JOURNAL STAFF

Yakima Valley Business Journal readers responded literally by the hundreds to this year’s readership poll to pick their favorite businesses in more than 30 categories, with some surprising results. (See page 7)

Winners ranged from businesses that opened less than a year ago to one that’s celebrating its 50th year.

YVBJ publisher Mike Lindsey attributed the excellent response to consolidated categories to make the poll easier and less time-consuming to fill out and promotion that was enhanced with the use of social media.

“We made a special effort to encourage readers to vote for their favorites, and it definitely made a difference,” Lindsey said.     

He also said his staff took special care to make sure that ballots were carefully screened to weed out those that were obviously submitted by individuals intent on stuffing the ballot box.

“We wanted our results to be as true a reflection of our readers’ preferences as possible,” said Lindsey. 

“YVBJ was the first publication in the valley to do an annual ‘Best Of’ poll, and we’re doing all we can to preserve its integrity as the original and still the best.”

Coverage of the poll results begins on page 7 with a complete listing of all this year’s winners.