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Cleveland County Community’s Choice Awards

Celebrate the best businesses and organizations in the area with the Cleveland County Community’s Choice Awards! We put the power in your hands, the local community, to nominate and vote for your favorite companies in more than 170 categories. From trendy hotspots to hidden gems, this awards program is your chance to shine a spotlight on the establishments that make Cleveland County stand out.

Winners are revealed at our exclusive awards gala and to the public following the event in a printed winners edition and online. So, rally your friends, family and community, and let’s make this year’s program the best ever!

THE LATEST: The Cleveland County Community’s Choice Awards are back for 2024! Join us in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations. Nominations open May 3, 2024.

How it Works

Each year, the Cleveland County Community’s Choice Awards recognizes more than 510 businesses and organizations, and we couldn’t do it without community members like you! The awards program starts with public nominations, and from the top five nominees in each category, the voting round selects the finalists and winners.

The Categories

There are more than 170 categories in the Cleveland County Community’s Choice Awards! This list has been curated to best represent Cleveland County. Nominate or vote in any or all of these categories during their respective period. Have a category suggestion? Complete the form at the bottom of this section.

Beauty & Health

Acupuncture Clinic
Audiologist
Barber Shop
Cardiology Clinic/Hospital
Chiropractic Clinic
Chiropractor
Counseling Center
Dental Clinic
Dermatology Clinic
Eye Care Clinic
Eye Care Professional
Facials
Family Practice
Family/General Practice Physician
Hair Salon
Hearing Aid/Hearing Specialist Center
Home Health Care Services
Hospice
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapy
Medical Group
Medical Spa
Medical Supply Store
Medical/Doctor’s Office
Nail Salon – Manicure/Pedicure
Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
OB/GYN
Pediatric Dental Clinic
Pharmacy/Drug Store
Physical Therapy Clinic
Physician Assistant
Rehabilitation Facility
Tanning Salon/Spray Tan
Women’s Health Services

Dining

All-Around Restaurant
Bakery
BBQ
Brats/Hot Dogs/Sausages
Breakfast
Brunch
Buffet
Burger
Caterer/Catering Company
Chinese Food
Country Cooking
Curbside/Carry Out/Drive-Thru
Diner
Doughnut Shop
Downtown Restaurant
Family Friendly Dining
Fast Food
Fried Chicken
Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/Frozen Custard
Italian Food
Japanese Food
Local Coffee Shop
Lunch
Meal for the Money
Mexican Food
Outdoor/Patio/Rooftop Dining
Pizza
Ribs
Salad/Salad Bar
Seafood Restaurant
Steakhouse
Sub/Deli/Sandwich Shop
Sweet Tea
Wings

Entertainment & Leisure

Birthday Party Venue
Campground
DJ – Event/Wedding
Event – Local
Event Venue
Family Amusement
Festival/Fair
Hotel
Live Music Artist/Group/Band
Museum
Park
Person of the Year
Wedding Venue

Finance

Accountant
Bank
Credit Union
Investment Firm
Mortgage Lending Company
Tax Preparation Services

Kids & Education

Child Care
College/University
Dance Studio/School
Karate/Martial Arts School
Pre-School
School – Private
School – Public

Pets

Pet Grooming Company
Pet Kennel/Boarding/Day Care
Pet Store
Veterinary Clinic

Services

Advertising/Marketing Agency
Apartment Complex
Assisted/Senior Living
Attorney
Basement/Foundation/Water Proofing Service Company
Carpet/Rug Cleaning Company
Computer/Tablet or Cell Phone Repair
Customer Service
Dry Cleaning Company
Electrician/Electrical Service Company
Employment/Staffing Agency
Flooring Installation
Funeral Home/Crematory
Hauling Company
Heating/AC Service Company
Home Builder
Home Repair/Remodeling Company
Insurance Agency
Law Firm
Lawn Care/Landscaping Company
Non-Profit/Charity Organization
Nursing Home
Painting Company
Pest Control Company
Photographer/Videographer
Plumbing Company
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Company
Roofing Company
Security Company
Tree Service Company
Window Company

Shopping

Arts & Crafts Store
Backyard Furniture/Patio Store
Boutique
CBD Store
Children’s Clothing Store
Eyewear Store
Farmers Market
Flooring Store
Florist Shop
Furniture Store
Garden Center/Nursery
Gift Shop
Grocery Store
Hardware/Home Improvement Store
Jewelry Store
Mattress Store
Meat Market/Seafood Shop
Pawn Shop
Specialty Shop

Spirits

Beer Store
Craft Beer Store
Happy Hour
Sports Bar
Wine Store

Sports & Fitness

Fitness Center/Gym
Golf Course
Golf Shop
Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store

Top Employers

Boss
Locally Owned Business
Overall Leadership
Place to Work

Vehicles, Dealers & Services

Auto Body/Collision Center
Auto Dealer Service Department
Auto Repair Shop
Car Salesperson
Car Wash/Detail Shop
New Car Dealership
Oil Change Service
Tire Center
Towing Service Company
Used Car Dealership

Suggest a Category

We love your category suggestions! Submit yours using the form below and it will be considered for next year’s awards program. By submitting you agree to our privacy policy. *Indicates required field.


Awards Gala

The Cleveland County Community’s Choice Awards culminates in the announcement of the winners! This takes place at an exclusive awards gala open only to finalists and their guests, the local business leaders and residents of the community. The event starts with a cocktail hour with entertainment, followed by dinner and the awards presentation. The gala serves as not only a platform to celebrate the achievements of the winners, but also as an excellent opportunity for networking and recognition. Attire for the event is business/cocktail.

Awards gala is open to program finalists and guests only.

2024 Awards gala date and location announced later.

Winners Edition

Winners of the Cleveland County Community’s Choice Awards are revealed to the public in a winners edition. This commemorative, printed section will publish in an upcoming edition of The Shelby Star and will include all of the finalists and winners, along with their details. This guide is an excellent resource to keep on hand throughout the year for discovering the best businesses and organizations in Cleveland County. After the winners edition publishes, the winners are published for free online.

Publishes October 2024 in The Shelby Star.

Winners and finalists can be viewed online for free after the section publishes.

Business Resources

The Cleveland County Community’s Choice Awards provides a one-of-a-kind platform for businesses and organizations to showcase their brand. By leveraging targeted digital ads, email marketing, DIY templates, and other marketing tools, companies can elevate their visibility during the nomination and voting phases, and beyond. It’s important to note that while these advertising opportunities can help boost a company’s chances, the decision ultimately rests with the public, as winners and finalists are determined through their votes.

Unique opportunities to promote your business or organization.

Leverage our program to gain exposure and attract new customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go to nominate a company and what are the guidelines?

You can nominate a company once a day per category when the nomination round is active. To do so, navigate to the appropriate section and category on the ballot and begin typing the company's name. If your company has a Google Maps listing, it will appear. Click it to select it. If no result appears, you can still type the full name of the company to nominate them. Once your choice has been selected, complete the registration form (on your first visit) and click the "Nominate" button. You can then continue nominating in other categories. There is no "Submit" button. If you nominate in 25 or more categories, you will be eligible to win the sweepstakes. To nominate again on future visits, you can use the “magic link” function that sends you an easy login email to sign back into the ballot.

I do not see a category that fits the company I would like to nominate. Can it be added?

Our categories are curated to best fit the area. However, each year we add and remove categories to drive innovation and rejuvenate the program. Once nominations have begun for that year's program, categories cannot be changed. If you would like us to suggest a category for future programs, please submit it here. When considering categories, we take several factors into account including popularity, community participation and the number of eligible companies in the area in that category.

My company made the top five in the nomination round. What happens next?

Congratulations on your company making the top five! This means you were in the top five by nominations in your category of all companies submitted during the nomination round. Your company moves on to voting where the winners are selected. Improve your chances by encouraging your fans to vote for you and contact us through the Business Resources section of this website to see how our advertising packages can help!

How do I vote in the program and can I "write in" a company during this round?

The nominees in the voting round consist of the top five companies from the nomination round. New companies cannot be added at this stage. To vote for a company, go to its category on the ballot and select “Vote” near its name. You can vote once a day per category when the voting round is active. After selecting the nominee, complete the registration form (on your first visit) and click the "Vote" button. You can then continue voting in other categories. If you input a company, your vote has been recorded. There is no "Submit" button. If you vote in 25 or more categories, you will be eligible to win the sweepstakes. If you participated in nominations, you must re-register, but your information will be carried over. To vote again on future visits, you can use the “magic link” function to sign back in.

My company made the top three in the voting round. What happens next?

Congratulations on your company making the top three! This means you were in the top three by votes in your category of all companies submitted during the voting round. You may even have won! Stay tuned to the big reveal when winners are announced and contact us through the Business Resources section of this website to see how our advertising packages can help you spread the word about your accomplishment!

My company's basic information is incorrect on the ballot. What can I do and how do I get my company details added to my listing?

We use Google Map’s data to obtain accurate company names and information but acknowledge that errors can occur. If you notice any inaccuracies in your company’s basic information, contact us through the Additional Questions form below and let us know what is wrong and we will attempt correct the issue; however, if your Google Map listing is incorrect, we may not be able to. Maximize your company's visibility with our enhanced listings and advertising packages. Enhanced listings offer a comprehensive display of your company’s information, including your company logo. Additionally, our advertising packages enable you to actively promote your company and encourage the community to nominate or vote for you. contact us through the Business Resources section of this website now to get started!

How are companies alerted that they made the top five after nominations or top three after voting?

We diligently reach out by phone or email to each company to notify them of their top five or top three status, utilizing information collected from their websites, social media, or map listings. You should expect to hear from someone representing your local newspaper, USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, or Gannett. Be cautious of inbound calls from individuals not affiliated with these companies. You can always verify communications by contacting us through the Additional Questions form below. The top three list is also posted on this website after the ballot has been reviewed. If you haven't heard from us and want to know if your company made it to the top five or top three, please contact us through the Business Resources section of this website so that we can provide you with important program details and information on how our advertising products can help you promote your company! 

How many times can I nominate or vote in the program and how do you prevent fraud?

You can nominate or vote in the program during their respective periods once a day per category using one individual email address. Our platform employs CAPTCHA technology to prevent bots and tracks IP addresses to prevent fraudulent voting and ensure accurate results. For more information, see our complete participation rules on our ballot pages.

How can my company increase its chances of being nominated or voted for in the program?
If you want to increase your company’s chances of being considered in the program, there is no better strategy than delivering an outstanding experience to your customers. When they are impressed by your service or product, they are more likely to recommend you and think of you during this awards program. You can also leverage various marketing channels, such as hanging posters in your store, sharing updates on social media, sending email newsletters and more. If you need assistance with promoting your company during the program, contact us through the Business Resources section of this website! We offer advertising packages tailored to your goals, helping you reach your target audience and stand out from the competition. Offering prizes or discount-related incentives to obtain nominations is strictly prohibited and may result in company disqualification.
What comes with being named a finalist or winner in the program?

Winning or placing among the top three finalists in the Community's Choice Awards is a prestigious achievement that reflects a company's excellence in its respective industry. The winners and finalists are published online and publicized to the community, serving as a trusted resource for people searching for the best places to eat, shop, receive services and more. Companies can also showcase their accomplishments by using our free winner and finalist logos and purchasing winner plaques, finalist certificates and window clings that proudly display their achievement. Contact us through the Additional Questions form below to learn more about these opportunities.

Does this program require payment in exchange for participation, or is it solely based on the community’s nominations and votes?

Participation in the Community's Choice Awards is completely free of charge! We believe that every eligible company should have the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding products, services and contributions to the community without any financial barriers. While we do offer advertising opportunities that can help boost a company’s chances, the decision ultimately rests with the public, as winners and finalists are determined through their votes. Company self-promotion with owned marketing channels to solicit nominations and votes are encouraged!

How do I find out the finalists and winners of this year's program?

After the program ends and we contact the finalists, we announce the winners and finalists online. Our online Winners Guide includes company details, making it a trusted resource for those looking for the best places to eat, shop, receive services and more. So, the next time you are searching for a new pizza place, need a reliable plumber, or are shopping for clothing, make sure to check out our guide for some top-notch recommendations!

What happens at the awards gala and where and when will it be held?

The awards gala is a special night where local business leaders and community residents gather to find out the winners of the awards program! It serves as a platform to celebrate the winners' achievements and an excellent opportunity for networking and recognition. The event features a hosted cocktail hour, a complete sit-down dinner with entertainment and the awards presentation. The attire for the event is business/cocktail and parking is available at the venue. Please refer to the Awards Gala section on this page for this year's event date and venue information. Below is the evening's timeline. contact us through the Additional Questions form below for additional event information. Join us for the business event of the year!

  • 6:00 p.m. - Doors Open
  • 6:00-7:00 p.m. - Cocktail Hour
  • 6:45 p.m. - Dinner is Served
  • 7:30 p.m. - Awards Program Begins
  • 8:30 p.m. - Awards Program Concludes
Who is invited to the awards gala and who can they bring? How can I get tickets or RSVP?

The awards gala is restricted to the top three program finalists only and their invited guests, typically including business partners, employees, family, and supporters. Children may attend, but it is not recommended, as alcohol is served and there is no child-priced ticket or meal option available. Our advertising packages include event tickets at different amounts, depending on the package. If you are interested in tickets to the awards gala only, please contact us through the Business Resources section of this website at least four weeks prior to the event. Ticket holders will receive an RSVP request to the email address provided to us to confirm attendance and select meal preferences for their party. If you do not receive an RSVP email, contact us through the Additional Questions form below. Space is limited, so we recommend getting your tickets as soon as they become available.

Will everyone in our party attending the awards gala be seated together?

We make every effort to seat parties together at our awards gala. Typically, seating is arranged at tables of ten. If your party has fewer than ten guests, we will seat you with other companies. If your party has more than ten guests, we will seat you at nearby tables with other companies to fill the remaining space. If you would like to be seated with a specific company or group of friends, please note it on your RSVP or contact us through the Additional Questions form below.

What is served at the awards gala and how do I provide my meal selections?

The awards gala begins with a champagne welcome and hosted bar. A complete dinner is served prior to the award ceremony, consisting of a salad, entrée, and dessert. Meat and vegan/vegetarian options are available for dinner. If you are attending the awards gala, you will select your meal preferences for your party when you RSVP. If you need more details about the dinner options, please contact us through the Additional Questions form below.

If my company wins our category at the awards gala, will I need to give a speech?

No speech is given if your company wins in your category. Winners will be asked to walk across the stage to accept their award, have their photo taken and confirm their information. Enjoy your time in the spotlight!

When will photos from the awards gala red carpet and event be posted?

Photos from the award gala's red carpet and event will be published on this website within approximately one week of the event. They are available to download at no charge. To download on desktop, right-click on the desired image and select "save image as" to save it to your computer. On mobile or tablet, press and hold the desired image and select "save image." Feel free to share your photos on social media to celebrate your accomplishment!

My company was selected as a finalist or winner. How can I get a plaque or certificate and window cling and when do they arrive?

If you purchased an advertising package, you will receive your window cling and certificate at the awards gala. Your plaque will be shipped after the event and arrive in six to eight weeks. If you did not purchase an advertising package or did not attend the event, please contact us through the Additional Questions form below for information on their status or how to purchase them. Use caution with inbound communications to your business soliciting plaques. Unless they are associated with your local newspaper, USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, or Gannett, they do not have permission to use the logo and are likely fraudulent. Don't forget, you can also showcase your accomplishment by using our free winner and finalist logos. 

When is next year's program and what can my company do until then to improve my chances?

Stay tuned to the How it Works section on this website to find out when next year's awards program will take place. Typically, the program follows a similar timeline each year. In the meantime, we encourage you to motivate your company's employees to deliver outstanding experiences to your customers. When customers are impressed by your service or product, they are more likely to recommend you and keep you in mind during the awards program. Thank you for your participation and support, and good luck next year!

Where do I go to nominate a company and what are the guidelines?
You can nominate a company once a day per category when the nomination round is active. To do so, navigate to the appropriate section and category on the ballot and begin typing the company's name. If your company has a Google Maps listing, it will appear. Click it to select it. If no result appears, you can still type the full name of the company to nominate them. Once your choice has been selected, complete the registration form (on your first visit) and click the "Nominate" button. You can then continue nominating in other categories. There is no "Submit" button. If you nominate in 25 or more categories, you will be eligible to win the sweepstakes. To nominate again on future visits, you can use the “magic link” function that sends you an easy login email to sign back into the ballot.
I do not see a category that fits the company I would like to nominate. Can it be added?

Our categories are curated to best fit the area. However, each year we add and remove categories to drive innovation and rejuvenate the program. Once nominations have begun for that year's program, categories cannot be changed. If you would like us to suggest a category for future programs, please submit it here. When considering categories, we take several factors into account including popularity, community participation and the number of eligible companies in the area in that category.

My company made the top five in the nomination round. What happens next?

Congratulations on your company making the top five! This means you were in the top five by nominations in your category of all companies submitted during the nomination round. Your company moves on to voting where the winners are selected. Improve your chances by encouraging your fans to vote for you and contact us through the Business Resources section of this website to see how our advertising packages can help!

How do I vote in the program and can I "write in" a company during this round?

The nominees in the voting round consist of the top five companies from the nomination round. New companies cannot be added at this stage. To vote for a company, go to its category on the ballot and select “Vote” near its name. You can vote once a day per category when the voting round is active. After selecting the nominee, complete the registration form (on your first visit) and click the "Vote" button. You can then continue voting in other categories. If you input a company, your vote has been recorded. There is no "Submit" button. If you vote in 25 or more categories, you will be eligible to win the sweepstakes. If you participated in nominations, you must re-register, but your information will be carried over. To vote again on future visits, you can use the “magic link” function to sign back in.

My company made the top three in the voting round. What happens next?

Congratulations on your company making the top three! This means you were in the top three by votes in your category of all companies submitted during the voting round. You may even have won! Stay tuned to the big reveal when winners are announced and contact us through the Business Resources section of this website to see how our advertising packages can help you spread the word about your accomplishment!

My company's basic information is incorrect on the ballot. What can I do and how do I get my company details added to my listing?

We use Google Map’s data to obtain accurate company names and information but acknowledge that errors can occur. If you notice any inaccuracies in your company’s basic information, contact us through the Additional Questions form below and let us know what is wrong and we will attempt correct the issue; however, if your Google Map listing is incorrect, we may not be able to. Maximize your company's visibility with our enhanced listings and advertising packages. Enhanced listings offer a comprehensive display of your company’s information, including your company logo. Additionally, our advertising packages enable you to actively promote your company and encourage the community to nominate or vote for you. contact us through the Business Resources section of this website now to get started!

How are companies alerted that they made the top five after nominations or top three after voting?

We diligently reach out by phone or email to each company to notify them of their top five or top three status, utilizing information collected from their websites, social media, or map listings. You should expect to hear from someone representing your local newspaper, USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, or Gannett. Be cautious of inbound calls from individuals not affiliated with these companies. You can always verify communications by contacting us through the Additional Questions form below. The top three list is also posted on this website after the ballot has been reviewed. If you haven't heard from us and want to know if your company made it to the top five or top three, please contact us through the Business Resources section of this website so that we can provide you with important program details and information on how our advertising products can help you promote your company! 

How many times can I nominate or vote in the program and how do you prevent fraud?

You can nominate or vote in the program during their respective periods once a day per category using one individual email address. Our platform employs CAPTCHA technology to prevent bots and tracks IP addresses to prevent fraudulent voting and ensure accurate results. For more information, see our complete participation rules on our ballot pages.

How can my company increase its chances of being nominated or voted for in the program?
If you want to increase your company’s chances of being considered in the program, there is no better strategy than delivering an outstanding experience to your customers. When they are impressed by your service or product, they are more likely to recommend you and think of you during this awards program. You can also leverage various marketing channels, such as hanging posters in your store, sharing updates on social media, sending email newsletters and more. If you need assistance with promoting your company during the program, contact us through the Business Resources section of this website! We offer advertising packages tailored to your goals, helping you reach your target audience and stand out from the competition. Offering prizes or discount-related incentives to obtain nominations is strictly prohibited and may result in company disqualification.
What comes with being named a finalist or winner in the program?

Winning or placing among the top three finalists in the Community's Choice Awards is a prestigious achievement that reflects a company's excellence in its respective industry. The winners and finalists are published online and publicized to the community, serving as a trusted resource for people searching for the best places to eat, shop, receive services and more. Companies can also showcase their accomplishments by using our free winner and finalist logos and purchasing winner plaques, finalist certificates and window clings that proudly display their achievement. Contact us through the Additional Questions form below to learn more about these opportunities.

Does this program require payment in exchange for participation, or is it solely based on the community’s nominations and votes?

Participation in the Community's Choice Awards is completely free of charge! We believe that every eligible company should have the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding products, services and contributions to the community without any financial barriers. While we do offer advertising opportunities that can help boost a company’s chances, the decision ultimately rests with the public, as winners and finalists are determined through their votes. Company self-promotion with owned marketing channels to solicit nominations and votes are encouraged!

How do I find out the finalists and winners of this year's program?

After the program ends and we contact the finalists, we announce the winners and finalists online. Our online Winners Guide includes company details, making it a trusted resource for those looking for the best places to eat, shop, receive services and more. So, the next time you are searching for a new pizza place, need a reliable plumber, or are shopping for clothing, make sure to check out our guide for some top-notch recommendations!

Is there an awards ceremony or event for the program?

Currently, there is no formal awards ceremony for this program, but we do recognize and celebrate the achievements of participants by announcing the winners online after the completion of the program. As the program continues to grow and attract more participants, we may consider organizing an event to further enhance its prestige!

My company was selected as a finalist or winner. How can I get a plaque or certificate and window cling and when do they arrive?

If you purchased an advertising package, you should receive your window cling, certificate, or plaque within six to eight weeks of the winners being announced. If you did not purchase an advertising package, please contact us through the Additional Questions form below for information on their availability or how to purchase them. Don't forget, you can also showcase your accomplishment by using our free winner and finalist logos.

When is next year's program and what can my company do until then to improve my chances?

Stay tuned to the How it Works section on this website to find out when next year's awards program will take place. Typically, the program follows a similar timeline each year. In the meantime, we encourage you to motivate your company's employees to deliver outstanding experiences to your customers. When customers are impressed by your service or product, they are more likely to recommend you and keep you in mind during the awards program. Thank you for your participation and support, and good luck next year!

Additional Questions?

Have a question not answered above or just want to say hello? Email us your questions using the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible! By submitting you agree to our privacy policy. *Indicates required field.


2023 Program Results

Here they are, the winners and finalists of the 2023 Best of Cleveland County Community’s Choice Awards. These companies were chosen by the community as the best in your area. We encourage you to support these local businesses and organizations by shopping, dining and using their services for a great experience. Keep an eye out for the program’s window clings, plaques or certificates displayed in their establishments.

Shop with or receive services from these top companies for a great experience.

Are you a prior winner or finalist interested in obtaining a plaque or certificate? Contact us.

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