Arlington Chamber To Induct Michael T. Foster Into Business Hall Of Fame In May

ARLINGTON, VA — Michael T. Foster will be inducted into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame at the 40th Annual Arlington Best Business Awards on May 19, according to the Arlington Chamber said.

The hall of fame honors people with a connection to Arlington County who have shown long-term management and business skills, notable achievements, and civic and community involvement.

“Michael has been an integral part of Arlington's business community for decades," said Kate Bates, Chamber president and CEO. "His work has shaped our built environment in lasting ways, and his thoughtful approach and humility set him apart as a leader. His commitment to service reflects the very best of what the Hall of Fame represents.”

As an architect and the founder of MTFA Architecture, Foster has spent more than 35 years working on community design, and the 45-person firm has completed more than 1,400 projects, according to a release. The firm's work includes housing, schools, commercial spaces, community facilities, and hospitality projects, including Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key.

Foster also has provided pro bono design work for projects in Tibet, Peru, and South Sudan, according to the Chamber. He also served as past chair of the Arlington County Planning Commission, serves on boards and professional organizations, and is a past chair of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber also announced finalists for the 40th Annual Best Business Awards. Nominees are evaluated by past award winners on five criteria: service excellence, significant growth or stability, a unique approach to delivering goods or services, community engagement, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The finalists are:

Large Business

• AC Hotel National Landing
• Bean, Kinney & Korman P.C.
• George Mason University
• VHC Health

Nonprofit

• Arlington Free Clinic
• Arlington Neighborhood Village
• Bridges to Independence
• Latinas Leading Tomorrow

Retail

• Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
• Immigrant Food
• MGI Corporate Gifts, LLC

Service

• Alair Homes - Arlington
• Elements Massage Pentagon City

• Wendroff & Associates, CPA

The 40th Annual Best Business Awards are scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Army Navy Country Club, 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.

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