The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) announced today the 2023 honorees for the Eva Trager Memorial. First introduced in 2012, the memorial recognizes individuals, posthumously, who made a significant impact on the vitality of downtown Northampton during their lifetimes. In memory of their distinguished commitment and dedication to downtown Northampton, the GNCC is pleased to honor the life and legacy of this year’s honorees: Marcia Burick, Assistant to the Mayor (Dave Musante), 1980-1986; Henry DeTurck, Cahill & Hodges; James LaSalle, LaSalle Florists; and Don Miller, Northampton Rental Center.
Hailed as the “Queen of Main Street,” Eva Trager distinguished herself as a successful businesswoman and cherished champion for downtown Northampton for nearly forty years. Named in her honor, the memorial celebrates the lifetime and exemplary achievements of those who demonstrated a personal commitment and relentless dedication to the vibrancy and vitality of downtown Northampton and the community.
“The Eva Trager Memorial represents the visionaries, ambassadors, and movers and shakers who lived a life of passion and service in a way that leaves us all inspired, not just by their success, but also by their significance in serving as a model of excellence for great stewardship of our City,” said Vince Jackson, executive director of the GNCC. “They set a standard for innovation and creativity, and downtown Northampton continues to thrive because of the inroads and investments that these honorees made in our community.”
The Eva Trager Memorial Ceremony will take place on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in front of the Owl memorial statue at 157 Main Street in downtown Northampton. The public is invited to this special ceremony in memory of this year’s outstanding group of honorees.
Volunteers serving on the 2023 Eva Trager Memorial Committee include: Jack Brown, Joe Blumenthal, Judith Fine, Mark Goggins, Vince Jackson, and Maya MacLachlan. Additional information about the memorial is available at evatragermemorial.com.