From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Voting in the 2023 Tribune Readers Choice finals has been tabulated and the winners will be announced on Thursday at noon, publisher Scott Buttram said. The announcement will take place during the award winning Tribune Unscripted livestream hosted by Brannon Dawkins and Buttram each week.
The annual awards are popular with readers and business owners in the Tribune’s nine-city coverage area. Businesses, individuals and events are selected as the “best” in over 200 categories.
Winners receive a certificate of recognition and a door decal. Finalists receive a door decal, and both finalists and winners will all be listed in the upcoming Tribune Readers Choice special print edition. Any finalists or winners that run a quarter page ad or larger in the special edition also receive a free 2 feet by 3 feet banner to display in their business.
“I think our readers really love being able to recognize and support exceptional small businesses in our coverage area,” Buttram said. “Every one of our nine cities have these hidden jewels operating in their community and people really love to lift them up and show them off.”
A record 480,767 votes were cast in the finals phase of the award competition.
This year’s awards have already produced one winner, when Cahaba Cycle won their category as the only qualified nominee in the nomination phase. Another first place winner will be announced Thursday.
“For the first time in history, we have a tie in one category,” Buttram said. “And that tie is in fact a three-way tie with three businesses receiving the exact same percentage of votes in one category. That was pretty shocking.”
City specific categories were added this year, which asked readers to select the best restaurant, business services, retailer and place to work in their respective cities.
“It’s easy for great businesses to get lost in a nine-city coverage area,” Buttram said. “The city specific category makes sure every city gets to recognize their favorites.”