About 175 local businesses, organizations and professionals gathered at Leader Publications’ Best of Jefferson County celebration on July 9 to be honored for their outstanding work.
The night featured category recognitions and awards for finalists voted on during the Leader’s 2026 Best of Jefferson County contest.
This year, the contest saw double the number of nominations compared to the first year, with more than 1,206 businesses nominated across 158 categories.
Katelyn Mary Skaggs, advertising manager for Leader Publications, said this is the Leader’s second year of holding the contest, and the goal has remained the same: highlight and celebrate local businesses that make the community thrive.
“This year, we had double the number of businesses that were even nominated,” she said. “More people knew about it (the contest). More people nominated their favorite businesses, and I loved to see that.
“We had about 80,000 more votes than last year and, overall, had more engagement. It’s all about people who are coming out to declare who their favorite is and give those businesses a little love.”
Skaggs said the contest is designed to acknowledge the businesses that make our community run, create jobs and bring people together.
The Best of Jefferson County celebration, which was held at Central Tap on Festus Main Street, was created to give those professionals their time in the spotlight, bring winners and finalists together and be able to make connections and network.
“The night was phenomenal,” Skaggs said. “We got to call everyone up onto the stage, give them their plaque or certificate, let them take a picture and have them bask in their glory a little bit. It all was well deserved.
“Everyone in attendance came to the event to celebrate each other, and that’s the kind of business community we have here in Jefferson County.”
Skaggs thanked businesses that helped make the celebration possible.
“We had snacks from Lam’s Garden in Festus and desserts from Just Be Kind Cafe in De Soto,” she said. “We also had a delicious Leader slushie made by Central Tap, and their space was perfect for people to visit with each other and chit-chat.
“I am thrilled by the turnout we had, and it gets us excited for next year’s contest and celebration.”
The 2027 Best of Jefferson County contest will have a similar schedule, with the contest starting in March, ending in June and the celebration being held in July.
For the contest’s third year, Skaggs expects more people to vote for their favorite businesses daily, repeat-winning businesses wanting to be nominated again and even some new businesses participating to get their name out there.
“Whether you won or not, you and your business matter, and we thank you for taking part,” she said. “Thank you for being a part of the business community in Jefferson County. The county can’t survive without local businesses like you. We appreciate you.”
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