I’m sure by now you’ve seen the Reader’s Choice Awards ballots that have been published in the newspaper for the past several weeks, along with the articles urging our readers to participate in the second annual contest.  

In this week’s column, I want to take the opportunity to share my opinion on why I’m excited about it and why I’m thankful so many of you have already voted.  

With this contest, we hope to help shine a spotlight on the businesses that really go above and beyond in whatever they do. Locally–owned businesses in Hartselle and Morgan County are the lifeblood of our economy, and we want to give them an outlet to get the word out about what makes them “the best of the best,” whether it’s a superb cup of coffee, unparalleled customer service or an unending dedication to patient or client care. 

We have so many family-owned and operated businesses in our community – businesses run by our friends and neighbors – and it takes a lot of hard work to make a business thrive, especially in the midst of a pandemic.  

To those who win this contest, I hope you will be proud to know it was the readers of the Enquirer, members of the community, civic leaders, other business owners and your patrons who voted your business “Best of the Best.” 

The rules are simple: Only one ballot per person will be counted. Ballots are printed in this week’s paper; turn to page A-8 to find the ballot. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. April 12, completed either online or on the original newsprint form; no photocopied entries are allowed. Winners are determined only by reader votes and will be announced in a special section printed in the Hartselle Enquirer May 26.  

Entries that have a minimum of 25 categories filled out will be entered into a drawing for a $150 cash prize, but entries that are incomplete or do not have complete contact information will not be eligible.  

No purchase is necessary to win the cash prize.  

Entries should include only local businesses.  

Ballots can be mailed to Hartselle Enquirer Best of Contest, P.O. Box 929, Hartselle, AL 35640.