[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”44px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(237,239,239,0) 60%|#edefef 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/bestof.amplifieddigitalagency.com\/longview\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/How-It-Works-Right-Side-Textured-Background-1-1.jpg” background_position=”top_center” background_vertical_offset=”0%” custom_padding=”6vw||||false|false” top_divider_style=”mountains2″ top_divider_color=”#FFFFFF” top_divider_height=”10vw” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What is the Contest Process?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|500|on||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#8DC242″ max_width=”500px” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|20px||20px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| background: var(–main-color-hex) !important;||}” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The program is conducted in three phases within the Contest Ballot: Each year, we invite readers and the local community to nominate and vote for their favorite businesses and community leaders in the region<\/em>. Providing a spotlight of top businesses and leaders all year long.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Nomination Phase” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”32px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” header_level=”h3″ header_font_size=”24px” header_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_font_size_phone=”18px” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et-pb-icon {|| color: var(–main-color-hex) !important;||}” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-36fd78a7-34bc-404d-873c-dafa34efaae5%22:%91%22image_icon_background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Through our user-friendly digital ballot platform, participants can submit their nominations for whom they would like to see honored. If you do not see a business or community leader on the ballot, you can nominate them by writing them in. It can take up to 72 hours for the business to appear on the ballot. Users can nominate one time in each category and cannot change their nomination\u2014please nominate carefully! The top 5 nominees with most nominations in each category will advance to the voting ballot.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Voting Phase” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”32px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” header_font_size=”24px” header_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_font_size_phone=”18px” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et-pb-icon {|| color: var(–main-color-hex) !important;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Once the nomination phase closes, the top five (plus any ties) nominees with most nominations in each category will advance to the voting phase<\/em>. During the voting phase, users can vote once per day per category on the digital ballot.<\/p>\n Businesses may purchase a “text-to-vote” code for each category. Participants can submit votes using their mobile device. Users can vote once per day per category by texting the designated number with the business code provided. The top three (plus any ties)<\/em> nominees with the most votes in each category will advance to being featured as this year\u2019s final winners.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Winners Announced Phase” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”32px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” header_font_size=”24px” header_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_font_size_phone=”18px” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et-pb-icon {|| color: var(–main-color-hex) !important;||}||||selector em {|| font-size: .8em;||}” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-36fd78a7-34bc-404d-873c-dafa34efaae5%22:%91%22image_icon_background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Our final winners are determined by the top three (plus ties) businesses and community leaders in each category <\/em>from the Voting Phase. We recognize a \u2018Winner\u2019 and two \u2018Favorites\u2019 (plus ties)<\/em> in each category, Top final winners are featured in a special publication published in our local newspaper and on the newspaper website, social page and email.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Check the contest ballot to see your business won?<\/p>\n Final winners can request a special certificate of achievement to display at their business, along with a complimentary promotional marketing kit to showcase their business all year and encourage the community to shop or use their services.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/share.hsforms.com\/1Weio1m5-Ssajqvf5xmGTOA4080q” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”REQUEST YOUR CERTIFICATE & FREE PROMOKIT NOW!” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#042C47″ button_border_radius=”45px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n * There is no purchase necessary to participate.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” background_color=”#8DC242″ custom_padding=”30px||0px||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”#page-container selector.et_pb_section {|| background-color: var(–main-color-hex) !important;||}” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Ensuring Fairness & Integrity” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the program. To ensure a fair and transparent process:<\/p>\n We\u2019re proud to say that this year\u2019s finalists truly reflect the voice of the local community and our readers.<\/p>\n Please join us in congratulating all the Winners and participants in this year\u2019s contest. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ module_id=”faqs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Frequently Asked Questions” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|500|on||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#8DC242″ max_width=”500px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|20px||20px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| background: var(–main-color-hex) !important;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_heading title=”Best of FAQs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” title_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” toggle_level=”h4″ toggle_line_height=”1.1em” body_font_size=”14px” body_line_height=”1.6em” body_ul_item_indent=”2rem” max_width=”980px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”body selector.et_pb_accordion .et_pb_toggle_open {|| border-color: var(–main-color-hex) !important;|| box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgb(0 0 0 \/ 5%);||}||||selector.et_pb_accordion .et_pb_toggle {|| transition: all .2s ease;||}||||body selector.et_pb_accordion .et_pb_accordion_item.et_pb_toggle_open .et_pb_toggle_title {|| color: var(–main-color-hex) !important;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content a {|| color: var(–main-color-hex) !important;|| text-decoration: underline !important;||}||||selector.et_pb_accordion .et_pb_accordion_item.et_pb_toggle_open .et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| content: %22K%22 !important;||}||||body selector.et_pb_accordion .et_pb_toggle .et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| color: var(–main-color-hex) !important;||}||||selector.et_pb_accordion .et_pb_accordion_item {|| margin-bottom: 10px !important;|| padding: 15px 20px !important;|| border-color: var(–main-color-hex) !important;||}||||selector.et_pb_accordion .et_pb_toggle_content {|| padding-top: 10px;||}||||selector.et_pb_accordion ol ul {|| padding-bottom: 0 !important;||}” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#CDCDCD” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-36fd78a7-34bc-404d-873c-dafa34efaae5%22:%91%22quote_icon_color%22,%22quote_icon_color%22,%22quote_icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22open_toggle_text_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22open_toggle_text_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22open_toggle_text_color%22,%22icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22%93}” toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”1. Why do I have to register to nominate or vote?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”on”]<\/p>\n We require all users to register before interacting on the ballot for the first time. This ensures the process is fair and prevents people from \u201cstuffing the ballot.\u201d Once registered, you can come back to the ballot at any time and continue to nominate or vote. If you return using a different browser, you will be asked to enter a code that was sent to the email address provided. If you have issues participating on the ballot, contact us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”2. Can I nominate more than once?” open=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To keep the ballot fair, we only allow users to nominate in each category once.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”3. Can I vote more than once?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Because we only allow the top 5 businesses with the most nominations into the voting round, we do allow users to vote once per 24 hours in each category during the voting phase. Once you vote in a category, a timer will appear above the category name to let you know when you can vote again.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”4. Who selects the businesses that move into the voting phase?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n You do! Once the nomination phase is over, we tally up the nominations in each category, and only the businesses with the most nominations move through to the voting phase.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”5. What if I don\u2019t see a business on the ballot?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n If you do not see a business on the ballot during the nomination phase but they meet the requirements to be nominated in the category, you can utilize the write-in feature at the bottom of the category. Please note it can take up to 72 hours for the business name to appear on the ballot.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”6. Can I change my nomination?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n We do not allow users to change their nomination\u2014please nominate carefully!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”7. Do I have to register every time I come back to the ballot to nominate or vote?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
<\/strong>1. Nomination 2. Voting 3. Finalists Announcement.<\/p>\nDid Your Business Win?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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