Cynics would say, and maybe justifiably so, that in today’s “everybody-gets-a-trophy” world we celebrate being average and have in many ways forgotten how to reward excellence.

Well, The Jessamine Journal wants to showcase the businesses that are the best at what they do. Couple that with the fact everyone loves a good list and that is the motivation for the Best in Business readers’ choice section in today’s newspaper.

The votes have been cast. The results have been tallied. Nothing is left to do now but present the honors.

Although we didn’t have the resources to take photographs of winners this year, the contest has some new twists to recognize the businesses, individuals and organizations who readers feel go above and beyond. 

We chose to recognize them with gold, silver and bronze medals. Finishing anywhere in the top three is an honor. Just ask anyone who was on the podium at the Olympics. We hope businesses don’t take a single vote for granted. 

These readers’ choice awards highlight the top businesses in our communities in perhaps the most meaningful way possible: As nominated by you — our readers and citizens — through taking the time to show you care about the community by allowing your voices to be heard.

Hundreds of votes were cast in more than 100 different categories. You will see some familiar names and some new ones as well.

We applaud all those businesses recognized in this contest.

We believe a common thread of all honored is the fact customer service and satisfaction are paramount. They work hard to achieve it and are exemplary corporate citizens.

This is a great opportunity for area businesses to see where they rank in the minds of consumers. Those who place well can thank their supporters and those who didn’t earn as many votes as they would like can focus on what they need to do in order to better connect with potential customers. 

Local businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. We need to support them.

Now is time for all of us to strike a blow against mediocrity and reward excellence. 

The most important thing to take away is there are only winners here. Anyone recognized in the Best in Business readers’ choice awards is doing lots of things right and customers are noticing. Keep up the good work.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Jessamine Journal and Jessamine Life magazine. He can be reached at (859) 469-6452 or by email at mike.caldwell@jessaminejournal.com.