The first round of voting in the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce ‘Best of Awards’ competition came to a close at midnight Wednesday, March 3. Nearly 1,000 voters helped narrow down the field to determine the three finalists in each of eight award categories. The finalists who are now competing for their ‘Best of’ titles were announced via the Ellsworth Chamber’s website on Friday, March 5. The finalists in each category are: Best New Business: Lou's Doggy Doos, The Journal, Wild Arrows Boutique.

Best Restaurant/ Tavern/Bar: Broz Bar, Common Man Tap & Table, and Vino in the Valley.

Best Tourism Destination: Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, S& S Sugarbush, and Vino in the Valley.

Best Health & Wellness: Country Fit Nutrition, Kollbaum Chiropractic, and YB Urban?.

Best Professional Home Service: Brush Strokes Paint Party & Art Supply, Harrington’s Greenhouse, and Reuvers’ Nursery.

Best Professional Service: CCF Bank, Designs by Jill, and WESTconsin Credit Union.

Best Non-profit, Civic, Religious Organization: Ellsworth Public Library, Hunger Prevention Council/Food Pantry, St. Francis Catholic Church & School Best Customer Service: Brush Strokes Paint Party & Art Supply, CCF Bank, and Wild Arrow Boutique.

The final round of voting, which will ultimately determine the winners, is now underway. Once again the community is being asked to cast a vote for their picks on the Chamber’s website. The final round of voting will continue through midnight, Friday, March 12, at which time the business or organization receiving the top number of votes in each category will be named the ‘Best of’Award winners.

The awards will be presented at the chamber’s Annual Banquet. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Superheroes Unmasked’. The theme was selected as a tribute to the efforts of the Ellsworth area business community over the past year. “If there was ever a question as to the strength of our business community, that time has passed,” said Kim Beebe, Executive Director Team Member of the Ellsworth Chamber. “They say there’s a superhero in all of us, and this past year we’ve seen evidence of that again and again by our local businesses and their staff.” The banquet is being held virtually this year via Facebook Live on the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page on Monday, March 22, at 7pm. The entire community is invited to the event to celebrate our local business superheroes and to cheer on their favorite businesses. Winners of the ‘Best of’ Awards will be announced, as will the annual Small Business, Large Business, and Community Leader of the Year awards. “While we will miss celebrating in person, we see this as an opportunity to celebrate our entire community,” added Beebe. “We hope all community members will join in the celebration because they are heroes, too!”

To view the official rules for the ‘Best of’Awards competition and to cast your votes, visit the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce website at EllsworthChamber. com. Additional announcements and news about the competition will be made available on the chamber’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/EllsworthCha mber. Individuals with questions can email the chamber at [email protected] com