CEDAR CITY — There aren’t many places that you find rich heritage and small-town charm blended effortlessly with a burgeoning tourism economy and the environment of an acclaimed university. For these attributes – and more – Iron County is a great place to do business.
The 2021 Best of Iron County contest highlights the very finest in business that Cedar City and surrounding communities have to offer – from burgers and pizza to automotive shops and building contractors. It’s an opportunity for owners, employees, customers and fans throughout the community to let their voices be heard. And the people of Iron County spoke up in a big way, with 541 nominations received and more than 150,000 ballots cast by over 45,000 voters.
Ben Lindquist, general manager of Canyon Media, said he wasn’t quite sure what to expect given that this was only the second year for the contest. However, Iron County smashed all of last year’s benchmarks for participation.
“The community came out and supported it again, not just from a business standpoint but from a voter standpoint,” Lindquist said. “That tells us two things: how great the community is and how great the business community is.”
Gold and silver award winners were crowned in 10 consolidated categories: Activities and Entertainment, Business and Services, Food and Beverage, General Services, Home and Garden, Lifestyle and Beauty, Medical, Schools, Shopping, and Vehicles and Services. The winners are displayed at BestofIronCounty.com and in the 2021 Best of Iron County magazine.
This year’s magazine features 128 glossy pages showcasing the premier businesses in Iron County. The publication is designed to serve as a guidebook that both locals and tourists can refer back to.
Known as “Festival City USA,” over a million people pass through Cedar City each year. Whether it’s to pay a visit to nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument or catch a play during the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival, tourists and locals alike needs to know the best places to stop while they’re in Iron County’s biggest city.
“People keep them in their cars and houses so that when they’re looking for a service, they can find who their community voted the best,” Lindquist said. “That’s a powerful thing for a business.”
With this in mind, Canyon Media will be distributing a total of 7,500 copies of the magazine over the coming weeks. Complimentary copies are now available at the following eight businesses across the Cedar City area:
- Brian K. Tavoian Family Dentistry.
- Christensen’s Department Store.
- State Bank of Southern Utah.
- Bulloch’s Drug Store.
- Cedar Bowling Center.
- Mike’s Tavern.
- Silver Silo Bakery & Espresso.
- Brian Head Resort.
View and download a map of the distribution locations here.
Prize packages for the winners include gold or silver medals, as well as a window cling and a certificate. Keep an eye out around town for Best of Iron County awards on display at various businesses.
Just like the unique flavor of the greater St. George area, which was showcased earlier this year during the third annual Best of Southern Utah contest, Iron County carries its own charm and style. Lindquist said he believes small businesses are the heart and soul of rural communities, and finding new and better ways to serve the people of Iron County has been a priority for Canyon Media in recent years.
“It’s a really strong business community,” he added. “If you’re going to make it in Iron County, you’ve got to have a great product and great customer service, and you’ve got to be a hard worker.”
Shane Brinkerhoff, president of news operations for Cedar City News, said he couldn’t be more pleased with the high level of community engagement in this year’s contest. Keeping your dollars local is more important now than ever before, he said, and Best of Iron County presents an opportunity to honor the entrepreneurs and business owners who have endured, adapted and risen above challenges to look toward the future with fresh hope.
“It’s still a tough time for small business,” Brinkerhoff said. “We’re excited to help support and promote local businesses across Iron County.”
Best of Iron County is presented by Cedar City News, Canyon Media and returning title sponsor Brian K. Tavoian Family Dentistry, Cedar City’s “smile doctor” for 29 years and counting.
Resources
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.