Since 2004, the Snoqualmie Valley Record staff has asked our readers to pick their favorite local businesses and people in our Best of the Valley online poll.

Covering local groups like Professional Services, Restaurants, Health & Fitness, Shopping and Community, the Best of the Valley contest is one of the more popular initiatives that we do, and with good reason. The annual poll gives residents the opportunity to make their favorite picks in over 60 categories. Over the years, it has become a fun opportunity for bragging rights and a cheerful showdown among local businesses. Best of the Valley also provides a good snapshot of our local community and its movers and shakers.

When we conducted the popular poll in 2021, we had almost 1,000 North Bend, Snoqualmie and Fall City residents sign up to cast over 9,000 individual votes for their favorite Valley businesses, services, nonprofits, first responders and restaurants of every category. In this year’s poll, we’ll also ask our readers what they feel is the best local event, the best place to work or meet with friends, best shopping area, most inspiring Valley resident and more!

Best of the Valley is also a way to gauge buzz for the best dentist, yoga instructor, best alternative medicine practitioner and best chiropractor. Public servants and business people with a lot of friends, family and local connections also typically get a good showing, but newcomers and that hidden Valley treasure — business or person — can often shine too! In addition to the top three vote-getters last year, we are always impressed by the depth and breadth of votes cast for many diverse businesses in each category. Each of them have a strong following of happy and loyal customers!

Following the early December reveal of the results, we’ll also be spotlighting the people behind the Best of the Valley businesses and share their goals, lessons and philosophies that keep them going and their customers smiling.

To see the finalists and winners from 2021, go to: www.valleyrecord.com/business/whos-the-best-in-the-valley-for-the-valley.

This year’s contest runs from Oct. 28 through Nov. 28, so make a note to enter the contest and fill out all your favorite businesses, people, places and things in the ballot categories. The link should be available on our website at https://vote.valleyrecord.com — and don’t forget, voting ends on Nov. 28!

Contact General Manager William Shaw: wshaw@valleyrecord.com.