ST. GEORGE — Across Southern Utah, the search is on for the finest coffee shops, golf courses, realtors, builders and countless other types of businesses. However, only an elite few will earn the right to call themselves the very best.
Voting for the fourth annual Best of Southern Utah contest, presented by Canyon Media, St. George News and title sponsor Dixie Power, begins today. Whether you’re an owner, an employee, a customer or just a fan, this is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. Visit BestofSouthernUtah.com to cast your ballot.
Voting will continue through March 9. Visitors can vote in every category daily and are invited to return every day to support their favorite local businesses.
Although the contest is a fun way for locals to support their favorite spots, it took on a greater purpose amid the pandemic. Best of Southern Utah celebrates the ingenuity and resolve that business owners have shown as they improvise, repurpose and overcome obstacles to continue serving their customers. Small businesses are an invaluable thread in the fabric of Southern Utah and rely upon the community’s support.
“We look at it as an honor to put this on for the community,” said Ben Lindquist, general manager of Canyon Media. “To be able to spotlight these local businesses that have worked so hard and been through so much is pretty special.”
Nominations for this year’s contest began Feb. 2 and closed last Wednesday. During that time, the community nominated a record-shattering 970 businesses across 208 categories, up from 181 categories in 2021.
“It’s been fun to see the community reach out to us and direct the kind of categories they want,” Lindquist said. “We’re thrilled with their participation.”
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 published on the contest website and in the Best of Southern Utah magazine, which is designed and produced entirely by Canyon Media, on June 7. Along with showcasing the winning businesses, the magazine is designed to serve as a guidebook for both locals and visitors seeking the very best that the area has to offer. 15,000 copies will be distributed throughout St. George and surrounding communities.
Shane Brinkerhoff, director of news operations for St. George News, said he’s extremely proud of the growth the contest has seen since it started in 2019.
“We’re excited to be running the largest contest we’ve ever had,” he added. “Every year, we try to make enhancements and continue to make it even better.”
As operators of the two largest media companies in the area, Lindquist and Brinkerhoff are always looking for new ways to add value to the contest and honor the people that make Southern Utah a great place to live and work. This year, Canyon Media is hosting an exclusive winner’s gala the same evening that results are announced. The winning businesses will be presented with a prize package featuring a gold or silver medal along with a window cling and a certificate celebrating their accomplishment.
Best of Southern Utah has become a signature event in the local business community and continues to grow in popularity. In 2021, the community submitted more than 800 nominations and cast nearly 600,000 votes to determine the winners.
“We’re humbled that the community has embraced this so much,” Lindquist said. “It’s amazing to me that we’re now in our fourth year, and the contest keeps getting bigger and bigger.”
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