Residents invited to pick their favorite businesses, tourist spots
Local landmarks, businesses, service providers and events have taken the spotlight during the last two years for the “Best of Logan County” Contest, and continuing the tradition, the contest returns starting today, inviting area residents to cast their votes to support their favorite establishments in the community.
The Logan County Visitors Bureau and the Bellefontaine Examiner join together for this third annual contest. In today’s edition of the newspaper, readers can find a ballot with more than 60 categories that they can clip and fill in their favorite selections by the Oct. 22 deadline (submissions sent by mail should be postmarked by Oct. 15).
To reach online readers as well, the Visitors Bureau and Examiner’s websites will have a convenient online ballot that is available throughout the next month, with the same submission deadline at www.experiencelogancounty.com and www.examiner.org.
“We saw a lot of growth in the contest last year, with many individuals casting their votes, and we’re excited to bring the contest back for its third year,” Examiner advertising director Jim Strzalka said. “There are some new categories, and other categories have been streamlined a little, too.
“We’ve enjoyed being able to recognize the excellent work being done by our businesses and service providers. For the organizations who win a ‘Best of Logan County’ award, it’s a vote of confidence that they can be proud of from their own community.”
Anna Louden, Logan County Chamber Visitors Bureau director, who assumed her new role in June, said the bureau is enthusiastic about the chance to highlight the unique offerings available in the county.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to be able to showcase what is available right here in Logan County, and also to provide residents the chance to give their opinions on some of the best places around,” said the West Liberty-Salem High School graduate, who returned to the area after studying at Kent State University.
“There also are so many tourist attractions and events here locally that people might not take advantage of and through the contest, we want to share some of the popular and fun spots to visit and activities to try in the county.”
New this year in the online voting are pulldown menus for each category, making it easier for voters to select their favorite salon, coffee shop, construction firm, bank, doctor’s office and etc.
“We’re trying to make it easier for people to post their votes and to get them to participate,” Louden said, noting that if local businesses or agencies don’t see their name listed in their particular category, to call the chamber office at (937) 599-5121 to be added in.
“We don’t want to leave anyone out, so please let us know if your establishment needs to be added.”
Paper ballots can be dropped off or mailed to either the Examiner office, 127 E. Chillicothe Ave., (send by mail to: P.O. Box 40, Bellefontaine, OH, 43311), or the Logan County Chamber of Commerce office, 100 S. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH, 43311.
The Examiner office also has a 24-hour drop box available.
Participants are not required to fill in all of the categories, but can fill in as many that interest them.
Individuals should only vote once, either online or by paper ballot.
Each of the contest winners for the individual categories will receive a certificate and will also be recognized in the Examiner and through social media as well.
In addition, voters in the contest will be entered to win prizes from one of three drawings through the Visitors Bureau and the Examiner, including: a free one-year newspaper subscription, Chamber Choice gift certificates and a Better Way to Save bundle.