Proudly displayed on the walls of businesses throughout Beaufort County, certificates mark various establishments as the top in their field. These are the recipients of the Washington Daily News Reader’s Choice awards, and now is the time for nominations.

From the top stores and services to the best-loved teachers and community professionals, Daily News readers have the opportunity to recognize their favorite establishments, people and places in more than 150 categories. With both nominees and winners chosen by readers, the contest offers a chance for Beaufort County residents to recognize the best of the best.

“We’re in our fourth year for Readers’ Choice and each year, we’ve seen the number of participants grow in terms of the people who are nominating and the people who are voting,” Daily News Advertising Director David Singleton said. “People have their favorites here, and it’s great to be able to tout that in kind of a public way, but really what it does is it recognizes the business owners here in Washington and Beaufort County that really go the extra mile.”

Looking at the names and establishments that have already been nominated, you’ll more than likely recognize a number of names, from your child’s elementary school teacher to the salon where you have your hair done. The people and places recognized in Readers’ Choice all help make this place what it is. By submitting a nomination, you are recognizing the contributions they make to our area.

Nominations continue through Sunday, so there’s still time to recognize your favorites. A special publication will highlight the nominees at the end of July, and voting kicks off in full during the month of August.

In September, winners will be notified and invited to a special function hosted by Washington Daily News on Sept. 12. A publication later that same month will recognize the winners publicly.

To nominate your favorites, visit www.thewashingtondailynews.com and click “Readers’ Choice” on the top navigation bar.