By William Shaw
For years, the Issaquah Reporter staff conducted an online Best of Issaquah reader poll on the most favorite businesses, restaurants, nonprofits, services, public officials, venues and many other categories that feature in a resident of Issaquah’s day to day living. It was one of the more popular contests we ran — and for a good reason. Best of Issaquah engaged local residents to pick their favorite business, venue, nonprofit or person in the contest/poll’s diverse categories. It became a fun showdown among local businesses and movers and shakers for annual bragging rights. In an ergonomic way, the Best of Issaquah results are a quick snapshot of our diverse, vibrant and growing community. It got huge audience engagement. And the business community loved it!
The contest results are an annual way to gauge grass-roots buzz for the best non-profit, the best school, bakery, senior living facility, grocery, bank, the best in healthcare, elected officials, just about every category of cuisine, the best barista and more. Public servants and business people with a lot of friends, family and local connections typically get a good showing, but newcomers and surprise entrants can often shine too.
Last year, I took my own informal poll about renewing the Best of Issaquah contest and connected with local readers and Issaquah business, retail and community leaders. Even while many were coping with the challenging economic / staffing fallout from COVID-19, I was inspired by their great feedback and comments to keep the positive event going.
And Best of Issaquah 2021 reader poll did well. We had over 1,100 individual voters from 98027 and 98029 and a total of 12,000 submissions. Most popular categories were: Best Coffee Shop, Customer Service, Hamburgers, Non-Profit, Fine Dining, Park, Mexican Cuisine, Pizza, Family Restaurant and Lunch. You will see their Best of Issaquah Winner certificates and window clings proudly displayed all over town
By popular demand, Best of Issaquah 2022 is now live! Group categories are Best in Professional Services, Restaurants, Health and Fitness, Shopping and Community. We will have a competitive “Nominations Round” through Aug. 25 and then a “Voting Round” September 23 through Oct. 20. The Best of Issaquah Winners and Finalists will be announced two weeks later.
Who will be nominated? Who will be picked by Issaquah residents? And who will WIN? YOU be the judge!
Nominate your favorite local businesses at https://vote.issaquahreporter.com
If you are a local business, nonprofit or group interested in learning more about branding your business the Best of Issaquah Nomination or Voting rounds, please contact me via email: wshaw@issaquahreporter.com
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William Shaw is General Manager of Sound Publishing’s Eastside Media Group and is a longtime Issaquah resident.
