Voting begins for People's Choice Awards

If you are in business you know the importance of being the best. Selling the best product. Delivering the best service. It's quality that helps drive the economic engine, and the area has many companies and individuals who daily strive for excellence.

Each year we ask you, our readers, to let us know who is your choice for a variety of sectors. Whether it's a convenience store, health club, restaurant -- the list is extensive.

Today we launch the 2014 Southeast Missourian People's Choice Awards. A print ballot is included in the newspaper, or you may vote online at semissourian.com/forms/ballot. Voting continues until 5 p.m. July 7. By voting, you are eligible for $500 in prizes. Contest rules are posted at a online link provided.

The winners are determined by your votes, and a full roundup will be published in August.

If you're a business owner, this is an opportunity to encourage your customers to participate. And if you're a voter, it's an opportunity to brag on your favorite places and have an opportunity to win prizes.

We look forward to seeing the results this summer.