We wanted to take a moment this week to say congratulations to the local businesses that have been chosen as the Best of the Best in our first Reader’s Choice Poll. 

As you no doubt recall, we made a ballot available for several weeks earlier this year for you to vote for your favorites of everything across Franklin County – the best florist, the best burger, the best car repair, the best cup of coffee, the best hair stylist, and on. With both a print and web version of the ballot available, many of you took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on your favorite attorney, doctor, employer, fast food drive-thru, event venue and more.

When the community votes on who is the most deserving of the recognition, that means something. These businesses have received firm confirmation that they are serving their customers and clients – and serving them well.

Who are those winning businesses? Well, you can find out inside this week’s issue.

Our special section this week honors all of the winners, and includes special words of thanks from many of them, words of gratitude to those of you who named them No. 1. Pull out the C section to see whether your favorite hamburger joint, accountant, car dealership or thrift store landed on top.

Thank you so much to each and every one who took the time to fill out a ballot, either the printed copy or the one online. Your participation means a lot to us at the newspaper, and we know it means a lot to those who you all chose as the winners of this contest.  

It makes us proud to see our local businesses appreciated and to give them the opportunity to promote themselves.