Local business leaders gathered together this past Friday at the Hilton Springfield for THE BEST Business Awards Gala presented by the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce recognizing outstanding businesses that make community involvement a priority.

Inova Health Systems was recognized as the large business of the year with Roberta Tinch, President of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and Vice President and Administrator of Inova Musculoskeletal Services, receiving the award.

 “Community engagement impacts all that Inova does,” said Tinch. “I am able to set a tone for other leaders at Inova to remind them to get involved in the community. When we engage with the community [people] realize that we care about their health and about how we show up for them.”

Phyllis Sintay, a Realtor with McEnearney Associates received the Chamber Citizen of the Year award. Sintay is a tireless supporter of the Chamber and other community organizations. She has supported others starting their own businesses.

“I love entrepreneurship and I love encouraging people of any age,” Sintay said. “If there is something you want to do, go out and try it. I don’t want anyone to get to 50, 60, 70 and still be sorry they didn’t try something.”

Receiving the award for mid-size business of the year was OptfinITy a locally owned and operated IT firm. Started in 2002, OptfinITy provides fast, affordable computer network support. OptfinITy president Michael Drobnis shared the many ways he gives back to the community.

“Do I expect to see any ROI for my community involvement?” asked Drobnis. “Not really. Although that would be nice, but its just the right thing to do.”

Small business of the year award went to E-1 Asset Management and managing director Brian Harte. Harte lives in the Mount Vernon area. In addition to his full time work, Harte manages the largest cub scout pack in Virginia and finds time to mentor interns in his business.

United Community was recognized as the outstanding nonprofit organization of the year with interim director Bryant Rice accepting the award.

The new business of the year award was presented to The Growth and Healing Hub, a behavioral health and wellness clinic founded by Felicea Meyer-Deloatch.

Twenty-six organizations and businesses across various industries were nominated for the awards, ranging from local restaurants to national department stores. Photos and videos from the event can be seen on the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MtVSChamber.