The annual awards banquet hosted by the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce is always an opportunity to reflect on how our business community plays such a pivotal role in the successes and future of our region.

The event highlights several businesses, large and small, that contribute to what our region needs: Job creation, the economic vitality of neighborhoods and communities and leadership.

The event is a reminder that in our nation and society, leadership isn’t about edicts from bureaucracies far removed from the towns and cities where we make our homes.

Leadership happens in our own neighborhoods, exemplified by people who understand what our communities need and how our communities work.

This year’s winners include Mike Gaetano, the Potting Bench in South Williamsport, Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships and Natural Waterscapes.

“Attributes that are core to Mike include hard work, knowledge and integrity,” Gabriel A. Sinicropi Jr., chair of the chamber board and vice president of marketing for the Williamsport Crosscutters, said in his capacity as master of ceremonies, according to Wednesday’s edition of the Sun-Gazette.

We agree that hard work, knowledge and integrity are important hallmarks of leadership. It’s why the decentralized system of responsibilities and authority has worked so well for the United States — it allows the people in our communities who have the best knowledge of who truly demonstrates integrity and hard work to afford the due respect to their leadership.

We appreciate the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce for organizing the awards banquet every year and for recognizing the leadership within our communities — leadership that deserves appreciation from all us, all year long.