Photo caption: Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, left, hands award to Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, who is joined on stage by Kristin Rode, executive director of the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition, and Aman Patel, Coalition president..

BOSTON — Mayor Joshua A. Garcia was named Mayor of the Year Friday night by the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition at the organization’s annual awards gala at the Liberty Hotel. The award was presented to Mayor Garcia by Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

Garcia was recognized for his leadership in advancing clean energy initiatives in Holyoke and for positioning the city to be a hub for sustainable innovation.

Holyoke Gas & Electric also won top honors at the gala, receiving the Utility of the Year award for its role in attracting clean tech industries to the city. Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition Executive Director Kristin Rode cited HG&E’s success at providing reliable, low-cost electricity sourced from the Connecticut River to serve energy-intensive industries seeking clean, green, inexpensive power.

Garcia characterized the awards as “testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Holyoke’s development strategy.” He cited the growing interest of start-ups and entrepreneurs impressed by the city’s vision of a clean energy economy.

“Holyoke was once known as ‘The Paper City.’ But now we’re ‘The Innovation City’ — powered by affordable energy that draws cutting edge industries and will continue to draw for generations to come.”

The Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition’s Mayor of the Year award celebrates municipal leaders who exemplify excellence in promoting renewable energy adoption, community engagement, and economic development through sustainable practices. Garcia was selected from a field of finalists, marking the first time a Massachusetts mayor has received the distinction.

Friday’s event capped Massachusetts Clean Energy Week, during which the state’s leadership in renewables is showcased. Northeast Coalition teams visited Holyoke and HG&E twice in the lead-up to the awards event.

Information: Stephen Fay, 413-561-1600