SANDPOINT — It’s time to decide Bonner County’s best businesses for 2020

Once again, the Bonner County Daily Bee is sponsoring the Best of Bonner County competition, a people’s choice contest in which citizens vote for their favorite restaurants, real estate agents, physical therapists, heating and air conditioning companies, coffee joints, hair stylists and more.

"This is our annual community popularity contest,” said Bill Davis, general manager and advertising director. “It’s partly to recognize local businesses and a whole lot of fun. It’s an honor for a business to win, as evidenced by all the marquees and window clings past winners post in their businesses.”

The competition will take place in two phases, much like a primary election and a general election.

The first phase is nominating businesses. That begins today, June 23rd, when anyone can go to https://bonnercountydailybee.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Bonner-County-2020-2/ and nominate businesses in any of the categories.

The nomination process will be open until June 30th. According to Davis, Bonner County Daily Bee staff will then take one week to “vet” the nominees. By that, he said, staff will ensure that businesses provide the services they’re being nominated for, and that the contest accurately reflects what consumers think.

Once the vetting is completed, the five leading nominees in each category advance to the next phase. That’s when the real voting begins: July 13 through July 19.

Davis said all winners will be notified July 27-31, and the public announcement will be made August 29th. First place and runner-up will be awarded in each category.

Davis encouraged residents to visit the website and begin nominating excellent local businesses right away.

“Best of Bonner County is an opportunity for the newspaper to shine a light on the community’s outstanding businesses,” said Davis. “The contest not only supports local business, but connects our audience with the finest products and services in town.”

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.