fbpx

 Best of Marathon County Community’s Choice Awards

Celebrate the best businesses and organizations in the area with the Best of Marathon 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 150 categories. From trendy hotspots to hidden gems, this awards program is your chance to shine a spotlight on the establishments that make Marathon County stand out.

Winners are revealed to the public in a printed winners section and online. So, rally your friends, family and community, and let’s make this year’s program the best ever!

The Latest: Voting has ended for this year’s program! Did your company earn a spot as a finalist? Contact us! Find out who won this year’s program on July 27.

How it Works

Each year, the Best of Marathon County Community’s Choice Awards recognizes over 450 businesses and organizations, all thanks to community involvement! Completely driven by public participation, the program begins with nominations and voting determines the finalists and winners in each category.

The Finalists

Voting has ended and here are the finalists in the 2025 Best of Marathon County 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
  •  Aquatic Therapy Center | North Central HealthCare
  •  Aspirus Cancer Care | Aspirus Health
  •  Aspirus Cardiology | Aspirus Health
  •  Aspirus Dermatology Clinic | Aspirus Health
  •  Aspirus Family Health Specialists | Aspirus Health
  •  Aspirus Kronenwetter Clinic | Aspirus Health
  •  Aspirus OB/GYN Associates | Aspirus Health
  •  Aspirus Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics | Aspirus Health
  •  Aspirus Podiatry Associates | Aspirus Health
  •  Aspirus Wausau Hospital| | Aspirus Health
  •  Aspirus Weight-Loss Programs
  •  Audiology| Marshfield Clinic
  •  Azura Memory Care
  •  BalancePoint Chiropractic
  •  Beauty with Hannah
  •  Behavioral Health Clinic
  •  Bella Nails & Spa
  •  Bone & Joint Clinic
  •  Cardiology | Mayo Clinic Health Systems
  •  Central Wisconsin Weightloss and Wellness
  •  Charis Counseling LLC
  •  Dermatology | Marshfield Clinic
  •  Dovorany Orthodontics
  •  Elevé MedSpa
  •  Equilibrium Acupuncture
  •  Essential Medspa
  •  Eye Clinic of Wisconsin
  •  Eyecare Center of Wausau
  •  Family Foot and Ankle Clinic, LLC
  •  Fashion Villa Studio & Spa
  •  Fehrman Orthodontics
  •  First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
  •  Forefront Dermatology
  •  Health In Motion
  •  Innovative Health
  •  Kuhn Hearing Center
  •  Marshfield Clinic Wausau Center | Marshfield Clinic
  •  Massage by Brooke, LLC
  •  Midwest Acupuncture and Pain Treatment Center
  •  Mountain Terrace Senior Living
  •  Nails By Brookelyn Rae
  •  Now and Zen Massage, LLC
  •  Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) | Marshfield Clinic
  •  Opal N’ Ice Salon
  •  Orthopaedic Associates of Wausau
  •  Pick’n Save
  •  Planet Fitness
  •  Pride TLC
  •  Rennes Health & Rehab Center
  •  Return2Health Massage Therapy LLC
  •  Ruppel Chiropractic
  •  Sam’s Club Pharmacy
  •  Sera’s Barbershop
  •  Shopko Optical
  •  Stine Eye Center
  •  Stittleburg Restorative Health Care
  •  Sums Sunless
  •  Surgical Associates
  •  Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry
  •  The Barbershop
  •  The Barbershop A Hair Salon for Men
  •  The Centre For Well Being Inc
  •  The Tanning Studio
  •  Wausau Eye Clinic
  •  Wausau Smiles Dental
  •  Wausau Weight Loss
  •  Wes & Co
  •  Weston – Marshfield Medical Center | Marshfield Clinic
  •  Winding Creek Audiology & Hearing Aid Care, LLC
  •  Young’s Drug Store
Dining
  •  2510 Restaurant
  •  6th Street Filling Station
  •  Angelo’s Family Pizzeria
  •  Becca’s Cafe, Bistro & Catering
  •  Blissful Bites & Brunch
  •  Blue Willow Cafe
  •  Breakfast Bear
  •  Brews Brothers Pub
  •  Briq’s Soft Serve
  •  Buffalo Wild Wings
  •  Caked It LLC
  •  Carmelo’s Italian Restaurant
  •  Casa Mezcal Mosinee
  •  Chang Garden
  •  Ciao
  •  Clean Slate Coffee House
  •  Culver’s
  •  El Mezcal
  •  ERA Pancakes & Cafe
  •  Firehouse Subs
  •  Frosty Freeze
  •  Glass Nickel Pizza Co.
  •  Gorski’s
  •  Hanuman Express
  •  Hatley Hangout
  •  HuHot Mongolian Grill
  •  Kim Bob’s Cafe
  •  King Buffet
  •  Kreger’s Bakery
  •  La Taqueria
  •  Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
  •  Lemongrass Asian Cuisine
  •  Lisa’s at Lakeside
  •  Masa Sushi Grill & Bar
  •  Milwaukee Burger Company
  •  Mosinee Brewing Company
  •  Mosinee Brewing Food Truck
  •  Nueske’s At Gulliver’s Landing
  •  Philly’s Subs & Gyros
  •  Phil’s Round 2 Bar & Grill
  •  Pinewood Supper Club
  •  Pizza Ranch
  •  Richard’s Supper Club
  •  Richard’s Restaurant & Bar
  •  Salty Bones
  •  Sam’s Pizza
  •  Sugar ‘n Spice Cheesecakes & Coffee
  •  Sweet Lola’s Cupcakery & Bakeshop
  •  The Happy Camper
  •  The Loading Zone
  •  The Mint Cafe
  •  The Palms Supper Club
  •  The Pickle Jar
  •  The Pinery Coffee Co.
  •  The Velveteen Plum
  •  TownLine Market
  •  Wasabi Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar
  •  Wausau Mine Company
  •  Wausau On Water (WOW Family Entertainment Center)
  •  Wish Steakhouse
  •  WOW – Wausau
  •  WOW – Wausau On Water Family Entertainment Center
  •  Zillman’s Meat Market
Entertainment & Leisure
  •  400 Block
  •  Children’s Imaginarium
  •  Christmas In July Charity
  •  Clay Corner Studio LLC
  •  Cobblestone Hotel & Suites
  •  CVA (Central Wisconsin Arts Center)
  •  Double M Entertainment
  •  Glass & Grain House
  •  Heis Entertainment
  •  Hilton Garden Inn Wausau
  •  Jefferson Street Inn
  •  Jingle Ball Rock the Hall
  •  Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
  •  Marathon County Historical Society
  •  Mosinee LogJam Festival
  •  Party Boy Audio
  •  Q & Z Expo Center
  •  Rib Mountain State Park
  •  Rothschild Pavillion
  •  Sawmill Adventure Park
  •  Taste ‘N Glow Balloon Fest
  •  The Grand Theater
  •  Wausau On Water (WOW Family Entertainment Center)
  •  Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association (WATEA) | Golf Outing
Finance
  •  Brokaw Credit Union
  •  Buska Retirement Solutions, Inc.
  •  Cloverbelt Credit Union
  •  CoVantage Credit Union
  •  Elite Retirement Group
  •  IncredibleBank
  •  Intercity State Bank
  •  Legacy Tax Solutions, LLC
  •  Mammoth Mortgage
  •  Peoples State Bank
  •  Pinnacle Tax & Accounting
  •  Wausau Tax & Accounting, Inc
Kids & Education
  •  D.C. Everest Early Evergreens Program
  •  DDH Dance Academy
  •  Key To Life Christian
  •  Legato
  •  Little Lions Childcare
  •  Little Scholars Preschool Wausau
  •  Mount Olive Lutheran Early Childhood
  •  Wausau Academy of Dance
  •  Woodson YMCA – Childcare Center
Pets
  •  Ace Hardware
  •  Dog Training by Indi
  •  First Class Pet Lodge & Doggie Day Care
  •  Hidden Acres Dog Lodge
  •  Just Clipping Along
  •  K-9 Elementary LLC
  •  Katzenbarkers Natural Pet Food & Supplies
  •  Kronenwetter Veterinary Care
  •  Muttley Crew
  •  Pet Smart
  •  Tail-Wagging Trims
  •  The Bark Academy Specialized Dog Training & Doggy Daycare
  •  Wausau Animal Hospital
  •  Wisconsin Valley Veterinary Service
Services
  •  1st Choice Pest Control
  •  A-1 Weston Masonry
  •  AA Seamless LLC
  •  ABT Foundation Solutions
  •  Aerial Arborist
  •  Art’s Electric Inc
  •  Avenue Title Services
  •  Axis Insurance Agency
  •  Badgerland Overhead Door LLC
  •  Batteries Plus
  •  Birchwood Highlands Apartments 55+
  •  BK Flatworks
  •  Blue Ribbon Painting
  •  Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center
  •  Bug Busters Pest Control LLC
  •  C&C Services, LLC
  •  Cedar Creek I Senior Housing
  •  Christoffersen Drywall & Painting
  •  CK Carpet Cleaning
  •  Clements Insurance Agency
  •  Complete Cellular Repair
  •  County Land & Title LLC
  •  Crooks Law Firm S.C.
  •  CW Custom Exteriors
  •  Design Theory 19
  •  Devin Krueger, CPIA- Ansay & Associates
  •  Door Pro
  •  Drip Media
  •  Dun-Rite Exteriors
  •  Elegant Homes Cleaning Service LLC
  •  EXIT Midstate Realty
  •  Floorology
  •  Forest Park Village
  •  Forward Realty Group
  •  Four Seasons Heating & AC
  •  Genrich Plumbing
  •  Golden Eagle Restoration
  •  Gowey Abstract & Title Company, Inc.
  •  Gray Law Firm, S.C.
  •  Green Energy Solutions
  •  Gunderson Cleaners
  •  H&H Electric
  •  HappyMac Digital Electronics
  •  Heather Maves Photography
  •  Highland Spring Villas
  •  Hoff Windows Inc
  •  Hougum Law Firm, LLC Estate Planning & Elder Law
  •  Hurtis Heating & Air
  •  In The Lite Electric
  •  Jacob Mizgalski – eXp Realty®
  •  Jodi Teige – EXIT Midstate Realty
  •  Jonnee Bauer – American Family Insurance
  •  Junion Photography
  •  Justin Gaffney Construction LLC
  •  Kayleigh Maven – Forward Realty Group
  •  Kolbe Windows & Doors
  •  KOPest Control
  •  K-tech Kleening & Restoration
  •  LandArt, Inc.
  •  Liv Clean LLC
  •  Mosinee Cleaners
  •  Mount View Care Center
  •  Muzynowski
  •  New Pulse Marketing
  •  Northland Painting & Coatings
  •  NorthStar Builds
  •  Northstar Restoration Services
  •  Northwind Solar
  •  OC Cleaning, LLC
  •  Olson Solar Energy
  •  Osswald Lawncare & Landscaping
  •  Patrick Marcell – Elite Retirement Group
  •  Paula Vesley – Axis Insurance
  •  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes
  •  Placeway Pools, Spas & Patio
  •  Polzin Epoxy Designs
  •  Pride TLC
  •  Primrose Retirement Communities
  •  RC Pavers
  •  Reach for the Magic Destinations
  •  Remodeling Journey
  •  Renaissance by Rennes
  •  Renewal by Andersen
  •  Rennes Health & Rehab Center
  •  Rib Mountain Glass
  •  River life Apartments
  •  Rock Solid Real Estate
  •  Ross Construction LLC
  •  Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home
  •  Sun Harvester Pools, Spas & Saunas
  •  Sun Printing
  •  Sure-Dry
  •  T & E Tree Surgery, Inc.
  •  Terri Yeager Photography
  •  The Pool People
  •  The Tree Fella Co.
  •  The Water Heater Guys
  •  Timber Ridge Builders, LLC
  •  Traska Roofing & Ventilation
  •  Travel Consultants
  •  Travel Leaders
  •  Van Oosten Lawn Service LLC
  •  Wausau Cleaners
  •  Wausau Plumbing Plus LLC
  •  Will Heating & Cooling Inc
  •  Wisconsin Coating Specialist
  •  Ziebell Door Company
  •  Zilisch Asphalt
Shopping
  •  Ace Hardware
  •  ALDI
  •  Baeseman’s Shoes and Clothing
  •  Bauman Nursery and Landscaping
  •  Black Purl
  •  Bling Jewelers
  •  Carpet City
  •  CBD American Shaman
  •  Charlie’s Hardware & Rental
  •  Clay Corner Studio LLC
  •  Clay House
  •  Country Fresh Meats
  •  Dime & Dollar Thrift Store
  •  Down To Earth Greenhouse
  •  Family Treasures & Consignment Shop
  •  Floorology
  •  Floral Magic Creations and The Photographers
  •  Furniture & ApplianceMart
  •  Garden Path Greenhouses LLC
  •  Goodwill
  •  Grebe’s
  •  HOM Furniture
  •  Jim Kryshak Jewelers
  •  Krueger Floral and Gifts
  •  Kwik Trip
  •  Lamb’s Fresh Market
  •  Little Oak Marketplace
  •  Macco’s Floor Covering Center
  •  Marathon Cheese Corporation
  •  Mattress Firm
  •  Menards
  •  Mother Moon Boutique
  •  Mullins Cheese
  •  Nice As New
  •  Once Upon A Child
  •  Pick’n Save
  •  Rogan’s Shoes
  •  Shippy Shoes
  •  Sleep Number
  •  Slumberland Furniture
  •  St. Vincent de Paul
  •  Sunset Country Store
  •  Sweets on Third
  •  The Chocolate Café
  •  The Chocolate Shoppe
  •  The Dispensary
  •  The Milk Merchant
  •  TownLine Market
  •  Velvet Noire Boutique
  •  Wausau Outlet
  •  Wausau Wellness Center
  •  White Giraffe Boutique
  •  Wickersham Jewelry
  •  Zillman’s Meat Market
Spirits
  •  Brews Brothers Pub
  •  Casa Mezcal Mosinee
  •  El Mezcal
  •  El Tequila Salsa
  •  Festival Foods Liquor
  •  Glass & Grain House
  •  Gorski’s
  •  Granite View Market
  •  Loading Zone Eatery
  •  Milwaukee Burger Company
  •  Pagels
  •  The Loading Zone
  •  Timekeeper Distillery
  •  Uncommon Pints
  •  Weston Wine & Spirits
Sports & Fitness
  •  Builer’s Cycle & Fitness
  •  Chase Outdoors
  •  Fleet Farm
  •  Greenwood Hills Country Club
  •  Indianhead Golf Course
  •  Pine Valley Golf Course
  •  Rib Mountain Cycles
  •  Shepperd and Schaller Sporting Goods
  •  Trek Bicycle Store
Top Employers
  •  Elite Retirement Group
  •  Peoples State Bank
  •  Sure-Dry
  •  Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry
  •  TownLine Market
Vehicles, Dealers & Services
  •  Adam Byers – Kocourek Automotive
  •  BRB Autobody
  •  Brian Tetzlaff – Menke Buick GMC Mazda
  •  Brickner’s of Antigo
  •  Brickner’s of Wausau
  •  Bronson’s Full-Service Auto Repair LLC
  •  Camping World
  •  Car Buff’s
  •  Car Connection Central
  •  Car Smart
  •  Discount Tire
  •  Final Finish Detailing LLC
  •  Griesbach Auto Service Inc
  •  Home Town Motors
  •  Jerry Brickner IV – Brickners
  •  King’s Campers
  •  Kocourek Automotive
  •  Menke Auto Group
  •  Mountain Bay Autocare
  •  Olson Tire & Auto Service Inc
  •  Pat’s Body Shop Inc.
  •  Tommy’s Express Car Wash
  •  Yach’s Body & Custom, Inc.
* Top Three list subject to change based on program or category eligibility criteria.

The Categories

There are more than 150 categories in the Best of Marathon County Community’s Choice Awards! This list has been curated to best represent Marathon 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
Barber Shop
Cardiology Clinic/Hospital
Chiropractic Clinic
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Center
Dental Clinic
Dermatology Clinic
Eye Care Clinic
Family Practice
Hair Salon
Hearing Aid/Hearing Specialist Center
Hospital/Medical Center
LASIK Surgery Center
Massage Therapy
Memory Care
Nail Salon – Manicure/Pedicure
OBGYN/Women’s Health Services
Orthodontic Clinic
Pharmacy/Drug Store
Physical Therapy Clinic
Podiatry Clinic
Rehabilitation Facility
Spa/Medical Spa
Sports Medicine/Orthopedic Center
Tanning Salon
Weight Loss Center

Dining

All-Around Restaurant
Bakery
BBQ
Brats/Hot Dogs/Sausages
Breakfast
Brunch
Buffet
Burger
Caterer/Catering Company
Doughnut Shop
Family Friendly Dining
Fine Dining
Fish Fry/Fish Boil
Food Truck
Fried Cheese Curds
Fried Chicken
Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/Frozen Custard
Italian Food
Local Coffee Shop
Lunch
Mexican Food
Outdoor/Patio/Rooftop Dining
Pizza
Salad/Salad Bar
Seafood Restaurant
Steakhouse
Sub/Deli/Sandwich Shop
Supper Club
Sushi
Wings

Entertainment & Leisure

Art Gallery
Birthday Party Venue
Community/Charity Event
DJ Company
Event Venue
Family Amusement
Hotel
Museum
Tourist/Seasonal Attraction – Local

Finance

Accounting Firm
Bank
Credit Union
Financial Planning Services
Mortgage Lending Company

Kids & Education

Child Care
Dance Studio/School
Pre-School

Pets

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

Services

Advertising/Marketing Agency
Apartment Complex
Assisted/Senior Living
Basement/Foundation/Water Proofing Service Company
Bathroom/Kitchen Remodeling Company
Cleaning Service Company
Computer/Tablet/Cell Phone Repair
Construction Company
Dry Cleaning Company
Electrician/Electrical Service Company
Floor Coating Company
Funeral Home/Crematory
Garage Door Company
Glass/Door Company
Gutter Company
Heating/AC Service Company
Home Builder
Home Repair/Remodeling Company
Insurance Agency
Insurance Agent
Interior Design Company
Law Firm
Lawn Care/Landscaping Company
Nursing Home
Painting Company
Paving Company
Pest Control Company
Photography/Videography Company
Plumbing Company
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Company
Restoration Company
Retirement/55+ Community
Roofing Company
Siding Company
Swimming Pool/Spa
Title Compnay
Travel Agency
Tree Service Company
Window Company

Shopping

Appliance Store
Arts & Crafts Store
Boutique
CBD Store
Cheese Store
Consignment Store
Convenience Store
Flooring Store/Flooring Installation
Florist Shop
Furniture Store
Garden Center/Nursery
Grocery Store
Hardware/Home Improvement Store
Jewelry Store
Mattress Store
Meat Market/Seafood Shop
Shoe Store
Thrift Store

Spirits

Bar
Bloody Mary
Brewpub/Brewery
Liquor Store
Margarita
Old Fashioned

Sports & Fitness

Bicycle Store
Golf Course
Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store

Top Employers

SPONSORED BY

Place to Work

Vehicles, Dealers & Services

Auto Body/Collision Center
Auto Repair Shop
Car Salesperson
Car Wash/Detail Shop
New Car Dealership
RV Dealership
Tire Center
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.


Winners Section

Winners of the Best of Marathon County Community’s Choice Awards are revealed to the public in a printed winners section. This commemorative, printed section will publish in the Wausau Daily Herald 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 Marathon County. Winners are also posted on this website after they are announced, where they can be easily accessed.

Publishes July 27, 2025 in the Wausau Daily Herald.

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

Business Resources

The Best of Marathon 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 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 plaques and other awards materisal 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 and other awards materials and when do they arrive?

If you purchased an advertising package, you will receive your window cling 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 a plaque or other awards materials. 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 plaques and other awards materials 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 and other awards materials and when do they arrive?

If you purchased an advertising package, you should receive your plaque and window cling 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 a plaque and other awards materials. 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!

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.

Last Year’s Program Results

Here they are, the winners and finalists of the 2024 Best of Marathon 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 other awards materials 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.

Produced By

Powered By

Part of the

Copyright 2025 © USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures - All Rights Reserved - Privacy Policy