For accurate information, there’s nothing like a local community newspaper. It’s our job to dig into stories, report on community events, and highlight what’s going on in the local business industry.

And there’s nothing like gathering information from local readers on what is important to them, what stories lie hidden, and what’s going on in our vibrant communities. (If you have a story to pitch for coverage, email editor@riverreporter.com.)

But today we ask: Who is on your favorites list?

For the last 27 years, we have reached out to our readers and asked them to identify who they thought was BEST! in a multitude of categories. This contest is a way to highlight and celebrate the people, the businesses and the organizations that provide us with our goods, services and entertainment. Ideally, the contest can engender a friendly competition to go one step further and to fully embody what it means to be the best.

As a new generation flocks to the valley, the services that are provided through small local businesses become even more imperative for our community’s survival and resilience.

Change is in the air and, at the same time there is a continuum. There is a flavor of community that is reflected in our local businesses, service people and organizations. Each, in their own way, reflects their passion and their vocation. Each makes up a collective whole that is local and particular to this community.

Local is important. A sense of place is essential. It is something that we need to own. This is something that we need to inhabit and support.

Supporting local business is important.

By supporting local businesses, we support the local economy; significantly more money stays in a community when purchases are made at locally owned establishments.

Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the community in which they operate than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.

In addition, there are notable intangible benefits that come from supporting businesses. Local businesses are owned and operated by our neighbors. They care about and are invested in the well-being of our community and its future. They support our nonprofits and volunteer emergency services corps and departments.

While it may be true that there are some things that can only be found online, we need to balance those purchases with what we can obtain locally. If we don’t support local, there will be no local. It’s that simple.

Until year’s end, make the commitment with me to check out what’s available in our local market, support it when you can, and thank the proprietors for their tireless work as they provide for our communities.

Vote for your favorites today! www.bit.ly/RR2023best.