Best of Southern Utah caps a record-breaking 5th year with over 300 winning businesses, new magazine

Composite image by St. George News

ST. GEORGE — As impressive as Southern Utah’s natural wonders are, the value of the area truly lies in its people and the small businesses striving each day to support an atmosphere of community.

Best of Southern Utah 2023 magazine and prize package, St. George, Utah, June 5, 2023 | Photo by St. George News

Now in its fifth year, the Best of Southern Utah contest aims to pay tribute to the fantastic businesses that give St. George its unique flavor. From pizza parlors and burger joints to automotive shops and building contractors, it’s an opportunity for owners, employees, customers and fans throughout the community to let their voices be heard.

And Southern Utahns spoke up in a big way, casting a record-shattering 747,000 votes. Participation in the nomination process also reached new heights this year with 1,333 businesses submitted.

“St. George is growing, and it’s a vibrant ecosystem for small business,” Canyon Media general manager Ben Lindquist said. “It’s fun to see the creativity and entrepreneurship that really thrives here, and how well that’s supported by the community.”
More than 300 gold and silver award winners have been crowned in 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. Starting today, winners will be displayed at BestofSouthernUtah.com and in the 2023 Best of Southern Utah magazine. 

In addition to celebrating the winners, the magazine is designed to serve as a guidebook for both locals and visitors seeking the very best that Southern Utah has to offer. Along these lines, complimentary copies are now available at the following businesses in the greater St. George area:

  • Canyon Media, 3143 S. 840 East, Suite 100, St. George.
  • St. George Regional Airport, 4550 S. Airport Parkway, St. George.
  • BigShots Golf, 1108 W. Black Mountain Drive, St. George.
  • Melted Massage, 1999 W. Canyon View Drive, St. George.
  • Lin’s Market, 1930 W. Sunset Blvd., St. George.
  • Fabulous Freddy’s Car Wash, 806 N. Bluff St., St. George.
  • St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, 136 N. 100 East, St. George.
  • Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, 111 E. Tabernacle St., St. George.
  • Hurst Ace Hardware, 160 N. Bluff St., St. George.
  • Riverfront Medical Center, 617 E. Riverside Drive, St. George.
  • Summit Athletic Club, 1532 E. 1450 S., St. George.
  • Red Cliffs Mall, 1770 E. Red Cliffs Drive, St. George.
  • Terrible’s, 934 N. Commerce Blvd., Washington City.
  • Dixie Power, 145 W. Brigham Road, St. George.

View and download a map of the distribution locations here

Canyon Media managed the development and publication of the magazine again this year. Over the coming weeks, 15,000 copies of the glossy publication will be shared throughout the community.

“People are pumped to see the new magazine come out and find out who won,” said Brent Rowe, director of sales for St. George News. “The excitement that this contest creates every year is what makes it great for us.”

Best of Southern Utah 2023 magazine and prize package, St. George, Utah, June 5, 2023 | Photo by St. George News

Canyon Media is hosting an exclusive winner’s gala again this year. Adding to the prestige, representatives from 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.

“We actually have 28 businesses that won gold five years in a row, and that’s a big deal,” Lindquist said.

Small businesses are an invaluable thread in the fabric of Southern Utah, and they rely on the community’s support. Although the contest is a fun way for locals to help promote their favorite spots, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the ingenuity and resolve of business owners as they continue improvising, repurposing and overcoming challenges to better serve their customers.

“We’re fortunate to collaborate with local business owners and employees on a daily basis,” Lindquist said. “Now, we have the opportunity to celebrate them and reward them for their hard work.”

Over the past five years, Best of Southern Utah has evolved into a signature event within the local business community and continues to grow in popularity. The 2023 contest was presented by St. George News and Canyon Media alongside title sponsor Dixie Power.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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