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Be Seen. Be Celebrated.
Be the Best.
Best of the Midwest is more than a contest — it's a community celebration and marketing engine that puts your brand in the spotlight. With over 900,000 annual votes across the Upper Midwest and deep engagement from local audiences, this is your opportunity to turn recognition into real, year-round results.
Turn local love into lasting loyalty
Earn Local Trust
Advertising alongside your nomination or win reinforces your credibility in the eyes of engaged readers and loyal customers.
Extend Your Visibility
Stay top of mind before, during, and long after the contest — across nomination & voting phases, digital campaigns, print editions, and winner publications.
Celebrate Your Success
Winners and finalists receive official Best of the Midwest badges — perfect for websites, ads, social, packaging, and signage.
Here's how it works
Nomination and voting phases are decided entirely by popular vote from readers in each market.
Get Nominated
Now is the time to get your name on the ballot. Encourage your customers, fans, and followers to nominate your business. The more nominations you receive, the better your chances of advancing.
Get Votes
Drive engagement with your supporters. Encourage daily voting throughout the contest period. Every vote counts — consistent support is what earns top honors.
Get Recognized
Whether you're named a winner, a finalist, or simply gain exposure, participating is a powerful way to engage your audience. Finalists and winners can promote their status with official Best of badges.
Category Groups
Nomination and voting phases are decided entirely by popular vote. Category groups include:
- Auto & Transportation
- Businesses & Services
- Family & Community
- Arts & Entertainment
- Food & Beverage
- Health & Beauty
- Home & Garden
- Shopping & Leisure
- Sports & Outdoors
- Locals & Professionals
Winners are recognized across more than 300+ categories within these groups.
Best of the Midwest Toolkit
Promoting your nomination or win increases engagement and sales
Free downloads to help you spread the word — guides, badges, social, email, and print assets.
Best Practices Guide
A step-by-step playbook including social media graphics & templates, email templates, and print-ready ads.
Best of 365 Flyer
Stay top of mind all year long with the Best of 365 promotional program — overview and packages.
Badge downloads
Digital winner & finalist badges. For a print-ready version, contact your representative.
Social Media
Email Templates
Print Ad Examples
Your representative will work with our design team to customize any of these for your business.
Supercharge your visibility with Best of the Best advertising packages
The best way to increase your brand's chances of being named Best of the Best is to make sure you're in front of as many community members as possible — before nominations open and through voting.
- Category Exclusivity Options
- Multi-Channel Exposure Packages (digital, social, email, and print)
- Enhanced Listings on the contest site
- Best of the Best 365 Full-Year Promotional Packages
Don't miss this opportunity to position your brand as a local favorite.
Participating businesses report increased customer loyalty & local visibility, new business referrals, and boosted employee morale.
For contest dates and market schedules, visit our About Us page.