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When people recommend their favorite local restaurant, coffee shop or small business, they rarely stop at the name.
They explain why.
It’s where the staff remember their orders. The boutique that always has the perfect gift. The barber who knows exactly how they like their haircut. These businesses become part of people’s routines and part of the community itself.
That idea inspired The Citizen’s inaugural Citizens’ Choice Awards, a new community-driven initiative that invites readers to nominate and vote for the businesses and people that make Fayette County special.
Powered by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, the Citizens’ Choice Awards will recognize local favorites across dozens of categories, from restaurants and retail to healthcare, nonprofits, financial services, home services and entertainment.
“Whenever someone asks me for a recommendation, I never just give them the best place to go — I tell them why to go there. And it’s almost always about how the place makes me feel. That’s the instinct I wanted to build The Citizens’ Choice Awards around. Most “best of” lists ask you to pick a winner; we wanted to ask a better question — not just who’s the best, but why they matter to you. The whole ballot is built around experiences and the places that actually shape life here, so when a business gets recognized, it’s because the community felt something,” said Jason Bass, who created The Citizens’ Choice Awards.
Readers can nominate their favorite businesses by selecting from dropdown categories or by choosing “Add Your Own” if a business is not already listed. Participants may complete as many or as few categories as they choose, and one ballot may be submitted each day throughout the nomination period.
“There are amazing businesses in our community that local people love. Honoring the best of the best is what we want to do with The Citizen’s Choice Awards. You’ll all have a chance to weigh in on your favorites and nominate your favorite local spots and people. We’re looking forward to seeing who our community wants to honor the most,” said Ellie White-Stevens, editor of The Citizen.
Businesses receiving the most nominations will advance to the public voting round. Winners will be featured in a dedicated editorial series published by The Citizen, recognized through the newspaper’s newsletter and social media channels, and celebrated in partnership with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.
“As an organization dedicated to small business, the Best of Awards is an opportunity to recognize and honor local businesses that are committed to community, quality customer service and tremendous products. The Fayette Chamber is proud to honor the businesses that often risk security and comfort each day to live out the dream of business ownership and entrepreneurship,” said Leonardo McClarty, president and CEO of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.
The Citizens’ Choice Awards are open to businesses and organizations throughout the community. Readers can nominate their favorites in categories including dining, drinks and restaurants; shopping and retail; services; business and industry; financial guidance; trusted guidance; community and care; and fun and experiences.
Nominations are open now through July 19.
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