The votes have been counted, look inside for “The Best of Grady County”

The people have spoken and you don’t have to look far to find out who are “The Best of Grady” for 2016.
Inside this issue of The Messenger you will find the 2016 edition of “The Best of Grady County.”
Nearly 900 ballots were cast in this year’s contest. Interest in the contest continues to increase with this, the seventh year of the newspaper’s Reader’s Choice Awards contest.
During the month of January, a full-page ballot was published in the newspaper each week giving its readers the opportunities to make their voices heard and to recognize local stores, businesses, organizations and individuals.
In categories ranging from the best food to auto repair to plumbers to public officials, readers voted on who they thought deserved the title of being the “best.”
“Our annual reader’s choice awards contest is an exciting and entertaining feature for readers and businesses to get involved and spotlight those in the community who excel at what they do,” said Editor Randolph H. Wind.
The newspaper editor is quick to note it is not a scientific poll, but a fun exercise that allows readers to show their passion for the community.
“I really appreciate each member of our staff. It takes a true team effort to put on this contest and produce this special section. I particularly want to thank Jeff Zipperer of The Messenger staff who each year tabulates the results of the ballotting. We couldn’t do it without Jeff!” Wind said.
There were several first-time winners this year, but many are multiple-year winners.
First, second and third place vote-getters are published in the special section.