Best of North Idaho nominations open with voting and winners timeline

Nominations for the annual Best of North Idaho program opened Jan. 11, inviting Kootenai County residents to name their favorite local businesses, services and organizations. The nomination window runs through Jan. 25; voting follows from Jan. 31 to Feb. 13, and winners will be published in a guide on March 28.

The program is a community recognition effort designed to highlight local restaurants, retailers, contractors and nonprofits across the North Idaho region. For residents, the contest is a quick way to reward a beloved coffee shop, landscaper or downtown storefront. For businesses, a nomination and eventual win can translate into extra visibility during spring and summer months when visitor traffic and local spending typically rise.

To participate, go to cdapress.com and navigate to the Best of North Idaho nomination page. Submit a nomination using the online form before Jan. 25; voters can then return during the scheduled voting period to cast their choices. The process is open to all community members and covers multiple categories that reflect local commerce and services across Kootenai County cities such as Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls.

Local economic implications are straightforward. Community-driven awards amplify search visibility and social-media reach for small businesses that often operate on tight margins. A featured listing in the March 28 guide gives winners a ready-made promotional asset they can display on websites and marketing materials, which in turn helps capture spring visitors and residents deciding where to spend locally. For service businesses that rely on referrals and seasonal contracts, any bump in recognition can influence monthly revenue streams and hiring plans.

Beyond immediate marketing benefits, the program fosters civic engagement. The nomination and voting cycle encourages residents to take stock of what’s working in town and to steer business toward local owners rather than national chains. That local preference helps keep more dollars circulating in Kootenai County, supporting payrolls, property taxes and future small-business investment.

For businesses, practical steps during the campaign include reminding customers to nominate during Jan. 11–25, preparing promotional copy for social posts during the Jan. 31–Feb. 13 voting window, and planning how to use the March 28 winners guide in storefronts and online listings. For residents, a few minutes to nominate or vote can materially boost a favorite business’s profile.

The takeaway? Nominate now, then vote in late January to give local businesses the visibility they need heading into spring. Supporting a favored café, contractor or nonprofit through this simple civic vote helps keep Main Street working for Kootenai County.