COEUR d’ALENE — It’s the best time of the year for a bunch of businesses.

Welcome to the 2019 Best of North Idaho competition.

Sponsored by The Business Journal of North Idaho, Best of North Idaho is now in its 13th year. The popular people’s choice contest features citizens voting for their favorite local restaurants, real estate agents, physical therapists, coffee joints, hair stylists and much more.

“This is a big deal, especially for the winning businesses,” said Advertising Director Kari Packer, who oversees the contest. “Many of them incorporate their ‘Best of’ honors in all their marketing efforts, and locals instantly recognize that distinctive logo as a mark of excellence.”

Packer explained that the contest is divided into two parts, much like a primary and general election.

Today through Jan. 27, you can nominate local businesses you think are worthy of recognition. The nomination process, like a primary election, will winnow down the number of businesses in each category to five finalists.

To participate in the nominations, go to: cdapress.com/bestof

You’ll find easy access to the different categories. If you’d like to refresh your memory on last year’s winners, go to: www.cdapress.com/bestof

The next phase, in February, will be the general election. Readers will cast their votes for one business in as many of the 169 categories as they’d like.

In late March, The Business Journal of North Idaho will announce all the winners.

BEST OF NORTH IDAHO

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

1. Go to cdapress.com/bestof now through Jan. 27.

2. Nominate your favorite businesses in as many of the 169 categories as you wish.

3. Go back to cdapress.com/bestof between Feb. 10-17.

4. Vote for your favorite business in as many categories as you wish, but only one vote per person, per category will be allowed.

5. Sit back and relax. The winners and runners-up will be announced in March.