91原创 residents know what they like, and they let the local business community know as well.
More than 30,000 ballots were cast in the 91原创 Advance Times Readers' Choice awards for 2024, the most in the many years of the local campaign to honour the businesses, organizations and community groups that get it right.
The awards cover all of the 91原创s, including Aldergrove and 91原创 Advance Times/Aldergrove Star publisher Shaulene Burkett said the number of Aldergrove finalists is growing.
These awards are voted on by residents. Voters are restricted to casting one ballot per day, she noted. As well non-local nominees are not counted in the tally.
"We make it about 91原创," she noted.
The categories that get the most exuberant voting are real estate agent, real estate brokerage, and lawyers. Burkett noted that the awards are kept fresh and modern with amendments to the categories. New this year were counselling and consulting services, educational services, and local sporting event as 91原创 positions itself to become a Lower Mainland sports powerhouse.
Vancouver Football Club (VFC) is a new finalist this year for local sporting event. The organization has worked hard to find its place in the local community and readers let them know it's been noticed.
"We are very honoured to be chosen as a finalist for the Reader's Choice Awards," said Stephanie Wood, vice president of marketing and business development. "91原创 has been such a welcoming community to our organization over these last two years, and we feel very special to have the support of those around us. We have been privileged to provide professional soccer to those in 91原创 and the surrounding areas, for both fans and those within the organization. We look forward to continuing to offer unique, family-friendly entertainment for the Fraser Valley and we thank everyone for lifting our club from the ground up (literally)."
Burkett said she's seen the value of the awards program over many years.
"We have people calling us in April asking when it starts so we know the value for business," she commented. "And the public calls to get the special section and they keep it all year to research which businesses won in different categories. And businesses know the value of that."
Austin Catalano, with Royal LePage Wolstencroft, appreciates the recognition because there are so many great real estate experts in the community. It helps validate his belief that it's important to take the time to do the job right and to go above and beyond, striving to be respectful, knowledgeable, trustworthy, personable, honest, and kind.
"I think it鈥檚 a great honour to be chosen by the community for something like this. I take pride in conducting myself the right way, being considerate of others - not only family, friends, and clients that I work with, but also my fellow realtors that I work with on a daily basis," he said. I don鈥檛 necessarily think everyday about winning awards 鈥� that isn鈥檛 the reason I do it. However, is it nice to be recognized for something like this? Absolutely."
The young father, who previously worked in the fitness industry while studying physical education as well as business, believes in supporting the community that supports his family.
"I think giving back to the community is extremely important, whether that鈥檚 through coaching sports like I have done in the past, or being a sponsor of teams, events, fundraisers 鈥� you name it. Giving back and supporting the community is important to me," he said. "As a dad, I think a lot about how I want to contribute to the community that my family will grow up in. I want to contribute to laying down the roots that will grow here."
The winners receive a certificate to display in their establishments and use of the winners' logo for their communications as well as on their websites and social media. The second and third place finalists are able to use special logos as well to show their strong finishes.
Burkett noted that customers do notice Readers Choice Award certificates when they visit local businesses.
