FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Samantha Ruark
Communications Manager
sruark@arlingtonchamber.org
(703) 525-2400 ext. 205
Event photos available here.
Arlington Chamber Presents the 36th Annual Best Business Awards
Six area businesses named Best Business Award winners
ARLINGTON, Va. - Last night, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 36th Annual Arlington Best Business Awards at the Army Navy Country Club, sponsored by VIDA Fitness. The Best Business Awards are presented to area businesses that consistently deliver exceptional quality of service to their customers, are industry leaders or offer a unique approach to delivery of goods or services, achieve significant growth or stability over the lifetime of their business, display an interest and concern for the success of the Arlington community, and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

The 2022 Best Business Award winners are:
ROCKLANDS Barbeque & Grilling Company - 2022 Sustainable Business of the Year
OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church - 2022 Nonprofit Business of the Year
NEOSTEK, Inc. - 2022 Technology Small Business of the Year
Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant - 2022 Retail Small Business of the Year
Painter Roofing and Construction LLC - 2022 Service Small Business of the Year
Gilbane Building Company- 2022 Large Business of the Year
2022 Arlington Best Business Award Winners & Hall of Fame Inductee (L-R: Brian Mochizuki, Alejandra Santaolalla, Sonia Johnston, Bob Ackers, John Snedden)
This prestigious awards dinner recognizes businesses in the Arlington community that go above and beyond to serve clients and make Arlington a great place to work and live.
 
"Thank you to the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the Community for your continued support of OAR's critical mission, especially through the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Alejandra Santaolalla of OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church. "We could not do the work we do without the help and support from the community, dedicated volunteers, and our incredible partner organizations. Your support is helping OAR participants and their families thrive in this community."
 
The Chamber received 34 submissions this year, ensuring a highly competitive selection process.

“We want to thank the Chamber for their long years of support of the Arlington business community,” said Brian Mochizuki, Chef at Sushi-Zen. “This award is so meaningful, especially after the last two years.”
Following the presentation of the awards, the Chamber inducted Sonia Johnston into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame. Sonia has been an active and involved member of the Arlington community for decades, both through her 40 year long career in banking, and her participation on numerous community organization boards, including the Arlington Kiwanis Foundation, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Arlington Community Foundation, the Leadership Center for Excellence, Pathforward, the Warren G. Stambaugh Foundation, Arlington Professional Business Women, and the Asian-American Business Council. 

"I cannot believe that someone like me - a refugee from Vietnam, who came here with absolutely nothing - could accomplish all the things that I have," said Sonia Johnston, Arlington Business Hall of Fame Inductee. "I am the American dream. I have been extremely lucky and fortunate to have all of these wonderful opportunities given to me."

The Arlington Business Hall of Fame honors men and women with a connection to Arlington County who have demonstrated a long record of successful management, expertise and business skills, along with notable achievements and exceptional civic and community involvement. 
Sonia Johnston receiving her Arlington Business Hall of Fame award from Kate Bates (left) and Greg Hamilton (right)
"It was wonderful to be able to celebrate this year's winners and recognize Sonia Johnston for everything she has done for our community," said Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates. "We are proud to present this year's winners with these well-deserved awards and to thank Sonia for her many years of service to Arlington." 

A list of past Best Business Award winners and inductees into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame can be found here.

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ABOUT THE CHAMBER
Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of approximately 700 businesses committed to strengthening businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. The Chamber supports our members through networking, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. For more information or to become a member, visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.
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