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Shorepicks Community’s Choice Awards

Celebrate the best businesses and organizations in the area with the Shorepicks 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 Wilmington area stand out.

Winners are revealed to the public 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: 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 Shorepicks 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 Shorepicks 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
  • Adrianne Ranck, MS, CCC-SLP – Coastline Therapy Group
  • Alyssa Diggan – Coastline Therapy Group
  • Amy Marro – Tanglez Salon and Spa
  • Atlantic Dental Group
  • Audiology Of Wilmington
  • Back In Motion Chiropractic
  • BenchMark Physical Therapy
  • Bowling Orthopaedics
  • Brittany Kirchner – Spot-On Therapy Group
  • Browning Orthodontics
  • Campbell & Covington
  • Cape Fear Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Carolina Pediatrics
  • Coastal Integrative Health
  • Coastline Therapy Group
  • Colleen Rollo, DPT – Paradigm Performance Therapy
  • Creative Hands Occupational Therapy, Inc.
  • David Gagliardi, AuD – Wilmington Health
  • Dimock, Weinberg and Cherry Coastal Carolina Pediatric Dentistry
  • Dr. Egg Pediatric Dentistry
  • Emerge Ortho
  • Family Pharmacy
  • Glo Medspa
  • Grace Frank – Foiled Hair Salon
  • Great Clips
  • Greatest Potential Chiropractic
  • Hampstead Physical Therapy
  • Hamm Hearing Aid
  • Head to Toe
  • Hickman’s Pharmacy
  • Home Instead
  • Jenny Rojas – Tanglez
  • Joshua Cillo, AuD – Coastal Hearing Centers
  • Karen Harradine, OTR – OT Solutions
  • La Belle Vie Plastic Surgery
  • Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services
  • Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
  • Mancini Orthodontics
  • Massage Envy
  • Masonboro Family Medicine
  • McNeill’s Pharmacy
  • Novant Physicians Group
  • Right at Home
  • Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry
  • Rory O’Dell, DPT – Coastline Therapy Group
  • Seashore Eye Associates
  • ShaNa’ Hubbard – Coastline Therapy Group
  • Sean Rollo, DPT – Paradigm Performance Therapy
  • Spot-On Therapy Group
  • Swell Vision Center
  • Tanglez Salon
  • Tara Baran – Creative Hands Occupational Therapy
  • The Pediatric Center
  • Therapy Works of Wilmington
  • Well Care Home Health
  • Wilmington Eye
  • Wilmington Health Audiology
  • Wilmington Health Family Medicine
  • Wilmington Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
  • Wilmington Health Pediatrics
  • Wilmington Health Physical Therapy
  • Wilmington Health Plastic Surgery
  • Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry
  • Wisp Salon
Dining
  • 3 Friends Coffee
  • A Taste of Italy
  • Alicia Mitchell – The Kitchen Sink
  • Apple Annie’s Bake Shop
  • Apple Annies
  • Beach Bagels & Subs
  • Blueberry Grill
  • Blueberry’s Grill
  • Bluewater Grill
  • Boombalatti’s Homemade Ice Cream
  • Bridgetender
  • Brooklyn
  • Brunswick Beer and Cider
  • Britt’s Donut Shop
  • Brunches
  • Bruster’s
  • Brusters
  • Burney’s Sweets & More
  • Cape Fear Seafood
  • Caper Fear Seafood
  • Casey’s
  • Circa 1922
  • Copper Penny
  • Double Happiness
  • Donut Inn
  • Eggs Up Grill
  • El Cerro
  • Empire Deli
  • Farmhouse Kitchen
  • Fish Bites
  • Flaming Amy’s
  • Frontier Food To Go
  • Genki Sushi
  • G Prime
  • Grinders
  • Hidden Grounds
  • Hiro Japanese Steakhouse
  • Ida Thai
  • Indochine
  • Indochine Restaurant
  • Island’s
  • Italian Bistro
  • Jason Raynor – Italian Bistro
  • J Michael’s Philly Deli
  • K38
  • Kipos
  • Kyoto Asian Grille
  • La Cocina Mexican Restaurant
  • Mess Hall
  • Middle of the Island
  • Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream
  • New Day Cafe
  • Nori Asian Fusion
  • Olivero
  • Panacea Brewing Company
  • Pie’s On Pizzeria and Grill
  • Pizzetta’s
  • Port land Grille
  • PTs
  • Quanto Basta
  • Rucker Johns
  • S&L Deli
  • Savor Southern Kitchen
  • Sea Level
  • Seabird
  • Seaside Bagels
  • Sunny Gerhart – Olivero
  • Sweet D’s Cuisine
  • The Bridge Tender
  • The Green House Restaurant
  • The Half
  • The Kitchen Sink
  • True Blue Butcher & Table
  • Umaii Thai Restaurant
  • Wake N Bake Donuts
  • Whiskey Trail Pub & Grill – Midtown & Masonboro
  • Winnie’s Tavern
  • Zocalo
Entertainment & Leisure
  • Airlie Gardens
  • Aquarium at Fort Fisher
  • Art in Bloom Gallery
  • Battle House Laser Tag
  • Blockade Runner Beach Resort
  • Bradley Creek Marina
  • Cameron Art Museum
  • Cape Fear Presbyterian Church
  • Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
  • Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, an IHG Hotel
  • Hotel Ballast
  • Immaculate Conception
  • Inlet Watch Yacht Club
  • Jungle Rapids
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion
  • Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream
  • North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
  • Port City Community Church
  • Port City Marina
  • Port City Shakedown
  • The Artworks
  • The Rhythm Connection
  • USS North Carolina
  • Wilmington Railroad Museum
  • Wilmington Symphony
Finance
  • Alpha Mortgage
  • Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
  • ATAX – Masonboro Commons
  • Barron Winslow – Edward Jones Financial Advisor
  • Brad Brown – Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
  • Corning Credit Union
  • Dell Allen – North State Bank
  • Earney & Company
  • Excite Credit Union
  • Henderson & Stafford
  • Jon Tait – Raymond James
  • Marsha Stone – TowneBank Mortgage
  • Sebastian Hajek – Cross Country Mortgage
  • Signature Wealth Strategies – Jon Tait
  • South State Bank
  • Stacey Shaw – Alpha Mortgage
  • TowneBank Mortgage
Kids & Education
  • Bellamy Elementary School
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina
  • Brunswick Community College
  • Burgaw Dance Center
  • C.M.A.A Coastal Martial Arts Academy
  • Cape Fear Academy
  • Dynamic Martial Arts
  • Happy Kids
  • Island Montessori
  • La Petite Dance
  • Lion’s Crest
  • Little Town Learning Center
  • Mustard Seed Ministry Childcare Center
  • Myrtle Grove Christian School
  • Techniques In Motion
  • UNCW MarineQuest
  • Wee Care – Pine Valley Methodist Church
  • Wilmington Christian Academy
Pets
  • Aunt Kerry’s
  • Family Dog Naturals
  • Grooming By Jess
  • Midtown Pawville
  • Splish Splash
  • The Dog House
  • The Dog Play Spot
  • Unleashed, The Dog & Cat Store
  • Von Barkees
  • Wellspring Holistic Veterinary Care
  • Whole Pet Veterinary Hospital
  • Wilmington Animal Healthcare Veterinary Hospital
Services
  • Ace Lawn Care
  • Affordable Blinds and More
  • AlphaGraphics
  • Anderson Air
  • Ashley Wescott Electric
  • Baker Roofing
  • Beach Babes & Buckets
  • Bell Custom Homes
  • Bradley Creek Health Center at Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall
  • Brittany C. Hall – Block, Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed, LLP
  • Budget Blinds of Wilmington
  • Bug-N-A-Rug
  • Cambridge Village of Wilmington
  • CAMS – Community Association Management Services
  • Canady & Son Exterminating
  • Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall
  • Carpet Smart
  • Cathleen Coneghan – Chris Luther Real Estate Team
  • Chris Baynes – Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
  • Coastal Lawn Service
  • Coastal Window & Door Center
  • Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
  • Completely Clean Power Washing
  • Crawl Space Ninja of Wilmington
  • Crawlspace Medic of Wilmington
  • DiMone Plumbing
  • Dock Street Printing
  • Eastern Plumbing Co. of Wilmington
  • Erik Schuette Handyman Services
  • Fulford Construction Group
  • Fulford Heating & Cooling
  • Hardy Signs & Design
  • Healthy Home Pest Control
  • James Rutherford, Attorney at Law
  • JS Mintz Plumbing Service, Inc.
  • Josh London State Farm
  • Law Office of J. Chris Huff
  • Leanne Marie Photography
  • Liberty Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
  • Monarch Roofing
  • Misty Lynn Photography
  • My Carolinas Insurance
  • NC Farm Bureau Insurance Agency
  • NINE10 Coastal Concierge
  • Oriental Rug & Carpet Cleaning Specialists
  • OxiFresh
  • Patriot Roofing
  • Pelican Prowash
  • Re/Max Essential
  • Regina Drury – Regina Drury Real Estate Group
  • Salt Air Heating, Cooling & Electrical
  • Sarah Booth – Booth Creative
  • Sea Coast Rentals
  • Seaspray Exterior Cleaning
  • Sellers Tile Co
  • Steve R. Porter, Attorney at Law
  • Snyder’s Electric
  • Strickland’s Home
  • Sureline Finishes
  • Tar Heel Basement Systems
  • The Braddock Group
  • The Davis Community
  • The Kirby Law Firm
  • The Kitchen Man
  • The Wortman Law Firm
  • Tribute Properties
  • Trusst Builder Group
  • Turfology
  • Von Barkees
  • Wanda’s Special Touch Cleaning
  • Wellspring Holistic Veterinary Care
  • Whole Pet Veterinary Hospital
  • Window Ninjas of Wilmington
  • Window World
  • Wilmington Animal Healthcare Veterinary Hospital
Shopping
  • A Goodnight Sleepstore
  • Ace Hardware Leland
  • Anchored Home
  • Aussie Island Surf Shop
  • Azalea Antiques
  • Bella + James Children’s Boutique
  • Biggers Market
  • Bloke Apparel & Supply
  • Boseman’s Shoes
  • Cape Fear Home Furnishings and Consignments
  • Carpet Smart
  • Coastal Hemp Company
  • Crabby Chic
  • Custom Home Furniture Galleries
  • Dillard’s
  • Dragonflies
  • Eagle Island Fruit and Seafood
  • F&H Appliance
  • Finders Keepers Children’s Resale
  • Fleet Feet
  • Floor and Decor
  • Floors of Wilmington
  • Food Lion
  • Fred’s Beds
  • Gentleman’s Corner
  • Girls Style Boutique
  • Harris Teeter
  • Julia’s Florist
  • Kingoff’s Jewelers
  • Kure CBD & Vape
  • Legacy Architectural Salvage
  • Lewis Strawberry Nursery & Farm
  • LIV
  • Lovey’s
  • Mattress Firm
  • Memories of a Child
  • Memory Lane Comics
  • Monarch Design Co.
  • Pender Pines
  • Perry’s Emporium
  • Publix
  • Reeds Jewelers
  • Salt Marsh Market
  • Sandalwood, Leland
  • Seaglass Monthly Market
  • Seaview Crab Company
  • Shoe Center
  • Squigley’s Ice Cream & Treats
  • Stevens Ace Hardware
  • Sweet Nectar
  • Tidal Creek
  • The Ivy Cottage
  • The Plant Outpost
  • The Veggie Wagon
  • True Blue Butcher and Baker
  • Vintage Values
  • Wrigglesworth Ace Hardware
Spirits
  • Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria
  • Blind Elephant
  • Bridgewater Wines
  • Brunswick Beer and Cider
  • End of Days Distillery
  • Hi-Wire
  • Palate
  • Pour Taproom Wilmington
  • The Fortunate Glass
  • The Husk
  • The Sea Witch Lounge
  • Waterman’s Brewing
  • Whiskey Trail Pub and Grill Midtown/Masonboro
  • Wilmington Brewing Company
  • Wrightsville Beach Brewery
Sports & Fitness
  • Aaron Beckwith – Tiny Gym Co.
  • Aussie Island Surf Shop
  • Beau Rivage Golf & Resort
  • Bike Cycles
  • Canady’s Sport Center
  • Charlie’s Charters
  • Great Outdoor Provision Co.
  • Harry Grossman – 4ever24fit
  • Ironclad Golf
  • Port City Power Yoga
  • Rising Sun Fishing
  • Rose Pilates
  • Shore Break Bikes
  • Two Wheeler Dealer
  • Whipsaw Fishing Charters
  • Wilmington Municipal Golf Course
  • Wilmington Yoga
  • Zach Moore – Peak Athletics
Top Employers
  • Angela Esquivel – Coastline Therapy Group
  • Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
  • Coastal Kia
  • Coastline Therapy Group
  • Donnie Canady – Tanglez Salon
  • Pat Koballa – Coastal Kia
  • Tanglez Salon
Vehicles, Dealers & Services
  • Aspen Tire and Repair
  • Atlantic Marine – Grady-White Boats Showroom
  • Auto Wholesale
  • Bellhart Marine
  • Blacks Tire & Auto
  • Black’s Tire & Auto Service
  • Brandon Wright – Coastal Kia
  • Coastal Kia
  • Cruisers Car Wash & Detail Center
  • Fins Car Wash
  • Heber Quezada – Coastal Kia
  • Hendrick Toyota
  • Howard RV Center
  • Jeff Gordon Chevrolet
  • JS & J Auto
  • Kelvin Swinson – Coastal Kia
  • My RV Broker
  • Parkway Hyundai
  • Rex & Sons RV
  • Saltwater Marine
  • Squeaky Shine
  • Hughes Brothers

The Categories

There are more than 140 categories in the Shorepicks Community’s Choice Awards! This list has been curated to best represent the Wilmington 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

Audiologist
Chiropractic Clinic
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Center
Dental Clinic
Eye Care Clinic
Family Practice
Hair Salon
Hair Stylist
Hearing Aid/Hearing Specialist Center
Home Health Care Services
Non-Medical Home Health Services
Occupational Therapy Clinic
Orthodontic Clinic
Pediatric Clinic
Pediatric Dental Clinic
Pharmacy/Drug Store
Physical Therapy Clinic
Spa
Speech Therapy/Pathology Center
Sports Medicine/Orthopedic Center

Dining

Bagels
Bakery
Breakfast
Brunch
Buffet
Burger
Burrito/Taco
Caterer/Catering Company
Chef
Chinese Food
Curbside/Carry Out/Drive-Thru
Dessert
Doughnut Shop
Family Friendly Dining
Fine Dining
Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/Frozen Custard
Italian Food
Japanese Food
Local Coffee Shop
Lunch
Mexican Food
New Restaurant
Oysters/Clams
Pizza
Romantic Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant
Steakhouse
Sub/Deli/Sandwich Shop
Thai Food
Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free Food
Wings

Entertainment & Leisure

Art Gallery
Birthday Party Venue
Bowling Center
Family Amusement
Hotel
Karaoke Bar
Live Music Artist/Group/Band
Live Music/Concert Venue
Marina
Museum
Place of Worship
Tourist/Seasonal Attraction – Local

Finance

Bank
Financial Planning Services
Mortgage Lender
Mortgage Lending Company
Tax Preparation Services

Kids & Education

After School/Summer Camp Program
Child Care
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

Assisted/Senior Living
Attorney
Basement/Foundation/Water Proofing Service Company
Bathroom/Kitchen Remodeling Company
Blinds/Shutters Company
Carpet/Rug Cleaning Company
Cleaning Service Company
Electrician/Electrical Service Company
Heating/AC Service Company
Home Builder
Home Repair/Remodeling Company
Insurance Agency
Law Firm
Lawn Care/Landscaping Company
Pest Control Company
Photographer/Videographer
Plumbing Company
Power Washing Company
Printing Company
Property Management Company
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Company
Retirement/55+ Community
Roofing Company
Window Company

Shopping

Antique/Coins & Collectibles Store
Appliance Store
Boutique
CBD Store
Children’s Clothing Store
Consignment Store
Flooring Store
Florist Shop
Furniture Store
Garden Center/Nursery
Grocery Store
Hardware/Home Improvement Store
Healthy/Organic Food Store
Jewelry Store
Mall/Shopping Center
Mattress Store
Meat Market/Seafood Shop
Men’s Clothing Store
Pawn Shop
Produce
Shoe Store
Specialty Shop
Surf Shop
Women’s Clothing Store

Spirits

Bar
Beer Selection – Restaurant/Bar
Brewpub/Brewery
Cocktails – Restaurant/Bar
Sports Bar
Wine Store

Sports & Fitness

Bicycle Store
Fishing Charter
Golf Course
Personal Trainer
Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store
Yoga/Pilates Studio

Top Employers

Boss
Overall Leadership
Place to Work

Vehicles, Dealers & Services

Auto Repair Shop
Boat/Marine Dealer
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 Edition

Winners of the Shorepicks Community’s Choice Awards are revealed to the public in a winners edition. This commemorative, printed section will publish in the September 29, 2024 edition of the StarNews Media 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 Wilmington area. After the winners edition publishes, the winners are published for free online.

Publishes September 29, 2024 in the StarNews Media.

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

Business Resources

The Shorepicks 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 Shorepicks 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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