The first ever Best of Eureka contest gives readers a chance to show support for local businesses that matter to them.
“You get to pick who’s best, it is truly 100 percent reader’s choice,” Katelyn Mary Skaggs, advertising manager for the Leader, said.
Readers can nominate their favorite locally owned and operated businesses, organizations and attractions from now until Sept. 27.
“When we started doing a best of contest in Jefferson County, it was always the idea to eventually bring it to Eureka, so we are thrilled to finally do that,” Skaggs said.
To nominate businesses or organizations, visit myleaderpaper.com/bestofeureka. There is no limit to the number of nominations one can submit and only one nomination is required to move to the voting round.
Nominated businesses should be local Eureka businesses or local Eureka business owners, though national and regional chains will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Nominations are available from 75 categories and there is no limit to the number of categories a business can be nominated in.
“There’s so many categories, there’s a spot for all your favorite local places,” Skaggs said.
Categories are segmented into five groups which include: Eat & Drink; Home, Auto & Services; Shopping & Style; Family, Health & Pets; and Fun, Arts & Local Life.
Each group contains multiple categories, for example, one of the Eat & Drink categories is Best Burger, and one of the Shopping & Style categories is Best Nail Salon.
Mid America Adventure, formerly known as Six Flags, is the title sponsor of the contest.
“We couldn’t have a contest without a title sponsor, so we’re grateful that they have stepped up and helped us out in that role,” Skaggs said.
The goal of the competition is to promote small businesses in Eureka and give people suggestions for places to dine, shop, use reliable services and more.
“The heart of this contest is to celebrate and support local businesses and that’s what this does,” she said. “It’s a little nod to say thanks for being in our town, thanks for making our town vibrant, thanks for helping.”
Skaggs stressed the significance of the nomination period since businesses must be nominated before moving to the voting round.
“Unfortunately, you can’t shop every single day at your favorite store,” she said. “But this is always a way to support them and give a little back to them.”
After the nomination period closes, voting will start on Oct. 8 and end on Oct. 25.
Winners are decided by highest vote totals. Businesses and organizations that receive the second- and third-most votes in a category will be named as finalists.
Winners will be announced online on Oct. 30 and in the Nov. 19 edition of the Leader.
For more information, call Leader Publications at 636-931-7560 or send emails to ads@myleaderpaper.com.