Tuesday at America’s Small Business Summit 2012, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Italian Delight of South Boston with the Community Excellence Award, recognizing the success it has achieved in the eyes of its employees, customers and community.

“In winning the community excellence award, the success of Italian Delight has been recognized by the most important audience of all — its customers, neighbors and employees,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO.  “Italian Delight is a wonderful example of the promise of the American Dream. The company has been an inspiration not only to the South Boston community but to aspiring small business owners across America.  Today we honor Viny Ruotolo-Sarnataro and Italian Delight for their accomplishments.”

Italian Delight was named one of the U.S. Chamber’s 75 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners on March 1.

Each of these award winners had the opportunity to invite its community to show support for their business through online voting.  Italian Delight received more votes than any of their competitors, becoming the fourth recipient of the annual Community Excellence Award.

The Award is part of the U.S. Chamber’s DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Awards program, sponsored by Sam’s Club.  The awards program is designed to recognize companies that showcase exemplary business practices in the areas of employee development, community involvement, customer service and strategy.

“Italian Delight is an excellent community partner because it is always sponsoring community events, local schools, blood drives and helping out with collecting food for people in need,” said one online voter.  “This business is very deserving of such a high honor.”

Since 1997, Italian Delight has concentrated on treating its employees and customers like extended family, offering generous support to the local community through sponsorship opportunities and local events.

This family-owned and operated restaurant aims to provide a home-away-from-home for the community with good food and entertainment.

Since its humble beginnings, Italian Delight has cultivated a reputation for community partnership and strong business practices.  They set a new standard for other local businesses to follow by increasing production, maintaining quality and cutting waste.

To learn more about America’s Small Business Summit, visit www.uschambersummit.com.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.