strives to be a regional destination.
The Leader in Sustainability Award recognizes Johanny Valerio of the Amherst Mobile Market for having affordable, organic fresh produce brought to Amherst’s food desert neighborhoods.
Others being honored include Center Dance leaders Ashley and Caddy Carlisle, who are receiving the Young Professional Award for having an inclusive dance studio offering a variety of dance and choreography classes; Sid and Isabel Ferreira, who are getting the Community Service Award for serving as residential directors at Amherst’s A Better Chance program; and Alex Sieracki of Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, who is being presented the Chamber MVP for his role as an ambassador for the business community.
