The Boston Road Business Association (membership: $75 annually) which links businesses both in Springfield and Wilbraham, with benefits, is inviting the public to nominate the best businesses along Boston Road, in a number of categories. Winners will be lauded at the association’s third annual awards dinner and silent auction on Thursday, November 9, 6:00 pm at the Wilbraham Country Club. (The event is a fundraiser for the association’s annual "Light Up Boston Road" effort, so tickets are $50 each, or $500 for a 10-person table.)

The award nominations cast a wide net, including auto dealerships and service stations; health, financial, legal or real estate businesses; laundromats, supermarkets and restaurants; salons and retail stores; and veterinarians.

Nominations are sought for the best new Boston Road business, as well as the Boston Road business of the year, that have both "shown outstanding customer and community service in 2006."