More than 100 people gathered Wednesday to celebrate businesses and individuals the community voted ‘Best of the Best’ in dozens of categories.
LocaliQ and The Times Herald held the third Best of the Blue Water Area Awards Gala on Wednesday evening at the Blue Water Convention Center, located at 800 Harker St. The community was given the opportunity to nominate their favorite businesses in 108 categories for the award ceremony. Each category saw two finalists and one winner. LocaliQ Regional Director of Sales Lori Gougeon said the gala aims to recognize all of the finalists and celebrate the winners.
“The annual Community Choice Awards are 100% reader driven and this year there were over 67,000 votes cast by over 4,000 readers,” she said.
The winners will be announced in a special section in the Sunday edition of The Times Herald. They will also be posted online on Monday at https://thetimesherald.gannettcontests.com/2023-Best-of-the-Best-Greater-Blue-Water-Winners/.
Additionally, a full photo gallery made by Hazy Daze Photography can be found at https://yourchoiceawards.com/porthuron/.
Gougeon said the gala is an exciting event that gives the community a voice in recognizing local businesses. She said a total of 324 businesses are recognized across the 108 categories. She said the awards make a proud moment for local businesses.
“It scales across multiple categories and shines a spotlight on local business in our area,” she said. “It carries with it a lot of excitement from both consumers and the businesses that are recognized for their importance to our community and the consumers that help to stand up these businesses each day.”
Jonathon and Jessica Anderson were at the gala because their business, Sarenity Tattoo, was nominated for Best Tattoo Shop. They said they were nominated at the 2021 gala and won in their category. However, this was their first time attending a gala because the 2021 ceremony was virtual due to COVID-19.
“It’s nice to dress up and get out,” Jessica Anderson said.
Nora Arnold, Kathy Baker and Lisa Beedon were representing Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home. Arnold said it was something new and exciting that she has not done before. All three agreed the gala is a great way for the community to get together.
“It’s great for our staff to get recognition in this way,” Beedon said. “I believe they work very hard, so to be recognized by the community and Best of the Blue Water Area has made a huge, positive impact on the employees.”
Brandon Clarkson and Mike Cataldo represented St. Clair Chrysler, which was nominated for Best New Car Dealership, Best Used Car Dealership and Best Service Department. Clarkson was also nominated for Best Salesman.
“This is an awesome event,” Clarkson said. “It’s my first time being here, and first time being nominated, so it’s an honor.”
Cataldo said it was the second time he has been to the gala. He won in the Best Service Department category last year and he said he was hoping to win again this year.
“I’m having a blast,” he said.
John Mowinski was supporting two salespeople from Moran Chevrolet. He said the gala allows the community to give back and recognizes local businesses. He said it’s nice to see the community show its immense support.