Contest names ‘The Best of’  nearly everything in Southland

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Updated: October 31, 2011 2:02PM

Shrewd shoppers seek out the best in their region.

Ever wonder what hamburger joint offers the tastiest burger? Who’s the best dentist? What landscaper does the nicest job manicuring lawns? What business offers the coolest place to find materials for our hobbies? Who has the nicest amenities at their spa?

You’ll find the answers to such questions in the 2011 SouthtownStar Best of Chicago’s Southland in the NeighborhoodStar section of today’s paper — a listing of the best the region has to offer in about 70 business categories.

The SouthtownStar got the ball rolling last month by prompting readers to let us know their favorite places to shop, eat, learn dancing, golf, get their nails manicured and dozens of other products and services — and did they respond.

Ballots cut out from the SouthtownStar or filled out online poured in, keeping the staff busy tabulating the winners. But that’s nothing new — the popular contest has been going on for 15 years and for good reason, according to the SouthtownStar’s advertising manager John Doolin.

“All the feedback we receive year after year is positive, and all businesses look forward to the results,” he said.

Doolin sees the promotional contest as a win-win situation for SouthtownStar readers as well as for local businesses.

“The ‘Best of’ lets readers cast a vote for their favorite in more than 70 different categories, and (the section in the SouthtownStar) lets businesses reach out to their customers — our readers — and showcase their goods and or services,” he said.

In addition to being listed in the special section, those selected as the best get a framed certificate and a window cling “SouthtownStar Best of Chicago’s Southland — 2011” to place at their business.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to all the SouthtownStar readers who participated by casting their votes.