The voting for the 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards concluded with a remarkable turnout as residents of Temple cast over 102,500 votes across 104 categories. This initiative, organized by the Temple Daily Telegram, showcased the community’s support for local businesses, spanning categories from dining establishments to automotive services.
Community Engagement Shines Through Voting
The voting period lasted 12 days, during which residents actively participated in nominating and supporting their favorite local businesses. Each voter had the opportunity to cast their vote once per day. According to Armando Gutierrez, Advertising Director at the Telegram, the engagement from the community was palpable. “It’s voted by the people that actually go to their businesses,” Gutierrez explained. “They’re local people, so they’re super pumped about it when they get it.”
Local business owners often encouraged patrons to participate in the voting process, eagerly anticipating the announcement of winners. The excitement surrounding the awards fosters a sense of pride among the local business community, as many consider winning a Reader’s Choice Award a significant achievement. Winners are recognized with an 11×17 inch card stock sign that they can display prominently in their establishments.
Celebrating Local Success
Winners of the awards are featured in an insert within the print edition of the newspaper and are also available online through the E-edition. Gutierrez noted that some businesses celebrate their victories by updating menus or showcasing awards on walls, while others prominently display them in windows for customers to see before entering.
The awards have a history of recognizing both perennial winners and first-time honorees. “Some businesses are perennial winners, while others are experiencing the win for the first time,” Gutierrez remarked. This year marked a personal milestone for him, as he had the opportunity to notify winners for the first time. “It was really cool to get to break the news for the first time,” he said.
The voting process included a nomination phase where residents could suggest local businesses before casting their votes. Gutierrez expressed satisfaction with the campaign’s success, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm and participation. “We had a really successful campaign,” he noted. “It was a really successful Reader’s Choice.”
The Reader’s Choice Awards serve not only as a celebration of local commerce but also as a testament to the strong community ties in Temple. The initiative exemplifies how local recognition can enhance customer loyalty and encourage businesses to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
