SANDPOINT — Who is the best?

That will be up to county residents as the annual Best of Bonner County continues as nominations opened June 1, and close Sunday, June 16.

"Best of Bonner County is an opportunity for our community to show their support for our local businesses," Kari Packer, Hagadone News Network regional ad director, said. “This is our opportunity to celebrate them and recognize all they do."

This is the community's chance to nominate their favorite businesses across a variety of categories, from dining and health to services and shopping, and much more.

This year, there are a few changes and category additions, including best educator, volunteer, life coach, sports coach, church and best first responder in the community category. In the dining category, added this year are best fries and best pizza. 

To nominate someone for Best of Bonner County 2022, go online to bit.ly/3VuWGQi.

Polls will open for final voting Monday, June 24, and close Monday, July 15. The winners of each category will be announced in the Bonner County Daily Bee's Best of Boundary County 2024 publication in August.

During the nomination process, the community can log onto the platform and nominate businesses in each category. The Best of Bonner County also wants to recognize the people working at our businesses for their service and dedication. The top 5 nomination recipients for each category will move onto the final ballot.

"This is an important part of the process because it ensures the business finalists are nominated in the appropriate category and that they have a business located in Bonner County," Packer said.

"Our role is to be a vehicle for the community's voice. The platform enables us to monitor unfair voting participation. The contest results should 100% reflect the voice of the community."

The Bee is honored and excited to launch the Best of Bonner County 2024 and look forward to sharing the results with the community at the end of August.