ESTEVAN - The Estevan Mercury is overwhelmed with the support shown for this year's Readers' Choice Best of Estevan competition.
The annual promotion gives Mercury's readers the chance to vote on their favourite business in the community in more than 150 sub-categories.
"The 2024 Readers' Choice Best of Estevan awards were a phenomenal hit this year," said Estevan Mercury sales manager Christine Jones.
The promotion can be found in this week's edition of the Mercury. Due to the outstanding response from the business community, Best of Estevan has to run over two sections. Readers can look forward to seeing all of the results in the different categories, and advertisements from different businesses who finished in the top three.
More than 23,000 votes were received this year, with over 720 ballots submitted. Roughly 80 per cent of the votes came through the paper. The rest were submitted online.
For the first time, the Mercury included the names of the top three finishers, rather than just the winners. Many of the first-place finishers were in second and/or third place in other categories. Others who were in runner-up spots were still eager to thank their customers for their support.
"When totalling the ballots last year, I noticed that in some cases the margin from first to second to third was a very nominal amount," said Jones. "We decided that we needed to celebrate those businesses and their contributions to our community."
Also for the first time, the Mercury ran a Build up to the Best of Estevan promotion, in which numerous businesses advertised. This was also very well received and helped hype the promotion.
All of the winners are listed in the 2024 Readers' Choice Best of Estevan Award section. Those who choose to advertise and thank their loyal customers also receive a certificate for each of their gold, silver and bronze medal finishes.
"There was a resounding outpouring of appreciation for switching to the top three," said Jones. "Some businesses knew who would win first as they always do, but to be awarded silver or bronze was an achievement for them. They were excited to know that their business was in the minds of our readers."
While some businesses have won each time Best of Estevan has been offered since 2011, there were many first-time winners this year, including some who have been second and third in the past.
"We also had many voters comment that they were excited to see that the Best of Estevan was back," Jones said.
Best of Estevan serves as a celebration of Estevan's business community, all of the different businesses we have in the Estevan area, and all of the products and services they have to offer. The Mercury thanks everybody who has once again supported Best of Estevan, and looks forward to holding the promotion again next year.
