The first round of voting in the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce “Best of 2024” Awards competition ended at midnight last Wednesday, Jan. 31. Over 1,000 voters narrowed down the field to determine the finalists in each of nine award categories. The finalists who are now competing for their “Best of 2024” titles were announced via the Ellsworth Chamber’s website on Friday, Feb. 2. The finalists in each category are:

Best New Business: Kari’s Korner Hobby & Craft Shop, Mahn Family Funeral and Cremation, Services-Ellsworth, and Studio 2.0 Hair Salon
Best Restaurant/Tavern/Bar: Broz Bar, River Road Coffee, and The Thirsty Badger

Best Tourism Destination: Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Country Club, Vino in the Valley
Best Health & Wellness: Ellsworth Ambulance Service, Studio 2.0 Hair Salon, YB Urban?
Best Professional Home Service: Harrington's Greenhouse, Johnson’s Sanitation, Reuvers' Nursery

Best Professional Service: CCF Bank, Designs by Jill, WESTconsin Credit Union
Best Non-profit, Civic, Religious Organization: Ellsworth Public Library, Hunger Prevention Council-Pierce County Food Pantry, St. Francis Church & School
Best Customer Service: CCF Bank, River Road Coffee, The Thirsty Badger

Best Retail Shopping: East End Gifts, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Wild Arrows 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, Feb. 9, at which time the organizations receiving the top number of votes in each category will be named the “Best of Award” winners.

The awards, along with the Small Business, Large Business, and Community Leader of the Year, will be presented at the chamber’s Annual Banquet, which will be held at Kilkarney Hills on Monday, Feb. 19. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Game Time!” a tribute to the teamwork, discipline, and resilience it takes to be successful in business and an aspirational message for the organization’s goals for 2024.

“In many ways, leading a business is like being out on the field where strategy, adaptability, and resilience are tested every day. Winning requires a strong team effort and the ability to face challenges head,” remarked Kim Beebe, Executive Director Team Member for the Ellsworth Chamber. “Seeing the community cheer on our local businesses during this competition means a lot and is a great reminder of how special it is to do business here.”

To view the official rules for the “Best of 2024” Awards competition and cast your votes to select the final winners, 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 @EllsworthChamber. Individuals with questions can email the chamber at eteam@ellsworthchamber.com

Submitted by Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce