Jennifer Stanovich, Executive Director of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce, was recently honored by the Holden Woman’s Club as its 2026 Person of the Year. The following remarks were read before the presentation, which was held at the HWC’s May 14 annual meeting at Val’s Restaurant.

Jen is a true daughter of Holden, having been born and raised here, and choosing to raise her own family here as well. She is a people person who has always enjoyed bringing people together and working toward a common goal.

She honed those skills as an event planner at Thom McAnn Shoes, a job she loved and excelled at. She learned the value of volunteerism while interning at The United Way as a student.

When she left the workforce to raise her family, she applied her energy and creativity to the Rice School PTA, St. Francis Church and the Holden Newcomers Club where she helped new residents assimilate and become active members of the community. 

More than 20 years ago she re-entered the workforce through the then Holden Chamber of Commerce. During her tenure, the Chamber has grown to include the surrounding towns of Boylston, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling and West Boylston and is now the Wachusett Area Chambe of Commerce and she is its Executive Director.

To provide Chamber members with opportunities for networking and support with their businesses, Jen has instituted the monthly Business After Hours, Chamber Chat, and Business Showcase. She began the Wachusett Women’s Connection to address the unique issues of women in the business world. The Golf Scholarship Scramble was initiated and has grown to now provide four $2,500 scholarships for college bound high school seniors. She started the annual Salute Breakfast to recognize people in our towns for their impactful volunteer work. She has helped the annual Holden Days event to become the vibrant gathering it is today, allowing local businesses and craftspeople to showcase their work and support our economy.

She continues her volunteer activities through her church and the Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center. The Chamber provides the public with information and guidance with the Business Directory and, of course, always an open door and a welcoming smile. If that’s not enough, Jen has also started a travel group which is available to all and offers another opportunity to gather for fun, education and camaraderie.

We in Holden are the happy recipients of her knowledge and efforts. She is proud of her town, and it shows. We are, in turn, proud of her and her accomplishments. Because of all you have done for our town, Jen, the Holden Woman’s Club is honored to award you our Person of the Year, 2026.