ST. GEORGE — Amid the breathtaking scenery of Southern Utah are unique shopping locales, premier restaurants and a wide variety of businesses all vying to position themselves as local favorites. But only an elite few can win the right to call themselves the very best.
Stock image | Photo by Sara Edwards/iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News
Voting for the sixth annual Best of Southern Utah contest, presented by Canyon Media, St. George News and returning title sponsor Dixie Power, begins on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Whether you’re an owner, an employee or a customer, this is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. Visit BestofSouthernUtah.com and cast your ballot today.
“The voting period is one of my favorite times of the year,” Canyon Media General Manager Ben Lindquist said. “We have a vibrant business community that really cares about what they do and how they do it.”
Voting will continue through March 6. Community members can vote in every category daily and are invited to return every day to support their favorite local businesses.
Unlike many similar programs, Best of Southern Utah isn’t a “pay to play” contest. Winning businesses are determined entirely by popular vote. Every nominated business is eligible to receive votes, and every gold or silver winner receives a spotlight online and in the Best of Southern Utah magazine regardless of whether they buy advertising space.
Nominations for this year’s contest began Jan. 31 and closed last Wednesday. During that time, Best of Southern Utah received another record-breaking number of submissions.
Stock image | Photo by MargaretW/iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News
“This looks to be our most competitive contest ever,” Lindquist said. “With almost 1,700 nominations versus 1,300 in 2023, we were blown away with the interest in this year’s Best of Southern Utah.”
Gold and silver award winners will be crowned within 10 consolidated categories: Activities and Entertainment, Business and Services, Food and Beverage, General Services, Home and Garden, Lifestyle and Beauty, Medical, Schools, Shopping and Vehicles and Services.
Winners will be announced on June 5 and published online as well as in the 2024 edition of the Best of Southern Utah magazine. Along with showcasing the winning businesses, the magazine is designed to serve as a guidebook for both locals and visitors who seek the very best that the community has to offer. Over 15,000 copies will be distributed throughout the greater St. George area.
Again this year, Canyon Media is hosting an exclusive winners’ gala the same evening that results are announced. Each winning business will be presented with a prize package featuring a gold or silver medal along with a window cling and a certificate recognizing their accomplishment.
Stock image | Photo by Jason Allred/iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News
“Southern Utah is unique for so many reasons,” Lindquist said. “With so much beautiful scenery and so many things to do, some of the most overlooked aspects that make our area special are the people, services and products that make up the businesses here.”
Best of Southern Utah has become a signature event in the local business community and continues to grow in popularity. Last year, the contest received over 700,000 votes.
From pizza parlors and diners to automotive shops and building contractors, small businesses are an invaluable thread in the fabric of Southern Utah and rely on the community’s support. Best of Southern Utah was created to honor all of the businesses that make the greater St. George area a fantastic place to live, work and play.
“We’re excited for our sixth year of Best of Southern Utah,” said James Kreitzer, creative director and director of digital media for Canyon Media. “We have enjoyed seeing the positive impact the contest has in the community and with the businesses that participate. It has been an amazing platform to showcase the best that Southern Utah has to offer.”
Resources
Best of Southern Utah 2024 | Facebook | Instagram | Website.
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