I feel like I might say this every year, but I am constantly amazed by the number of nominations and support that is garnered for this contest. This year, over 2,800 people and businesses were nominated and that’s a true testament to the community. For that, I thank you.

Now for the bad news.

Not every one of those nominations make it to the finals. Unfortunately, only the top nominees make it through to the finals. Depending on the number of nominations, some categories were closer than others, which is why some may have more (or less) than others. Regardless, congratulations to all of the nominees, and for those of you who have made it to the finals, here’s where the fun (or anxiety for some) starts.

Some categories will yield winners who win year-in and year-out, others will be hotly contested – and be on the lookout for the upset. Regardless of who wins, it all boils down to votes, which will run from today through Friday, May 15.

If you are an individual, rallying your friends and family to vote for you is part of the fun. If you are a business, don’t leave out engaging your customers in person, on your website, or via social channels. If they are a customer of yours, they are a customer for a reason – likely because they determine you to be the best at what you offer.

Also, for anyone thinking of creating fake accounts and stuffing the ballots with false votes, we can track those and they are removed from the voting. I don’t know why it still happens, but it does. Rest assured, we are taking the necessary steps to prevent that from happening.

I know for many of you, being voted as the Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee is a huge deal. We want it to be. Chances are you’ve earned the right to be called the best and that’s something that should be celebrated.

Congratulations to all the finalists and best of luck!

To cast your vote, visit us at: TahoeDailyTribune.com/best/

Publisher Rob Galloway can be reached at rgalloway@swiftcom.com or 530-542-8046.