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Best of the Finger Lakes Community’s Choice Awards

Celebrate the best businesses and organizations in the area with the Best of the Finger Lakes 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 140 categories. From trendy hotspots to hidden gems, this awards program is your chance to shine a spotlight on the establishments that make the Finger Lakes area stand out.

THE LATEST: Voting has ended for this year’s program! Did your company make the top three? Contact us! Who will win in this year’s program? Stay tuned!

How it Works

Each year, the Best of the Finger Lakes Community’s Choice Awards recognizes more than 420 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 Top Three

Voting has ended and here are the top three finalists in the 2024 Best of the Finger Lakes Community’s Choice Awards. These companies are among the best in the area but who won? Find out soon when we reveal the winners! Finalists, it’s time to spread the word about your accomplishment. Contact us for advertising packages to reach your audience and spread the word about your achievement.

Beauty & Health
  • Aberle Eye Care
  • BrownStone Physical Therapy
  • Breath of Life Massage
  • Canandaigua Medical Group
  • Canandaigua Medical Group Pharmacy
  • Canandaigua Urgent Care – Thompson Health
  • Chosen Spot Chiropractic & Wellness
  • Clifton Springs Hearing Center
  • Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic
  • Divine Therapeutics•Hayley Godfrey LMT
  • Finger Lakes Dental Care
  • Finger Lakes Hearing Center
  • Finger Lakes Health: Family Practice
  • FF Thompson Hospital
  • Geoffrey Hallstead, DMD, PC
  • Gullo Dental
  • Hair Envy
  • Lattimore Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Premier Canandaigua
  • Lifetime Care
  • Lindsey’s Nails & Spa
  • Mary Kate Corey, BSN, RN-Thompson Health
  • Mead Square Pharmacy
  • Millsy’s Barbershop
  • Mindi Lewis, RN -Thompson Hospital
  • Revive Salon and Spa
  • Reed Eye Associates
  • Rhino Chiropractic
  • Rochester Hearing and Speech
  • Salute Spine & Strength
  • Studio B-Melissa Buchanan
  • Strong Memorial Hospital
  • Symmetry Barber Shop
  • T J’s Barber Shop
  • The Beauty Designer
  • The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa
  • The Eye Care Center
  • Thompson Health
  • Thompson Health Canandaigua Family Practice
  • Touching Hearts at Home
  • UR Medicine Home Care
  • UR Medicine Urgent Care
  • Vicki Nails
  • Wegmans
  • Well Now Urgent Care
  • Woodcliff Hotel & Spa
Dining
  • Abbott’s Frozen Custard
  • Aladdin’s Natural Eatery
  • Canal View Family Restaurant
  • Casa De Pasta
  • Casa Italiana
  • C&B Roasters
  • C&B Roasters Mobile Catering
  • COHO Pizza & Wine Bar
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
  • DiBella’s Italian Market
  • Eric’s Office Restaurant
  • Ever Green Express Chinese & Japanese Cuisine
  • Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters
  • Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
  • Finger Lakes Public House
  • Flavors Indian Restaurant
  • Fluffing Feathers and Flour Bake Shop
  • Faro’s Pizzeria
  • Green Front
  • KiX ON MAIN
  • Laguna Grande Restaurante Mexicano & Bar
  • Ling Ling Chinese Buffet
  • Mac’s Drive-In
  • Mecate Mexican Restaurant
  • Naan-Tastic
  • Nick’s Chophouse
  • Nick’s Chophouse
  • Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake
  • Nolan’s on the Lake
  • Off Main Market
  • Otto Tomotto’s
  • Parks Place Restaurant
  • Peppers Family Restaurant
  • Phillips European Restaurant
  • Ports Cafe
  • Prosecco Italian Restaurant & Jazz Bar
  • Reason’s Bar & Grill
  • Resilience Bakery
  • Rio Tomatlan
  • Route 96 BBQ
  • Sakura Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar
  • Scoops Ice Cream
  • Simply Crepes Cafe and Catering of Canandaigua
  • Sweet Solutions
  • Tandoor of India
  • Texas de Brazil – Rochester
  • The Dainty Donut Food Factory Truck
  • The Dalai Java
  • The Lake House on Canandaigua / Rose Tavern
  • The Original Steve’s Diner
  • The Rusty Pig
  • Voula’s Greek Sweets
  • Wally’s Pub
Entertainment & Leisure
  • 4H Camp Bristol Hills
  • Belhurst Castle and Winery
  • Canandaigua Academy
  • Canandaigua Guesthouse
  • Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show
  • Canandaigua/Rochester KOA Holiday
  • Canandaigua Theatres
  • CMAC
  • Duvall Farms
  • del Lago Resort & Casino
  • Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
  • Finger Lakes Public House
  • Fire and Ice Festival
  • Geva Theatre Center
  • German Brothers Marina
  • Letchworth State Park
  • Lincoln Hill Farms
  • Memorial Art Gallery
  • Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles
  • Naples Grape Festival
  • Ontario County Historical Society
  • Regal
  • RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center)
  • Rochester Broadway Theater League
  • Seabreeze Amusement Park
  • Seager Marine
  • Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
  • Sutter’s Canandaigua Marina
  • The Artist’s Lounge
  • The BoatHouse Club
  • The Lake House on Canandaigua
  • The Little Theatre
  • The Strong National Museum of Play
  • Turning Stone Resort Casino
  • Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
  • Woodcliff Hotel & Spa
Finance
  • Canandaigua National Bank & Trust
  • Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, Wealth Management
  • Community Bank
  • Edward Jones
  • ESL Federal Credit Union
  • Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union
  • Kathleen A. Farrell, CPA, PC
  • LNB Banking
  • Lyons National Bank
  • Mengel Metzger Barr + CO
  • Parrish & Brassie LLP
  • Petrella Phillips
  • Reliant Credit Union
  • Thomas Guinta Tax Service
  • Thomas Scharr, CPA
Kids & Education
  • 4-H Camp Bristol Hills
  • Agape Black Belt Center, LLC
  • Camp Stella Maris
  • Faust’s USA Karate
  • Finger Lakes Community College
  • Happiness House
  • Keuka College
  • Main Street Munchkins
  • Nazareth University
  • Phelps Community Center
  • St. Mary’s School
  • Tammy Allen Dance Academy
  • USA Masters Academy
  • Wings Christian Preschool
Pets
  • Bad Dog Boutique
  • Canandaigua Veterinary Hospital
  • Country Max
  • Finger Lakes Animal Hospital
  • Finger Lakes Pet Resort
  • Howlywood Kennel
  • Mudd-n-Mutts
  • PetCo
  • The Country Vet
Services
  • ABC Painting
  • Ace Swim & Leisure
  • All About Grass Landscaping
  • Ali Ray-ARay of Light Videography
  • Always Locked Self Storage
  • Ashton Place Independent Living
  • Bad Dog Boutique
  • Betts Plumbing & Electrical
  • BodMod Shop Tattoo and Piercing
  • Carl’s Pools & Spas
  • Canandaigua Insurance Agency
  • Cheney Funeral Home
  • Clark Manor House
  • Clifton Springs Nursing Home
  • Dani T Photography
  • Duvall Farms
  • Emerson. Cleaning Services
  • Excelsior Pest Control
  • Ferris Hills At West Lake
  • Finger Lakes Treasure Trove
  • Finger Lakes Animal Hospital
  • FLACRA – Teller Square
  • Fuller Funeral Home
  • Gerber Homes
  • HALCO
  • HALCO
  • HALCO
  • Hyde Electric
  • Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning
  • JC Concepts Premier Custom Homes
  • Julian’s Dry Cleaners
  • Keller Williams Gateway
  • Krossber Brothers Pool and Spa
  • Lacy Katzen Attorneys at Law
  • Lady Luck Tattoo
  • Lakeside Roofing & Contracting
  • Livingston’s Tree Service
  • M. M. Ewing Continuing Care Center
  • Marshall Exterior
  • Morrell Builders
  • Must Stash It
  • On the Spot Cleaners
  • Painters United
  • Paige’s Cleaning Services
  • Potter Heating Cooling & Plumbing
  • Procutters Landscape
  • Proctor Roofing, Inc.
  • Reason Painting
  • Rikki Van Camp-Bare Bulb Studio
  • Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes
  • Star Cleaners
  • Sublime Pest Pros
  • Superior Plumbing
  • Tenax Town Cleaners
  • The Country Vet
  • The Schuppenhauer Law Firm
  • The Spurling Group
  • TruAgent Real Estate
  • Total Tree Services
  • Tree Bros, LLC
  • Victor Pest Management
  • Whitcomb Law Firm, P.C.
  • Wolfe Insurance Agency
Shopping
  • ALDI
  • Amish Outlet-North Chili
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Bloomers Floral & Gift
  • Bostrom Farms Butcher Shop & Smokehouse
  • Bristol’s Garden Center
  • Canandaigua Carpets
  • Canandaigua Farmer’s Market
  • Canandaigua Record Exchange
  • Clifton Springs Hardware Inc.
  • CountryMax Stores
  • Crown Jewelry
  • Duvall Farms-Year Round Farmers Market
  • Earthly Possessions Boutique
  • Fingerlakes Ace Hardware
  • Flour City Estate Sales
  • Greco Jewelry Store
  • HEP Sales- North Main Lumber
  • Kittelberger Florist & Gifts
  • Lily’s Consignment Shop
  • Lowe’s Home Improvement
  • Lynch Furniture Co.
  • Marline Horst and Son
  • Martin’s Amish Furniture
  • Mayflowers Nursery & Garden
  • Once Upon A Child
  • Orville’s Home Appliances
  • Penny Lane Antique Mall
  • Paperback Place
  • Riester’s Appliances
  • Rockcastle Florist
  • Sights and Shades
  • Skip’s Custom Flooring
  • Smitty’s Coins and Currency Exchange
  • Simply Positive
  • Tractor Supply
  • Unique Toy Shop
  • Wegmans
  • Wanda’s Wearables and More Consignment Shop
  • Wildflowers
  • Wayside Garden Center
Spirits
  • BODINES Newark Discount Liquor
  • Bombace Wine & Spirits
  • COHO Pizza & Wine Bar
  • Finger Lakes Public House
  • Fox Run Vineyards
  • Knapp Winery & The Vineyard Restaurant
  • Lisa’s Liquor Barn
  • Noble Shepherd Craft Brewery Store
  • Peacemaker Brewing Company
  • Reason’s Bar & Grill
  • Rebel Sailor Brewing Company
  • Ryan’s Wines and Spirits
  • Three Brothers Wineries and Estates
  • Wally’s Pub
Sports & Fitness
  • Canandaigua Country Club
  • CenterPointe Golf Club
  • Clifton Springs Country Club
  • Enchanted Hills Wellness
  • Grounded by Yoga Studios & Yoga Teacher Training Center
  • Oak Hill Country Club
  • Studio B Fitness & Wellness
  • Tall Trainer Fitness Systems
  • Victor Hills Golf Club
  • Winding Creek
  • YMCA
  • Yoga & Wellness with Jodi
Top Employers
  • FLACRA
  • Fox Run Vineyards
  • HALCO
  • Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes
  • Seager Marine
Vehicles, Dealers & Services
  • Auto Wash Car Wash
  • Canandaigua Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
  • Corby’s Collision Center
  • Delta Sonic Car Wash
  • Family RV Center
  • Garber Randall Buick GMC
  • German Brothers Marina
  • Geneva Foreign and Sports, Inc.
  • HALCO
  • Meyer’s RV Superstore
  • Murphy’s Tire Auto Service Center
  • RF Collision: Garber Randall Automotive Group
  • Saxby’s Collision and Mechanical
  • Seager Marine
  • Sutter’s Canandaigua Marina
  • Splash Car Wash Express
  • Uptown Automotive-North Street
  • Uptown Tire
  • Uptown Tire & Auto Service
  • Uptown Tire & Auto Service-Rochester Rd
  • Van Bortel Auto Group
  • West Herr Auto Group
  • Wilkins RV of Victor

The Categories

There are more than 140 categories in the Best of the Finger Lakes Community’s Choice Awards! This list has been curated to best represent the Finger Lakes area. 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

Barber Shop
Chiropractic Clinic
Dental Practice
Eye Care Clinic
Facial/Massage Therapy
Family Practice
Hair Salon
Hearing Aid/Hearing Specialist Center
Home Health Care Services
Hospital/Medical Center
Nail Salon – Manicure/Pedicure
Nurse/Nurse Practitioner
Pharmacy/Drug Store
Physical Therapy Clinic
Spa
Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic

Dining

Asian Food
Bakery
BBQ
Breakfast
Brunch
Buffet
Burger
Business Lunch
Caterer/Catering Company
Curbside/Carry Out/Drive-Thru
Dessert
Family Friendly Dining
Fine Dining
Fish
Food Truck
Greek Food
Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt
Indian Food
Italian Food
Local Coffee Shop
Meal for the Money
Mexican Food
Outdoor/Patio/Rooftop Dining
Pizza
Steakhouse
Sub/Deli/Sandwich Shop
Waterfront Dining
Wings

Entertainment & Leisure

Art Gallery
Bed and Breakfast
Campground
Casino
Event Venue
Festival/Fair
Hotel
Live Music/Concert Venue
Live Theater
Marina
Movie Theater
Museum
Tourist/Seasonal Attraction – Local
Wedding Venue

Finance

Accounting Firm
Bank
Credit Union
Financial Planning Services
Tax Preparation Services

Kids & Education

After School/Summer Camp Program
Child Care
College/University
Karate/Martial Arts School
Pre-School

Pets

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

Services

Assisted/Senior Living
Cleaning Service Company
Customer Service
Dry Cleaning Company
Electrician/Electrical Service Company
Funeral Home/Crematory
Heating/AC Service Company
Home Builder
Insurance Agency
Law Firm
Lawn Care/Landscaping Company
Non-Profit/Charity Organization
Nursing Home
Painting Company
Paving Company
Pest Control Company
Photographer/Videographer
Plumbing Company
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Company
Roofing Company
Self-Storage Company
Swimming Pool/Spa
Tattoo Studio
Tree Service Company

Shopping

Antique/Coins & Collectibles Store
Appliance Store
Book Store – New/Used
Bridal/Formalwear Boutique
Consignment Store
Farmers Market
Feed & Seed Supply
Flooring Store
Florist Shop
Furniture Store
Garden Center/Nursery
Gift Shop
Grocery Store
Hardware/Home Improvement Store
Jewelry Store
Specialty Shop

Spirits

Bar
Craft Beer Store
Happy Hour
Liquor Store
Wine Store
Winery

Sports & Fitness

Fitness Center/Gym
Golf Course
Private Golf Course
Yoga/Pilates Studio

Top Employers

Employer – 1-100 Employees
Place to Work

Vehicles, Dealers & Services

Auto Body/Collision Center
Auto Repair Shop
Boat/Marine Dealer
Car Wash/Detail Shop
New Car Dealership
Oil Change Service
RV Dealership
Tire Center
Used Car Dealership

Suggest a Category

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.


Winners Edition

Winners of the Best of the Finger Lakes Community’s Choice Awards are revealed to the public in a winners edition. This commemorative, printed section will publish in the Daily Messenger – Finger Lakes 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 the Finger Lakes area.

Publishes November 10, 2024 in the Daily Messenger – Finger Lakes.

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

Business Resources

The Best of the Finger Lakes 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 type the complete company name. Once your choice has been input, complete the registration form (on your first visit) with your information 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 do our best to ensure company information is correct 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 correct the issue. 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 type the complete company name. Once your choice has been input, complete the registration form (on your first visit) with your information 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 do our best to ensure company information is correct 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 correct the issue. 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?

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2023 Program Results

Here they are, the winners and finalists of the 2023 Best of the Finger Lakes 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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