Readers Choice 2012

T E G’s

Readers’ Choice Awards

Bes

2012

t of

the

Bes

t

68 winners selected

Best Heating & Air Company

e offe

tC s e B

Best

Nail

Dao

Bes

t Ta

yen

ng

Sal

op h S y d bo o t u A er m o t Best s Cu l l a r e & Ov e Servic

Tech n

Ngu

nni

ician

Best Carp et & Floo r Sto re

Bes t Ba & D kery esse rts

on

Readers Choice Awards

Page 2

10th Annual Emporia Gazette Readers Choice Awards The votes have been tabulated and the results are in. The winners of The Gazette’s ninth annual Readers Choice awards have been selected according to what Gazette readers have chosen as their favorites.

The Readers Choice results acknowledge specific people and businesses — as chosen by the community— who are great at what they do, and show it.

The results are based solely on the opinions of customers, and the survey reflects service they’ve received or experienced with the specific people or businesses.

Readers voted for what they viewed as the “best” in five areas: Food and Drink, Goods and Services, Shopping, Best in the Business and Best of the Rest.

The questionnaire, which featured over 70 categories ranging from Best Hamburger to Best Customer Service, was featured in The Gazette for five weeks before ballots were tallied.

The votes, which were tallied by The Gazette staff, are from Gazette readers in Lyon County as well as from Chase, Morris, Greenwood, Osage and Coffey counties.

The winners for each listing received a certificate of recognition and can advertise themselves throughout the year as “Emporia Gazette Readers Choice Winners” in their specific category.

The survey creates competition and incentives for businesses and residents to go beyond their expectations and become favorites in the hearts of many residents.

It is used to get the community and surrounding areas involved in recognizing businesses, organizations, events and people who make this area a better place to live, work and play. It may also introduce you to a “best” that you never tried before.

The Gazette congratulates all the winners in this year’s edition of Readers Choice Awards.

2012

We appreciate all who voted for us as Best Lawn Maintenance.

Thank You!

Monday, April 30, 2012

Best Goods and Services Anything else you would like to add? This is a great honor. We would like to thank our loyal customers who voted for us.

Best Automotive Service Longbine Auto Plaza

Best Autobody Shop Thurston’s Autobody Owner: Jeff Longbine Date Started: Sept. 1, 1965 Products/Services offered: Full line GM dealership, new & pre-owned auto sales, full maintenance & repair, parts department, collision center, detail facility, tires, accessories.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Continuous training & upgrade in equipment. We will start a major facility renovation in the 3rd quarter of 2012.

Secrets to your success: Providing a quality service at a value price, while always keeping the customer as our focus.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? It is truly a great honor to be voted the best by our customers.

Our employees take pride in the work that they do each day.

Owners: Beth and Jesse Wilson Date Started: We bought Thurston’s Autobody on June 21, 2004. The Emporia area had looked to Thurston’s for their autobody needs for 22 years prior. In the past 8 years we have made owning & operating Thurston’s Plus not only an occupation, but a lifestyle.

Products/Services offered: Collision repair, autobody reconstruction, auto glass, custom refinishing, vehicle accessories, bedlining and vehicle detailing too. With the acquisition of Unruh Automotive our maintenance & mechanical services have expand-

Clark Carpet & Tile, Inc.

Wishes To Say

k n Y o a u h For T Choosing Us As Readers Choice Best Carpet Store!

Clark Carpet & Tile, Inc. Pat & Lori Clark Owners

401 S. Prairie, Emporia, KS 66801 • 620-342-3990 Serving the Emporia Area since 1986

3302 W. 6th • Emporia 620-343-6883

Readers Choice Awards

Monday, April 30, 2012 ed. We also offer insurance claims assistance. A wreck can be very stressful and confusing. We deal with all the insurance companies, and will do whatever it takes to help you and your vehicle to come out 100%. changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Right after the purchase we renovated the body shop and upgraded some equipment. We have sent employees to update technical training and taken advantage of online certifications. We remodeled our office in 2009. Now we have room for our office support and a customer waiting area. This year in the mechanical shop we installed a taller and wider roll-up door to facilitate a wider variety of vehicles; we also updated the lighting and upgraded some diagnostic equipment.

We continue to put more “plus” in our shops, equipment and technicians.

Secrets to your success: The autobody business has changed a lot over the years. Of course as vehicles become more sophisticated we must keep up with equipment, training and certification. We have to stay abreast of computerized estimatics; the paint and material compounds have progressed; and the O.E. & ICAR repair processes change.

We are conquering the same challenges on the mechanical side too. But our customers still deserve a quality repair at a reasonable rate in a timely manner with the best service humanly possible.

We offer shuttle service, loaner cars, a written warranty, and gift certificates.

We’ve had great response to our website...www.thurtsonsplusautobody.com.

Your smart phones will find us!

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are very flattered. We want to share this compliment with all of our employees, without them we wouldn’t be here. We would like to thank all of our customers. We look forward to serving our friends past, present and future.

Anything else you would like to add? We hope we can be successful enough to give back to the area community that has shown confidence in us with their support. Thank you for saying “My vehicle is going to my shop...Thurston’s Plus Autobody and Automotive”.

Best Bank ESB Financial

OWNERS: The Wayman Family DATE STARTED: March 1901

BAKERY

BAKERY

2009

2011

BAKERY

2010

Thank you for voting us

PRODUCTS/SERVICES OFFERED: ESB Financial is a bank and much more. We offer financial services for businesses and individuals to help people achieve their dreams. In addition to deposit accounts and loans, we offer financial planning, investment services, wealth management and trust services.

CHANGES OR IMPROVEMENTS in the last couple of years: ESB’s new menu of deposit accounts, KASASA, gives clients the power to choose how they want to bank. Next month we will introduce KASASA 360...powering all KASASA accounts with online financial management tools. Also we continue to invest heavily in technology to make banking more convenient and secure for our clients to manage their finances. Our website, www.esbfinancial. com, provides access to many financial planning tools and community links.

ESB Online provides our clients roundthe-clock access to their accounts and saves time and money by providing a way to securely pay all bills and receive statements electronically. Our mortgage center offers our clients a choice to have their loans serviced locally.

ESB...Effective Solutions for Business... offers complete financial assistance for businesses. ESB Insurance & Financial Services offers financial planning and investment opportunities. ESB’s Trust Center continues to help with wealth management and estate planning ser-

Page 3

vices. In the last 12 months ESB Financial’s assets have grown from $157 million to $163 million.

SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS: Team ESB: Steve Bell, Craig Black, Mike Black, Kim Botkin, Linda Briggs, Jennifer Brothers, Carrol Cipra, Evelyn Cisneros, Carol Coffman, Margie Combes, Elena DeLeon, Julie Delong, Claudia Diaz DeLeon, Nicol Dold, Kim Douglas, Mary Eastman, Anita Ford, Amy Fowler, Robbie Gallinger, Howard Gunkel, Dena Hale, Sharon Hampton, Fred Harder, Amanda Hoppenstedt, Debby James, Jan Jefferis, Cherlyn Buffum, Michael LeClear, Craig Miller, Julie Miller, Jon Moffitt, Kim Parks, Kathy Patton, Meredith Pendlay, Brenda Peres, Mary Rangel-Bell, Lori Richard, Jean Runge, Jacqueline Schmidt, Larie Schoap, Leslie Seeley, Liz Sieloff, Mike Sikes, Karen Sommers, Sara Swoboda, Lori Thephachan, Judy Thurston, Susan Tracey, Jim Wayman, Kizzy Weatherby, Jennifer Wells, Mariah Williamson, Kelly Woods, Monica Wullschleger.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RECEIVING THIS AWARD FROM THE GAZETTE READERS? We are extremely honored to receive this recognition for the tenth year in a row. It is wonderful to know that our clients appreciate the individual attention that we provide. It is a tribute to our team members who work hard every day helping our clients achieve their dreams.

Thank you to my loyal customers for your business and votes!

-Glenda Street

BAKERY

Best Bakery/Desserts & Best Deli Sandwhich Shop 2012

We look forward to serving you in the future!

702 Commercial St. • 340-0620

LUMBER COMPANY Wants to say “Thanks” to all the Emporia area shoppers for doing business with them.

We look forward to serving you in the future.

825 E. 6th Ave. • 342-0218 • 1-800-342-0218 Priced Right everyday!

Mon.-Fri. 7 am-6:30 pm • Sat. 7am-4pm

15 West 5th Avenue • Emporia • 620-342-0260

THANK YOU for voting us Best NonProfit Group

2012

Readers Choice Awards

Page 4

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? Thank you...Thank you...Thank you for voting ESB The Best Bank in the Flint Hills for ten years in a row!

Best Adult Care Facility Presbyterian Manor

Date Started: December 5, 1985.

Products/Services Offered: Emporia Presbyterian Manor is a continuous care retirement community. We offer the Villas, independent living apartments, assisted living apartments, health care center and a memory care center, along with adult day care services.

Any Recent Changes or Improvements: We are in the process of remodeling our Health Care Center.

The staff at the Manor is constantly working to provide the highest quality of care of care for our residents through a wide variety of training classes.

The Secrets To Your Success: To simply put it, we have the best staff

in the business. We have a very low turn over in staff. The residents get to know the staff, because they see the same people on a daily basis, and we become a family. We are also very lucky to have some wonderful residents and their families. They make it a joy to come here everyday.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers: We are very honored that the readers think so much about us.

We try to live up to the highest of standards every day.

Anything else you would like to add? Emporia Presbyterian Manor is a 5 Star facility according to Medicare and was recently ranked in the Top 10 percent of all nursing facilities in the country by U. S. News and World Report.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Secrets to your success: Our customers, whether buyers or sellers, have made us successful.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are extremely grateful and appreciative of this award, and we plan to offer our award-winning service for years to come.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you to the patrons in the Flint Hills for your votes of confidence.

Best Barber Shop Sportman

Best Auction Service Hancock Auction & Real Estate

Owners: Paul & Janna Hancock Date started: 1974 Products/services offered: We offer auction of real estate and personal property.

Owners: Dennis Kasten & Jim Heins Date Started: 1969 Products/Services Offered: Haircuts, shampoos, facials, beard trims.

Secrets to your success: Caring about our clients.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? Extremely honored.

Best Beauty Salon TREND CENTRE

Date Started: Aug. 4, 1986 Products/Services Offered: We’ve always been the color correction salon and of course affordable perms, hilights, colors, straightening and smoothing services, eyebrow shaping, facial waxing, ear piercing, manicures and the BEST pedicures you’ll ever have! We are Certified in Shellac and Image Skincare Facials, Skin Resurfacing and Chemical Peels. We also do eyebrow and eyelash tinting and fun hair tinsel, feathers and hair crystals! changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Several years ago we totally remodeled and added two spa pedicure thrones with Shiatsu massage for your back, and a Facial and private waxing room. We are so proud to have IMAGE Skincare as it is new in the area! It’s a high quality cosmeceutical line — not usually found in beauty salons‚ — usually in plastic surgeons and dermatologists offices. Image actually works at the cellular level, not just on the surface

Readers Choice Awards

Monday, April 30, 2012 like so many other lines — even the expensive ones. secrets to your success: We have such a wonderful, kind, caring and wonderfully talented and fun staff and we stay on top of current trends and are always adding new services so it never gets boring! We have been to California,Vegas and Chicago several times learning the latest color, cut and styling techniques! Having a stylist who will continually invest their time and money to learn things for you, the client is priceless!

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We’ve been trying so hard to make this a really great salon for Emporia for many years and it’s a very nice honor! I credit our wonderful loyal clients for getting Trend Centre this award! We are trying to keep prices affordable in this economy while still using very high-quality products for our clients!

Anything else you would like to add? Trend Centre also has two bronzing beds — great for Vitamin D production. There’s less UVB (the burning rays) in our type of bulbs so you won’t burn as badly as you could in other beds but still achieve nice healthy color. It’s a great way to keep up your Vitamin D naturally when so many Americans are Vitamin D deficient. We are SMART TAN trained and certified.

Best Car Wash Mr, G’s

Owners: Danny & Betty Giefer Date Started: 1980 Products/Services Offered: Touchless Automatic & Self Serve Carwashes Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We installed a new automatic at the East 12th Ave. location. We’ve installed credit car accepters in all self serve bays.

Secrets to your success: We go to carwash shows to find the latest technology in both self service and touchfree automatics. We use the highest quality chemicals in all of our car care processes. All chemicals used are environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? Betty and I are both grateful that our customers voted us #1 for the third straight year. It’s a reward for the work we put into our businesses.

Anything else you would like to add? This is a family business with both our son and daughter and spouses

THANK YOU EMPORIA for choosing Cable ONE “Best Internet Provider” 10 years in a row!

“Now Available - 50 Mbps” increase your speed today!

High Speed Internet Service

Watch us make you smile.

714 Commercial • Emporia • 342-3535 www.cableone.net

Page 5

involved in the businesses. We have lived in Emporia since 1970 and owned carwashes in Emporia since 1980.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you to my staff keeping our standards high.

Best Florist

Best Electrical Contractor

Riverside Gardens

Gerald Schumann Electric

Owners: Vickie & Norman Triemer Date Started: January 1, 1980 Products/Services Offered: Floral gifts, custom silk arrangements, outdoor garden center plants and tropical greenhouse.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Just trying to maintain our high standards of quality and service that have kept Riverside strong and reliable.

Secrets to your success: We care about people.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? I am quite pleased and proud of the vote of confidence the community has given our business.

Owners: Gerald & Orinee Schumann, Mike, David, Dan & Gaye, Stockholders Date Started: June 15, 1975 Products/Services Offered: Electrical Services and Contracting, Pier Hole Digging, Hi Reach and Line Trucks Changes or Improvements in the last couple of years: No, but always maintaining, upgrading and improving our equipment.

Secrets of your success: I think it’s simply our faith in God and practicing the Golden Rule.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? It almost is hard for us to believe.

Thank you! We try to stay humble and not let this go to our heads.

THE EMPLOYEES OF CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

09 CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

PROUDLY SAY

03

06

Thank You

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

For Choosing Us

04

07

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Best Construction Company!

08

Rick Mitchell & Dave Markowitz

05

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

10 CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

11 CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

12

Readers Choice Awards

Page 6

Anything else you would like to add? We never forget how good Emporia has been to us from the day we arrived in 1966.

Best Funeral Home Roberts-Blue-Barnett

ers? It is a great honor to be recognized again by the people of our community.

We are all very proud to receive the Readers’ Choice Award.

Anything else you would like to add? I would like to thank my staff at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, and also the families we provide services for. It is truly a privilege working with such fine individuals.

Best Cell Phone Service Verizon Wireless

Owner: Mike Turnball Date Started: 1928 Products/Services Offered: Funeral services, memorial services, monuments, pre-need planning.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We are continually making changes to offer our clients what they are requesting. Our website, www.robertsblue.com, is a useful tool for the families we serve.

Secrets to your success: My dedicated staff’s ongoing promise of trust and tradition, the caring families we work with, and our commitment to local organizations and community involvement.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette read-

Date Started: October 17, 2009 Products/Services Offered: Verizon Wireless direct location in Emporia provides Cellular Sales, Mobile Broadband Internet Service, Home Phone Connect, Tablets, and Total Business Solutions.

Changes or Improvements in the past couple of years: In March Verizon Wireless opens its 4G LTE network to seven more markets and expands 17 existing markets. With these new markets, Verizon Wireless will have a total

Monday, April 30, 2012

of 203 4G LTE markets and cover more than 200 million Americans. Verizon offers the largest selection of 4G LTE devices-including our hottest devices like the DROID RAZAR MAXX and the New IPad. Verizon Wireless now offers Home Phone and Internet Bundles.

Home Phone Connect is a great product for customers who want to keep there existing home telephone equipment and reduce their monthly bills. Verizon Wireless is also Emporia’s Tablet destination, offering affordable tablet solutions for every day life. Experience true mobility with the latest tablets from Verizon Wireless.

Secrets to your success: Verizon Wireless continues to be on the cutting edge of technology offering a wide variety of products and services while continuing to offer our customers the Perfect 10 Experience.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are very honored to receive this award. We value our customers every day and look forward to serving Emporia.

Anything else you would like to add? We now take appointments! Call 620-343-9000 extension 3 to set up an appointment today!

JAN UTECH 343-5100

JEFF KITSELMAN 757-6833

JEFF & DEB WILLIAMS 341-7653

LACIE HAMLIN 481-0213

TOM LIPPERT 481-9727

JO SOSA 757-3800

LOREN MARTIN 343-0410

LESLIE LLOYD 757-8850

Real Estate

“Emporia’s #1 Seller”

Best Heating & Air Company Jones Heating & Air

Best Carpet Cleaning All American Carpet Cleaning

Thank you for voting us Best Real Estate Firm!

MAURICE SCHMIDT 366-3366

creates more suction and hotter steam.

New All Fiber Rinse that rinses off soap build up which allows carpets to dry faster and leaves them fluffier.

SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS: Simple, I treat everyone’s carpets as if they were my own. I like to do a good job by taking my time to assure that all carpets are as clean as I can possibly get them.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RECEIVING THIS AWARD FROM THE GAZETTE READERS? I am very honored to receive this award! I have met a lot of great people since I’ve purchased this business and I must say that I’ve enjoyed getting to meet every single one of you! Thanks for making this award possible for me and I’m very thankful for all your votes.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? Special thanks to all my loyal customers for the continued support. I look forward to serving you in the future and thanks again for your vote.

Owner: Doug Guion DATE STARTED: August 2007 PRODUCTS/SERVICES OFFERED: Residential and commercial cleaning, along with upholstery and auto. I also will continue to offer 24-hour emergency flood service, clean up and fire restoration. Scotch Guard offered.

CHANGES OR IMPROVEMENTS in the last couple of years: I now have a brand new 20 h.p. Honda motor that

Owners: Russ & Myra Jones, Jim & Lenise Satterfield Date Started: 1969 Products/Services Offered: We are the local Rheem dealer. We install furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, hot water heaters, whole house humidifiers and filtration systems. We service all makes and models, we also offer yearly maintenance agreements.

Secrets to your success: Jones Heating & Air Conditioning’s success is that the company was built on being honest, dependable and going the extra mile for our customers. We strive to offer quality products at affordable prices. We

2012 Readers’ Choice Winner Best Salon Spe

cial CO izing cor LOR in rec tion .

LARRY EK Broker

620-342-3366 1201 W. 6th • Emporia, KS www.ekhomes.com ekrealestate@cableone.net

Kylee Piersol, Teresa Donelson, Morgan Ellis, Kerry Brown

The BEST facials, Spa Pedicures, Shellac, nailcare, Japanese Thermal Straightening, VIT D producing tanning beds, hair color, cuts & styles!

2030 W 6th Ave • Emporia, Kansas 66801 • (620) 342-9515 Hours: T - Fr 9 - 6:30 • Sat 9 - 4:30

Readers Choice Awards

Monday, April 30, 2012 make sure our customers know they can always depend on us.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? We would like to thank all of our customers for voting for us. We feel honored and humbled to receive this award. We will continue to provide the honest and top quality service our customers deserve.

Best Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance

Date Started: State Farm has been doing business in Kansas since 1927.

Here in Emporia, Pete Euler has been doing business since 1984; Vicki Burnett since 1993; and Stacey Floyd since 2010.

Products/Services Offered: State Farm offers auto, home, life, health and business insurance products. In addition, agents can offer financial services such as auto and home loans, savings and checking accounts, and credit cards through State Farm Bank ® and

registered representatives with State Farm can also offer securities products such as mutual funds.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: State Farm has been working hard to make the processes of shopping and managing your policies and accounts easier and more accessible. State Farm customers have easy online access to bill paying, online chat support, a mortgage self-service site, and your State Farm Bank account balances and recent transactions are even available by texting from any mobile phone. Mobile and online access has never been easier or more full-featured. The free Pocket Agent® app for iPhones and Android phones provides a growing range of tools and services right on your phone, including: · MyTime Deposit, which allows you to deposit checks into your account via your phone; · Document, submit, and check the status of claims, including photos taken with your phone camera; · Find the nearest State Farm agents, repair facilities, gas stations, tow trucks, taxis, locksmiths, rental cars, and hotels; · The Android app includes a tool for auto-replying to text messages you receive, allowing you to let friends and family know you’re driving or otherwise unable to respond.

Be sure to check out statefarm.com to see how we can help you. You can also

Thank You for voting for us as the Best Electrical Contractor!

Electrical Contractor • • • • • •

601 W. 6th Ave.

Residential Industrial Commercial Service Calls Aerial Reach Pier Hole Digging

620-342-2176

Page 7

find us on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Secrets to your success: State Farm helps people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize dreams. Our local agents do this along with groups of team members within each of the individual agent’s offices – they are licensed and experienced, and provide professional service. State Farm continually ranks very high in customer satisfaction and claims service. While not a secret, it is a reason for our success – the customer’s needs determine our path, and our values guide us.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? The State Farm agents of Emporia are deeply grateful to be recognized by our clients, friends, and the community members that took the time and effort to submit our names as their Choice for 2012’s Best Insurance Agency.

Anything else you would like to add? State Farm agents always strive to provide prompt, courteous, professional and knowledgeable service. We are available 24/7 for any need – you can call any time of the day, or connect with us through online and mobile applications. Whenever you call, you will be connected to someone who can help you. It is an honor to be involved with the Emporia community, and thank you for choosing us!

Best Pest Control Service McKinzie Pest Control

Owner: Steve McKinzie Date Started: 1960 Products/Services Offered: Termite control utilizing the Sentricon Colony Elimination System with Always Active Technology. General pest control products and services.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We have made the transition to the next level of termite protect with Sentricon Always Active and are in the process of converting all our existing Sentricon System sites to the Always Active Technology. The process involves installing bait in all the existing stations around the structure. Having all the stations baited all the time gives superior termite protection and long lasting control.

Secrets to your success: Providing honest and dependable service to our customers for over 50 years is what has driven our success. Our company relies largely on the referrals of our customers and our stable and knowledgeable staff of professionals.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? We

Thank You to our loyal customers!

7 years in a row as

BEST AUTO MECHANIC Now offering Full & Self Service Gas & Diesel at: 1120 Commercial 620-343-1938

CLIFF’S

SUPER SERVICE

Quality Auto Repairs Since 1938!

Jesse, Brandon, Bryce & Herb

620-342-0525

Toll Free 1-888-715-0525 115 E. 5th Ave. • EMPORIA, KS 66801

Readers Choice Awards

Page 8 are grateful to all the Gazette readers who voted for us. It is wonderful to be recognized this way. We hope we can continue to merit your confidence.

Anything else you would like to add? Being longtime members of this community, we owe a big thank you to all our past and present customers who have placed their trust in us. They are not just customers, they are friends and neighbors.

Thank you so much!

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? I’m honored. It’s good to see that our hard work is appreciated.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for the award.

Best Place to Exercise Emporia Fitness

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? We must thank the Gazette readers and our great members for voting for us. It is an honor serving you with your fitness needs!

Anything else you would like to add? Please stop in for a free tour anytime to take a look at our facility, grab a smoothie or talk about our great rates with NO contracts!

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? It is always an honor and privilege to receive this award. It is assuring to know that the public recognizes EK Real Estate’s commitment to the customer service.

Best Internet Provider Cable ONE

Best Real Estate Firm

Best Lawn Maintenance

EK Real Estate

Scheller’s

Owner: Mike Scheller Date Started: 1986 Products/Services Offered: Lawn maintenance, including weed control, fertilizing, mowing, landscape design and installation, lawn sprinkler design, installation and repair. We also retail lawn and landscape goods.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We started handling bulk mulch and multi-colored cobble in a couple of sizes.

Secrets to your success: An excellent group of employees that do what it takes to make the customers happy.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Owner: Greg Bachman Date Started: December 2007 Products/Services Offered: 21,000 square foot facility holds over 30 individual cardio equipment machines, strength training machines, aerobics room with a variety of group fitness classes, spin bike area, boxing equipment. TRX suspension training, full multi-purpose court, personal training, daycare and more!

Changes or Improvements in the last couple of years: We have added some new cardio equipment including two A.M.T.’s and also upgraded our free weights.

Secrets to your success: Our members are our #1 concern. We want to do our best to provide a comfortable facility for them to get a work out in.

Owner: Larry A. Ek Date Started: 1965 Products/Services Offered: The appraising, listing and selling of residential, multi-family, commercial and agricultural real estate in the Lyon County area.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: EK Real Estate has maintained its veteran staff, its state of the art technology and has now added Spanish speaking assistant to its Hispanic clientele.

Secrets to your success: It’s full time, knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated staff. We pride ourselves in customer service.

Owner: Cable ONE, Inc. Date Started: 1961 Products/Services Offered: Cable/ Digital television, high speed Internet and telephone services Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Cable ONE has added many more HD and digital channels. We offer Internet speeds up to 50 MB, phone service with unlimited local and long distance calling and continually maintain and upgrade our system for improved reliability and quality. We also offer Business Internet and phone plans to fit the business community of Emporia.

Secrets to your success: We have a local Emporia office, provide 24/7 customer support, long-term dedicated associated and offer great service at great prices.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette read-

Thank you for voting us the best place to exercise!

Chinese Restaurant

2012

Thank You for Voting for us again

• Over 21,000 sq. ft. facility • Strength training • Circuit training • TRX suspension training • Personal training • Smoothie Bar

Chinese Restaurant

Chinese Restaurant

Chinese Restaurant

Chinese Restaurant

Chinese Restaurant

Chinese Restaurant

Chinese Restaurant

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

“Best Chinese Restaurant” Dine-in • Carry-out • Delivery 2002 W. 6th Ave • Emporia

2812 W. 12th Ave. 620-342-2348 www.emporiafitness.com

Hours: Mon. - Thurs.

5:15 am - 9:00 pm Fri. 5:15 am - 8:00 pm Sat. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

620-342-4888

Mon.-Thurs. 11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Friday 11:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Saturday

11:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Sunday

CLOSED

Readers Choice Awards

Monday, April 30, 2012 ers? Our customers’ satisfaction is most important to us and we’re honored that they voted for us to receive this award. We couldn’t be more appreciative.

Anything else you would like to add? Look for all digital video services this summer, continued channel additions and thanks to everyone who voted for us.

Best Plumbing Company Plumbing by Spellman

rely on, and trust, that our business will do an honest, clean and reputable job when we work for them. We strive to provide our customers with the best quality service and it is a great honor to be recognized by them.

Anything else you would like to add?

We would like to thank all of our customers for this award! We will strive to continue providing great customer service and we look forward to serving you in the future.

Best Radio Station KVOE

Owners: Lenny & Jason Spellman Date Started: 1978 Products/Services Offered: Plumbing repairs, remodels, new construction, sewer repairs and installation, water heater repairs and installation, alternative waste systems, backhoe/skid loader services, tanks and tankless water heaters, water softening and filtration systems, plumbing parts and fixtures.

Secrets to your success: All of our wonderful customers that have allowed Plumbing by Spellman, Inc. to serve them for the last 34 years!

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers?

We are very grateful to have received this Reader’s Choice Award! Our customers

DATE STARTED: KVOE first went on the air in 1939. We are now in our 73rd year of service to Emporia area.

PRODUCTS/SERVICES OFFERED: Local news, local weather (including live severe weather coverage), local sports, advertising, and plenty of public service. We are very proud to be one of 10 recipients, among all radio stations in the United States, for the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award which honors public service provided by the station and its employees to the communities they serve.

CHANGES OR IMPROVEMENTS in the last couple of years: We continue to look at ways to better serve our listeners and advertisers. This year more local events are carried live as well as new love and local

Page 9

programming during the week. Severe weather coverage is a very important component of what we do, and KVOE now features a spotter network that consists of 60 spotters from five counties that give live updates during severe weather. Please stay tuned to KVOE for severe weather coverage. We now offer instant update via Facebook and Twitter and new features are on the way to our web site.

Secrets to your success: A Great staff dedicated to providing service and information to our community and results for our clients. We are fortunate to have outstanding local ownership that believes in being Live and Local, and the world’s best listeners!

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RECEIVING THIS AWARD FROM THE GAZETTE READERS? Its great to be held in such high regard by the Emporia area. This is very rewarding.

From all of us at KVOE, thank you.

Best Photographer S.C. DIXON Photography

Owner: S.C. Dixon: KPPA Date Started: November 1974 Products/Services offered: Personal portraits, in-house photographic restora-

tion, weddings, high school seniors, children, pets, family portraits, boudoir, finearts, and passport/immigration photos.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: “WEDDINGS IN AN HOUR”: We worked on this for a long time!

An innovative and alternative method for quality portraits of the bride & groom, their families, and the wedding party in an hour, maintaining impeccable quality while dramatically reducing costs and stress on the couple. This whole concept is original; designed specifically for couples who are planning smaller weddings, working within a budget, or who just want to spend more of their day with their family and friends than with a photographer. We know of NO other studio ANYWHERE with a similar program.

Secrets to your success: An effort to remain relevant in one of the most mercurial professions in the world! Maintaining a professional curiosity and a willingness to adapt, learning to apply new techniques and new applications to old skills as well as a willingness to share this information with a new generation of photographers.

Also, we’ve had to patiently wait for the public to realize that there is much more to beautiful, meaningful portraiture than a “good” digital camera. It also takes skill, knowledge, and an extensive understanding of light and composition. Fortunately they are re-learning this and appreciate the difference between a digital snapshot and a real portrait.

620-342-8343 Relax it’s Rheem

TM

Doug Guion - Owner/Operator

Commercial H Residential Cars H Trucks H RV’s H Mattresses Boats H Furniture H Pet Odor 24 Hr. Emergency Flood Service Free Estimates Thank you for voting All American Carpet Cleaning Best in the Business

THANKYOUTO OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS FOR THEIR CONTINUED BUSINESS & SUPPORT INVOTING USTHE BEST! You can depend on us night or day!

That’s the Jones way!

2479 Road M • Emporia • 620-342-8343

Readers Choice Awards

Page 10 How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are always respectfully gratified by the recognition of the community and the area acknowledging our presence and relevance. After 38 years as a photographer it is always a pleasure to be acknowledged.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you!

Best Overall Customer Service Thurston’s Autobody

Owners: Jesse and Beth Wilson Date Started: We bought Thurston’s Autobody June 21, 2004. It had been a successful business for 22 years. We added Unruh Automotive this year to become “Thurston’s Plus Autobody & Automotive”.

Products/Services Offered: We do all the autobody and painting you would expect at a body shop. We offer a full range of mechanical and maintenance repairs too. I think once people are so happy with our collision repair, they just come back for anything their vehicle needs. They feel comfortable and we’re here to help. We work on all makes, models and years of vehicles.

HAMBURGER

2012

Changes or Improvements in the last couple of years: Obviously the biggest change is the the addition of the mechanical shop. But we will always be putting more “plus” in our shops, equipment and technicians.

Secrets to your success: Under promise over deliver; and be honest, knowledgeable, organized and proactive. Whether body shop or mechanical, customers deserve a quality repair at a reasonable rate in a timely manner with the best service humanly possible. We offer shuttle service, loaner cars, a written warranty on parts and workmanship, gift certificates, and a web site... www.thurstonsplusautobody. com.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are very flattered. We want to share this compliment with all of our employees.

Without them we wouldn’t be here. We would like to thank all of our customers.

We look forward to serving our friends past, present and future.

Anything else you would like to add?

We still want to make Dan and Carla Thurston proud. We would like to thank Richard and Gladys Herrman for being wonderful friends and mentors. We hope we can be successful enough to give back to the area community that has shown confidence in us with their support. Thank you for saying “My vehicle is going to my shop...Thurston’s Plus Autobody and Automotive”.

Our customers have spoken...

Thanks to all of those who give us the honor of serving them. We will keep our efforts up to bring you excellent quality and service.

(620) 342-5780 • 27 Commercial • Emporia

Monday, April 30, 2012

Best Tanning Salon Midas Touch Golden Tans

Owners: Darrell and Lea Ringler Date Started: April 2002 Products/Services offered: With four different levels of tanning equipment, tanning memberships at The Midas Touch start at just $18.88/month. The Midas Touch is proud to offer Emporia’s only Spray Tan (VersaSpa) and Red Light Collagen Therapy (Beauty Angel). In addition, the salon has a large selection of skin care products, tanning products, and red light therapy products for clients. changes or Improvements in the last couple of years: Our new Beauty Angel collagen therapy is incredible! Clients are amazed at the results, commenting that scars and stretch marks are noticeably diminished, skin is tightened and firmed, skin tone is clarified, and hair and nails grow faster and stronger. Utilizing the platform body vibration in the Beauty Angel also helps erase cellulite! If you haven’t tried the Beauty Angel yet, what are you waiting for?!

Secrets to Success: Our dedicated, Smart Tan certified, and enthusiastic staff mem-

bers are the secret to The Midas Touch’s success.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are honored and humbled to receive this award for the 10th year in a row! We appreciate the community’s vote of confidence, and promise to continue to strive for a clean, relaxing and fun place to visit.

Best Construction Company Mitchell Markowitz Construction

Owners: Rich Mitchell & Dave Markowitz Date Started: 1983 Products/Services Offered: Residential, commercial and industrial design and contracting. changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Continuing to look at our local market and way to meet community needs. secrets to your success: Dedicated employees.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers?

We’re pleased to be recognized and appreciate the community support.

Anything else you would like to add?

We’re looking forward to future projects in Emporia and the surrounding area.

Best Florist 2012 Thank you, Emporia!

You are very special people to us every day of the year!

113 years of color and quality.

Riverside Garden

www.riversidegarden.com

607 Rural 342-5457

www.midastouchtans.com

2918 W Hwy 50 340-1011

reat Years!

G 0 1 r o Tha nk You Fli nt Hills f

Readers Choice Awards

Monday, April 30, 2012

Page 11

Best shopping to sell at the lowest price possible. Our primary secret is our employees who are helpful, honest, loyal and really care about our customers and our success.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are all very happy and excited about receiving this award once again.

It verifies to us that our efforts to please our customers are recognized and rewarded. We thank you all!

Best Antique Store Poehler Mercantile

Owners: Shirley & Ron Slaymaker Date Started: October 9, 2003 Products/Services Offered: We sell antiques, collectibles, yard art, glassware, furniture, primitives, vintage jewelry, signs and much miscellaneous. If we don’t have it, it probably doesn’t exist. We also appraise and buy estates.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We have increased our size to 13,000 square feet, reorganized our merchandise and increased our offerings.

Secrets to your success: Our secret to success is listening to our customers and adjusting to meet their needs and desires as far as what they want in the way of merchandise and services. Our pricing policy is also a plus, as we try

Best Furniture Store Guion’s

Owners: Mike & Marie Guion Date Started: October 1991 Products/Services Offered: Appliances, furniture, bedding, home accessories, appliance services.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: In the last year, we have added American Furniture, Broyhill, FlexSteel and South Motion to

Thank You! Voted 2012 Reader’s Choice Best Steak & Best Bar/Night Club 2640 W. 18th • Emporia • 620-342-1223 • www.bruffs.com

We Thank All Our Friends & Customers

for choosing us Best Barber Shop 1520 W. 6th Ave. • Emporia, KS 66801

342 • 4200

our family of manufacturers. Sealy and Corsicana have expanded their inventory to include gel beds! And in addition to our selection of Whirlpool and Maytag appliances, we can also offer you air conditioners and other appliances from Crosley.

Secrets to your success: It’s the people! The Emporia area has awesome residents! We have wonderfully fun customers and a super staff of professional employees!

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We count ourselves lucky to have been voted as a Readers’ Choice winner for 2012! It’s a great feeling to be recognized! Thank you for your support.

Anything else you would like to add? We look forward to continuing to help you turn your house into a home.

Best Pharmacy Medicine Shoppe

Owner: Hills, Apothecary, Inc, Don Hill, Representative Date Started: Founded as Morris Drug in February 1885 (Oldest continuing business in Emporia). Purchased by Don and Robbie Hill in 1972. Affiliated with Medicine Shoppe in 1993.

Products/Services Offered: Our business is 100 percent prescriptions/ pharmacy and related health care offerings. We have several niche services which we specialize in including medication therapy management, prescription compounding, immunizations services, long term care services, diabetic care including meters, testing supplies, shoes, and training, mastectomy products and fitting, and pressure gradient garments. We offer 24 hour emergency service and delivery service and drivethru service at both convenient locations.

Changes or Improvements in the last couple of years: With the leadership of Amber Haag at Candlewood and Jordan Kline at Twelfth Avenue we have recently added to our staff and we continue to work to develop a broader scope of service and improve on our patient-focused approach to pharmacy practice. We have expanded our medication therapy management, immunization and adherence services. We have enhanced our capacity to be a resource to patients eligible or soon-to-be eligible for Medicare Part D drug benefit by offering information and counseling.

As prescription insurance constantly changes we offer comprehensive service

and counsel to area residents.

Secrets to your success: Our caring, experienced and well trained staff strive to consistently deliver new and existing patients personal service and outstanding value. We seek to maintain a spirit of friendly helpfulness and the best possible accessibility to our services. We offer two conveniently located modern facilities, state-of-the-art technologies and best current pharmacy practices while maintaining a neighborhood atmosphere. “Caring beyond Prescriptions” is more than our slogan – it is our promise!!

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are very grateful to be recognized by Gazette readers as the “Best of the Flint Hills.” We appreciate the affirmation from our loyal customers and we look forward to making new friends and serving the Flint Hills area for years to come. We will continue to work hard to offer area residents the highest levels of pharmacy service and care. We believe community involvement is important to our success and we will continue to strive to contribute to the Emporia area through our business and professional endeavors and our civic engagement.

Best Carpet & Floor Store Clark Carpet & Tile

Owners: Pat & Lori Clark Date Started: 1976 Products/Services Offered: Carpet, tile, marble, granite, quartz, onyx, solid surface countertops, laminate floors and countertops, hardwood, sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl and window treatments.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We are in the process of rebuilding our expanding showroom and warehouse Secrets to your success: Having products and services that other stores don’t have.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? We are pleased and honored and would like to thank our customers for their patience while we have to work out of our temporary location.

Anything else you would like to add? Progress on the expanded showroom is moving quickly now; look for our grand opening this summer. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Readers Choice Awards

Page 12

Best Lumber Supply Store Mark II Lumber

DATE STARTED: July 1, 1968 PRODUCT/SERVICED OFFERED: Retail lumber-yard, full service home center, hardware, tools, nail guns, paint, lumber, cabinets, plywood, shingles, door amd windows, screen and glass repair. We draw house plans, room additions, barn & garage plans, decks, truss shop and glass shop.

CHANGES OR IMPROVEMENTS in the last couple of years: New line of showplace cabinets, custom counter tops, granite and solid surface. We have hired extra employees for our shop and truss plant.

Secrets TO YOUR SUCCESS: Knowledge of all aspects of building and products, our employees have years of experience in hardware, paint, roofing, windows, doors, counter tops and cabinets. If we don’t know we will find out. Customer service is our goal.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RECEIVING THIS AWARD FROM THE GAZETTE READERS? We are very honored to receive the Reader’s Choice again! We are also fortu-

nate to have loyal customers.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? We want to thank all of our customers who shop Emporia first and keep our dollars local.

Monday, April 30, 2012

www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

Best Clothing Apparel Shop JC Penney

THANK YOU

I-CAR

Products/Services Offered: Clothing for the entire family, home merchandise and stylish salon.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: The company changed to fair and square pricing with month long specials and Best Price Fridays twice a month.

Secrets to your success: We treat the customers the way we would like to be treated.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are always honored when the people of Emporia award us the Readers’ Choice.

Anything else you would like to add? We look forward to continuing to

for making Our shop Your shop! We appreciate all our friends & customers.

2003 2004 2006 2007 2008 2011 BEST

HE BEST OF T

BODY SHOP

2012 2007 2008 BEST

Autobody

620.342.2613 Automotive

620.343.7063

After Hours/Weekends

620.341.9111

JESSE

Coupon & Info in Fiest

HE BEST OF T

AUTO SERVICE

2011 BEST

HE BEST OF T

CUST. SERVICE

2012

Monday, April 30, 2012 serve the city of Emporia.

Best Hardware Store Water’s True Value

Readers Choice Awards add? Thanks to all of our customers! We will always strive to be better.

Best Liquor Store Liquor Locker

of time and effort we put forth to make the Liquor Locker Reader’s Choice.

Anything else you would like to add? We would like to thank all our customers for their loyalty over the years.

We have truly enjoyed serving you all.

Best Grocery Store Reeble’s Countrymart

Owner: Jim Waters Date Started: 1905 in Manchester, Kan.; opened the Emporia location in March 1991.

Products/Services Offered: Hardware, plumbing, electrical, tools, paint, lawn and garden, garden center, bbq shop, construction rental, residential rental, party and wedding rental.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Constantly making changes to improve customer needs.

Added online shopping this year and continue to add equipment to our rental department.

Secrets to your success: To have what the customer needs, to offer helpful advice and give the customer the best service possible.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? Pretty amazing! It’s great that our customers put their trust and confidence in us!

Anything else you would like to

Page 13

customers and addressing their needs.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? It’s an honor. We know area patrons have many choices for their shopping needs. We are grateful for the opportunity to earn their business.

Anything else you would like to add? Serving familiar faces, and meeting new customers makes each day a “great day in Emporia”.

Best Gift Shop Owners: Brian W. McCracken & Floyd L. McCracken Date Started: September 28, 1993 Products/Services offered: The Liquor Locker has a complete line of imported and domestic wine, beer, cordials and spirits to choose from. There are seven wide aisles to stroll down. changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We have expanded our selection to include most of the new flavors of rum, vodka, whiskey and wine.

More micro-brews are available in our 26 cooler doors.

Secrets to Your Success: We try and meet all of our customers needs by having the products they want in stock and in quantities that last. If we don’t have that special item, we are happy to order it.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? It is always nice to be recognized for your efforts. We take pride in the amount

Second Love Owner: Bob’s Super Saver Date Started: 1883 by the Reeble Family, purchased by Bob’s Super Saver in January 2008 Products/Services Offered: Full service departments of meat, bakery, deli and produce. Complete line of groceries including specialty foods, carry out service, utility payment, money orders and Western Union. Postage stamps and L Cat stop.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Adding events such as Outdoor Grilling Days, Holiday Open Houses and community fund raisers, such as “Project Prom,” sandwich sales and March Madness to help area school groups.

Secrets to your success: Our employee longevity successfully contributes to a personal friendly relationship with our

Owners: Jim & Sandy Koch, Jason Koch Date Started: June 1990 Products/Services Offered: We are a full line gift and card shop featuring product lines of Fiestaware, Willow Tree Angels, DMC Floss, Jack Dempsey Handwork, Aunt Martha’s Transfers, and sports merchandise for KU, KSU, ESU, Chiefs and Royals.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Our point-of-sale system is fully integrated with our ecommerce website, secondlove.com, to manage inventory and streamline operations.

Secrets to your success: Offering a large variety of merchandise and keeping

Readers Choice Awards

Page 14 our prices low.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? We appreciate the support of all our customers and look forward to doing business with you for many, many years.

Best Jewelry Store (2-Way Tie) Kari’s Diamonds by Design

Emporia with a jewelry store that offers quality workmanship, timely jewelry repair and one of a kind designs.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? Honored that our customers appreciate us as much as we truly appreciate them.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you for letting Kari’s be Emporia’s hometown jewelry store.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Best Food and Drink Best Bakery/Desserts Amanda’s

Best Barbecue

Stanley Jewelers

Owners: Kari & Randy Stookey Products/Services Offered: Fine jewelry, custom design, jewelry repair, appraisals, watch repair, gold, silver and coin buying.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Remodel and addition of bridal Boutique to include handbags and SPANX. Secrets to your success: We have the privilege of serving Emporia customers by providing a large selection of custom jewelry backed by excellent customer service. Our goal is to provide

Owners: Christine Stanley Date Started: 1947 Products/Services Offered: Diamond jewelry, watches, gift items, Hallmark cards and ornaments, jewelry and watch repair, collectibles, sterling & fashion jewelry, baby goods, dishes, flatware and crystal stemware.

Secrets to Your Success: A large selection of merchandise.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? Very thankful to all our friends for supporting us over the last 65 years!

possible for me to be able to do what I love for a living.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you Emporia for all your support and also for loving my brownies and cinnamon rolls so much!

Bobby D’s

Owner: Amanda Mallon Date Started: October 2007 Products/Services Offered: Made from scratch cinnamon rolls, bread, cookies and desserts; made to order sandwiches and soup.

Secrets to your success: We use the best ingredients available. The cinnamon rolls are made with real butter and local, fresh eggs. Fanestil meat on many of our sandwiches. I pick the produce myself. Last summer Prairieland Partners provided us with fresh produce; being able to use locally grown veggies was great.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? I feel very grateful to have so many wonderful customers who make it

Owners: Bob & Debbie Doudican Date Started: 2001 Products/Services Offered: Barbecue meats, ribs, pulled pork, steaks (certified Angus Beef), prime rib, fish, many lunch and evening specials, catering for all size groups. Great service at a fair price.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Building remodeling of Broadview Towers, new

We appreciate your Reader’s Choice votes for Best Realtor!

THE

HENRIKSON TEAM Beth Henrikson 620-794-3535

www.EmporiaRealtyGroup.com

Kristi Henrikson-Mohn 620-794-7372

Find us on Facebook

Readers Choice Awards

equipment and flooring, adding more variety to our menu, providing something for everyone’s taste buds.

Secrets to your success: A great staff wanting to give our valued customers great service and quality food.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? Very honored and thankful for the support shown by Emporia and the surrounding communities.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you for your support. We have now been in business for 10 years and our friendships with customers are priceless.

Best Buffet Pizza Ranch

Owners: Rich & Linda Avery Date Started: Dec. 29, 2008 Products/Services Offered: We offer a pizza and broasted chicken buffet complete with salad bar, beverage and ice cream. We also provide carry-out and delivery of our full menu. We of-

fer off site catering as well as 2 private party rooms in the store for birthday parties, meetings, rehearsal dinners etc.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Our most recent change was increasing our buffet hours on Saturdays and Sundays to an all day buffet running from 11am–8pm to give busy families and travelers more opportunity to take part in our buffet.

Secrets to your success: Our success can only be attributed to our quality staff. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and hardworking group of employees. They take great pride in their jobs working for Pizza Ranch. It is reflected in the work they do for us and we are always very proud of all of them.

How do you feel about receiving this award from gazette readers?

We are so excited and proud to have been chosen best buffet in Emporia three years in a row. We greatly appreciate all of our guests and the positive feedback we receive. Emporia is such a great community to be a part of.

Anything else you would like to add? We would just like to thank everyone for being so supportive of us.

It only confirms we made the right decision choosing Emporia as our home and the first Pizza Ranch location in Kansas. Emporia is a great community to live, work and play.

Page 15

rotating craft beers on tap for summer.

Also, don’t forget to check us out on Facebook.

Best Bar/Night Club Bruff’s Sports Bar & Grill

Best Chinese Cuisine Shanghai

Owner: Gary Burgess Date Started: August 1988 Products/Services offered: Full service bar with eight beers on tap and an ever evolving wine and bottled beer list.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Even more HD plasma TV’s and a second state of the art 108” HD projector system because 27 HD TV’s just wasn’t enough!

Secrets to Your Success: Inviting atmosphere, fun wait staff, the best selection of your favorite spirits and area’s best HD video system to make every seat the best seat in the house.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We are excited and proud to be recognized for our efforts and hard work.

Anything else you would like to add? With the insurgence of the new craft beer scene, we have added several craft beer bottle selections as well as

Q

Thank you for voting me Best Insurance Agent in the business.

Owner: Frank Liou Date Started: June 1996 Products/Services Offered: Chinese cuisine: Beijing style, Hunan style, and Szechuan style. Coke products. DineIn, Carry Out and Delivery.

Secrets to your success: The friendly and relaxing atmosphere as well as the excellent food and service. We are always working hard on keeping our food fresh and on keeping the place clean. Freshness, cleanliness, and good service are our main goals.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? It is an honor to be voted as the best Chinese Cuisine for eight years in a row. Your support is our best motivation. As always, we will strive to serve the best Chinese food. If you think we

2004

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

BBQ

BBQ

BBQ

2009

2005

BBQ

BBQ

2007

2008

BBQ

2010

200

3 200

BBQ

6

Q

BB

BB

Monday, April 30, 2012

BBQ

2012

2011

Pete Euler

920 Commercial St. Emporia, KS 620-342-6272

r ing Cate

Thanks for recognizing our efforts — Bobby

607 Merchant St. • Emporia, Ks • 620-342-1990 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am -9pm

Readers Choice Awards

Page 16 should do better on any aspect, please let us know. Your support is key to keeping our business going and to do better.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you, Emporia! We promise to serve you our best. Coming soon, new menu!

Best Coffee Granada Coffee Company

Best Burger J’s Carryout

Owners: Jay, Jean, and Justin Pearson Date started: 1987 Products/services offered: Hamburgers, fries, onion rings, salads, drinks and sandwiches.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Our outdoor patio seats 18.

SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS: The customers always come first. Good food and service.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? Very grateful and a big thanks to our customers.

Owner: Rocky Slaymaker Date Started: November 25, 2002 Products/Services Offered: The Granada Coffee Company offers a wide variety of specialty coffee and tea drinks, an assortment of muffins, and a light lunch. We also enjoy catering local events and creating gift baskets. changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We are offering a new tea line that has over 24 different flavors. We also offer several loose tea flavors that can be purchased by the ounce.

Our whole beans and ground coffee can now also be purchased by the ounce.

Secrets to Your Success: The Granada Coffee Company has always focused on and will continue to focus on our customer service, quality products, a warm and clean environment, and drink consistency. We value customer feedback and make adjustments when needed. Our employees love their jobs, love the cus-

Thank You to all of our Friends and Customers for voting Gambino’s Pizza

“Best Pizza”

Glad to be serving pizza in Emporia for over 16 years!

2004

2006

2009

2010

2011

2012

Monday, April 30, 2012

tomers, and their dedication is undeniable!

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? We take great pride in receiving this award. Anytime the Gazette and the community recognize the efforts of a small business, it feels great! This award also goes to our employees and our loyal customers!

Anything else you would like to add? Please come in and visit with us!

Our atmosphere encourages warmth, companionship, and conversation, not to mention the great coffee! Snuggle up in the overstuffed comfy chairs or eat lunch at the table… either way, you are guaranteed to enjoy yourself!

CHANGES OR IMPROVEMENTS in the last couple of years: All day, everyday $1 Margaritas. Fountain drinks are $1.

SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS: The customer comes first. We listen to our customers.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RECEIVING THIS AWARD FROM THE GAZETTE READERS? We are very honored in receiving this award from Emporians. Thank you!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? New specials coming soon!

Best Fried Chicken Olpe Chicken House

Best Mexican Cuisine La Hacienda

OWNER: Juan Martin Ramirez DATE STARTED: February 2003 PRODUCTS/SERVICES OFFERED: Mexican Food, Catering.

Owners: Larry and Charlotte Coble Date Started: May 1, 1958 Products/Services Offered: We are known for our famous friend chicken.

Another popular item is our homemade chicken friend steak. All of our potato options, onion rings and cream pies are made from scratch. We have a wide variety of menu options many that are cooked fresh to order.

! d e as

le r P o ou rs.

S l l re u to a tome a We hank yo yal cus Lo T d an w Ne

614 Commercial Emporia 620-343-9866

Breakfast & Lunch Daily Specials Home Spun Made to Order Breakfast

Dine-In, Delivery, Carry-Out • 1003 Industrial Rd • 343-9114

“Like” us on Facebook for specials and promos: gambino’s pizza emporia ks

Serving Emporia for 17 Years Tuesday thru Sunday • 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Closed on Mondays

Readers Choice Awards

Monday, April 30, 2012 Changes or improvements in in the last couple of years: Nothing major, we strive to keep our restaurant clean and inviting both inside the kitchen and dining rooms as well as the outside appearance. We believe cleanliness says a a lot when it comes to an eating establishment.

Secrets to your success: Keeping regular hours is very important as well as always having management on duty. This means long hours, but it is rewarding. Our catering is a big part of our success as well. We also strive to keep the best products available to keep our customers coming back.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are truly blessed and proud to have received this award all 10 years.

It makes us strive harder each year to live up to our reputation. We truly enjoy all our customers both regular and new. Some travel a great distance to eat with us and we always look forward to their return.

Anything else you would like to add? We wish to thank all our Gazette readers that voted for us. We also give a lot of credit to Matt and Margret Wille for their hard work and dedication in all the years that they have been with the restaurant. To Thersea Coble who continues to be the backbone in who we really are. Without them we would not be what we are today. It takes more than just owning a busi-

ness to be successful and they can take credit for that as well. We would like to thank the rest of our staff and every customer for their continued support.

May God Bless you as we have been blessed.

Best Steak Bruff’s Sports Bar& Grill

Owner: Gary Burgess Date Started: August 1988 Products/services offered: Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, desserts and of course steaks. We have a private room available for banquets or meetings, provided with two 42 inch plasmas, 80-inch HD projection screen available for computer presentations.

We also cater for business meetings or private events. changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We would never dream of changing the fact that we have always hand selected Midwestern beef, aged it in house and hand cut our steaks. secrets to your success: We are never satisfied with “good.” We know there

PLUMBING

PLUMBING

PLUMBING

PLUMBING

PLUMBING

PLUMBING

PLUMBING

PLUMBING

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

by Spellman, Inc. Thank you for voting our business best plumbing company.

We take pride in what we do, and will continue to provide quality service.

are lots of “good” places to eat- we strive and work to be the very “best.”

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? We appreciate and are truly honored to be selected again for the Best Steak of the Flint Hills. If it wasn’t for our customers, Bruff’s wouldn’t be Bruff’s — a place where Emporia, surrounding towns and communities gather to have a great evening out.

Anything else you would like to add? Jennifer McLinn, our kitchen manager, has been with us for over 15 years.

She and her staff work hard to keep our customers coming back time and time again.

Page 17

Secrets to your success: Good food, good service - Great customers!

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? Amazed! What a cool thing.

Anything else you would like to add? Thanks so much for the honor we salute all who visit the diner.

Best Pizza Gambino’s

Best Place for Breakfast Commercial Street Diner

Owners: Dave & Janet Laird Date Started: June 20, 2010 Products/Services Offered: Home cooked breakfast and lunch six days a week served to you with a smile.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We’ve added a few items to our menu.

Owners: Brad & Amy Richardson Date Started: 1997 Products/Services Offered: Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Calzones and More Pizza!

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We recently have added TV’s in our dining room area, bottled beer and a great order by number value meal concept.

Secrets to your success: We strive to provide quality food at a reasonable price prepared and served by great people.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? All of us at Gambino’s Pizza are very honored to receive this award for the sixth time. We realize our customers have ma-

Thank you!

We appreciate your confidence and pledge to continue to serve you in the future.

Mark Shook General Manager

821 Commercial St. • Emporia, KS (620) 342-2122

801 West 6th Avenue Emporia 343-2800 www.waterstruevalue.com

Readers Choice Awards

Page 18 ny pizza choices in Emporia, making this award very rewarding.

Anything else you would like to add? We would like to thank each and every one of our loyal customers for their continued support.

Best Place for Ice Cream Braum’s

Owners: Bill and Mary Braum Date Started: 1968 Products/Services Offered: Braum’s is like three stores in one. A fountain area and the fresh market.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Braum’s built a brand new, state-of-the-art bakery located on the Braum Family Farm in Tuttle, Okla. in 2010. We also continue to build new stores and remodel current stores all the time.

Secrets to your success: W.H. Braum, Inc. is a vertically-integrated company.

That means Braums’s has its own farm, processing plant, bakery, print shop, advertising agency, transportation division and real estate company. Braum’s is also the only major ice cream producer in the country to milk its own cows.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? We are very grateful and proud to

Monday, April 30, 2012

win Best Ice Cream! It all started here in Emporia! The Braum family roots are in Emporia and we are so proud of the fact that the readers still love Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy stores.

Anything else you would like to add? The Braum family farm in Tuttle, Okla. is home to one of the largest dairy operations in the world and is a showplace in the industry. It takes less than 36 hours for the milk to go from the cow, to the processing plant, to the stores!

ed us with fresh produce; being able to use locally grown veggies was great.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? I feel very grateful to have so many wonderful customers who make it possible for me to be able to do what I love for a living.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you Emporia for all your support and also for loving my brownies and cinnamon rolls so much!

Deli/Sandwich Shop

Planet Sub

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We appreciate being acknowledged for the readers choice award, all due to our customers’ votes.

Anything else you would like to add? Every Tuesday is “Turkey Tuesday” with $2.50 6-inch turkey subs. We also have catering and delivery service available. Give us a call at 620-343-1660.

Subway

(3-Way Tie) Amanda’s

Owner: Amanda Mallon Date Started: October 2007 Products/Services Offered: Made from scratch cinnamon rolls, bread, cookies and desserts; made to order sandwiches and soup.

Secrets to your success: We use the best ingredients available. The cinnamon rolls are made with real butter and local, fresh eggs. Fanestil meat on many of our sandwiches. I pick the produce myself.

Last summer Prairieland Partners provid-

would like to Congratulate

Kris Cannon for being voted

Best Bartender!

Thank you to our loyal patrons!

We enjoy serving you!

627 Commercial • Emporia

Owners: Bob & Janel Burnheide Products/services offered: Planet Sub serves oven-baked submarine sandwiches on our famous bread, made 100 percent from scratch everyday. We have over 40 different sandwiches to choose from with a variety of ingredients. Simply put, we have something for everyone.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We have not had any significant changes. We continue to strive to provide great customer service.

Secrets to your success: It’s easy, the bread, made from scratch and baked fresh everyday.

Owner: Lyle Scott Date Started: September 1990 Products/Services Offered: Sandwiches, salads, breakfast, lunch, dinner, catering.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Breakfast at all stores started in April of 2011.

Secrets to your success: Great customers! Also have great food at great prices.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We’re thrilled!

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you for voting us #1!

Thank you Emporia & The Flint Hills for choosing us as The Best Sub Sandwich Shop

935 Industrial Rd 343-7012

12th & Merchant 343-2907

Inside Walmart 340-0633

Thank You! ...for voting us Best Overnight Accomodations.

We look forward to serving you in the future.

2602 Candlewood Dr. Emporia, KS. 620-343-7762

Readers Choice Awards

Monday, April 30, 2012

Page 19

Best in the business Best Accountant Glenda Street, Street Tax Service

thank them for taking time to vote for me.

Best Bartender Kris Cannon, Natasha’s

Owner: Glenda Street Date Started: 1986 Products/Services Offered: Tax preparation, bookkeeping, and property management.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Electronic filing of tax and payroll returns.

Secrets to your success: Willingness to work long hours and our competitive pricing.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? It’s a great honor to be appreciated by your clients and I thank them for taking time to vote for me.

Anything else you would like to add? I have the greatest clients and I

Owner: James Roberts Date Started: 2010 Products/Services Offered: I serve alcoholic cocktails. I also maintain the supplies and inventory for the bar at times.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Other than expanding the upstairs dance floor, no big changes.

Secrets to your success: There is no secret at all; just maintain a great attitude and work ethic.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? Other than shocked, gracious would be fitting.

It’s how we treat our customers. And it’s what you can expect from every State Farm® agent, along with personal help with your insurance and financial needs.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CONTACT AN AGENT TODAY.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST FRIED CHICKEN! 8 East Highway 99 Olpe, KS 66865-9742 620-475-3386

WHY HANCOCK AUCTION? 4EXPERIENCE 4QUALIFICATIONS 4COMMITMENT Thank you for recognizing our efforts.

We hope to continue to bring you “The Readers Choice” in auctions.

620-279-4575 • Cell: 620-340-5692 • Fax: 620-279-4204 www.hancockauctionandrealestate.com

Vicki Burnett, Agent 411 W. 6th Avenue Emporia, KS 66801 Bus: 620-342-2727

Pete Euler, Agent 920 Commercial Emporia, KS 66801 Bus: 620-342-6272

vicki.burnett.gavp@statefarm.com

pete-euler.b6wt@statefarm.com

Stacey Floyd, Agent 2608 W 12th Ave Emporia, KS 66801 Bus: 620-342-9260

stacey.floyd.rnn0@statefarm.com

Thank you...

For Voting State Farm Insurance the Best Insurance Agency

Readers Choice Awards

Page 20

Best Car Salesperson Larry Magsam, Crown Vic

Owners: Larry & Carol Magsam Date Started: August 1, 1986 at 616 Prairie (moved to 6th & Rural on August 1, 1997) Products/Services Offered: Late model vehicles — cars, trucks, crossovers, vans, suvs Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Probably have slowed down some — due to shortage of low mile, nearly new vehicles Secrets to your success: I heard a long time ago, “Find something you really like to do and figure out a way to get paid for it.”

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? Same as last year and other years: “I don’t deserve it.” Can’t imagine that — that many people vote for me — or “us.”

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you to all of our customers ­— almost 26 years in business — we

also need to try harder this year - filling orders for that special vehicle that you want.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you so much to all of my clients and to my family.

Best Hair Stylist

Best Insurance Agent

Kelly Baker, Salon Mirage Inc

Pete Euler, State Farm

Owners: Jim & Kelly Baker Date Started: August 1994 Products/Services offered: Hairstyles, perms, color, foil highlights, waxing.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: The outside was completely remodeled and the inside was painted, received new flooring and some new equipment.

Secrets to Your Success: My clients are definitely the secret to my success and long hours and dedication to my salon.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? I’m so honored and surprised and totally amazed that my clients think that much of me.

Owners: Pete & Leslee Euler Date Started: February 1, 1984 Products/Services Offered: We are a full line insurance agency providing auto, fire, life and financial services.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Last year I celebrated 30 years with State Farm. We have upgraded our technology, decor and added new staff.

Secrets to your success: We love Emporia. Being a good neighbor. Involved in the community. Getting to know people and earning their trust.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? It’s the best recognition one can receive. To have the respect and appreciation for the work we do everyday from our policy holders is an honor.

Supermarket of fine wines

Choice 2012 s ’ r e ad e R Best Liquor Store

Thank you to our customers!

We appreciate your votes!

343-7414 2716 W. 12th Emporia, KS 66801

Monday, April 30, 2012 Anything else you would like to add? Thank you!

Best Nail Technician Dao, Dynamic Nails & Spa

Owner: Dao Nguyen Date Started: August 31, 2010 Products/Services Offered: Dynamic Nails and Spa offers: pink and white, solar nails, glitter tips, designer tips, french tips, American tips, sea shell nails, gel manicures, spa pedicures, deluxe pedicures, SIGNATURE pedicures, kid’s pedicures, waxing services and paraffin wax. Let us DYNAMIC your hands and feet!

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We have been open only 20 months and started by bringing big city trends to Emporia.

Now our clients have embraced these trends and no longer have to travel to Kansas City or other larger cities.

Dynamic NAILS & SPA is proud to be the first to offer these services in Em-

Monday, April 30, 2012 poria.

Secrets to your success: We contribute the success of Dynamic NAILS & SPA to personal attention given to each and every client by providing a relaxing and enjoying experience. Being the first salon in Emporia to offer pink and white, solar nails, glitter tips and specialty pedicures including the SIGNATURE pedicure which is one of our most exclusive services. We have had a great response from our clients and feel they have welcomed these new trends.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We are honored by this prestigious award and we want to thank our clients for nominating Dao. We are all very proud of her and glad to be a part of her team!

Anything else you would like to add? Please come and join us for the second Annual “Manicures 4 the Cure” on Sunday, May 6, 2012, noon to 5 p.m. 100 percent of all proceeds benefit St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. Your support of this cause is greatly appreciated! Thank you again to all our DYNAMIC clients!

Best Radio Personality Ron Thomas, KVOE

DATE STARTED: Feb 1986 Products/Services Offered: The KVOE Morning Show. We call it the morning Big Gulp of Local information. Local news, weather, sports, talk and promotion of local events and activities, so if you have an event or know of someone who deserves recognition please let us know.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: We update instantly now with Facebook and Twitter and continue to ad local content in the 6a-9a timeslot.

SECRETs TO YOUR SUCCESS: No secret really, just a great morning crew with Chuck Samples and Greg Rahe (two of the hardest workers in radio). We try daily to inform and entertain in a Live and local way. We have the world’s best listeners. Oh and I can’t leave out our love of bacon.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RECEIVING THIS AWARD FROM THE GAZETTE READERS? Super Fantastic! Thanks to the Gazette readers for the votes and to the KVOE listeners for tuning in. The Emporia community is a great place to live and I am proud to be a small part of it.

Readers Choice Awards

Best Realtor Beth Hendrikson, Emporia Realty Group

Owners: Beth Henrikson & Kristi Henrikson-Mohn Date Started: 2002 Products/Services Offered: Residential and commercial sales, relocation experts, stressed property consultation and sales, staging consultants.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Lots of change!

We are always adding and improving services to help get properties sold.

Technology, networking, community involvement and service...we work with as many tools as possible to be as effective as possible while having as much fun as possible!

Secrets to your success: We were raised in an honest, happy home where hard work and integrity were valued and cultivated. Our upbringing truly carried over into the way we run our business. We owe our success to our parents and our wonderful clients.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? This is the third time we’ve received this award which tells us that we must be doing something right. It really is an honor to have your friends, clients and support network think of you and recognize you in this way. In return, we promise to keep getting better at what we do!

Best Auto Mechanic Jesse Shaver, Cliff’s Super Service

Page 21

SnapOn Verus. We have also added a full service station at 1102 Commercial, full and service gasoline oil service, detail, tire repairs, batteries and all minor service. Anything larger we will take care of at 115 East 5th. We have also added SnapOn D-TAC Elite Electronic Tester. Herb Moerer is a new addition to our crew so now we have two ASE Master Technicians and two ASE Automotive Technicians. We keep all diagnostic equipment up to date.

Secrets to your success: High degree of integrity. We take pride in our quality of service. We keep safety in

mind as well as your pocketbook. We have a family tradition in super service.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette readers? Very honored and grateful for the seventh year in a row. In today’s field of technicians, this is a high honor to be selected among these professionals.

Anything else you would like to add? I own my success to my loyal customers, who trust us. My family; I would not do a thing without the best employees in the business, my right hand man, Brandon Medoza, Herb Moerer and Bryce Shaver (my son). Thank you!

Thank You

for your continued support and trust in us.

26 years in business

~We appreciate your business~

Crown ViC Auto SAleS

6th & rurAl — 620-342-8098

Let us know the kind and price range of vehicle that you are looking for.

We appreciate your patience and “we want YOUR trade”. -Larry & Carol

Wishes to THANK YOU for voting us as the BEST ANTIQUE STORE of the Flint Hills.

301 Commercial Emporia, KS “REMEMBER THE BEAR!”

Owners: Jesse & Anne Shaver Date Started: 1964, business started in 1938 Products/Services Offered: Complete automotive and light ruck repairs, preventative maintenance, drive ability concerns, new and older automobiles and light trucks. We meet or exceed O.E. specs.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Numerous updates in technology and equipment.

ASE recertification and training. This is ongoing everyday. We have added the latest in diagnostic equipment -

Thank You

for voting us Best Funeral Home for the tenth year.

Serving the Emporia Area Since 1928

Roberts-Blue-Barnett

J. Michael Turnbull, Owner 605 State Street Trust and Tradition 620-342-2134 Staffed 24 hours a day for your convenience.

Readers Choice Awards

Page 22

Monday, April 30, 2012

Best of the rest

Christmas Parade

Owners: Members, we are a non-profit organization (Manager: Jeanine McKenna, President/CEO) Date Started: 1897 Product/Service Offered: The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau is a proactive business organization working for the benefit of our members to create a positive community in which to live, work, and play.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Each year we review our programming and events to determine if they provide value to our members, adding and eliminating services as necessary. We encourage and appreciate input from our members. The annual Community Christmas Parade is a program of the

Chamber that has been extremely popular with the Emporia community for 34 years.

Mrs. Santa began attending the Christmas Parade in 2010 handing out candy canes and collecting letters to Santa. Mrs. Santa is very popular and has been invited to come back for the 2012 Christmas Parade.

The Chamber continues the tradition of the Parade because we feel that by working together, we can make great things happen right here in Emporia. We are leading the way for a better, stronger Emporia!

Secrets to your success: The Christmas Parade, as well as the Chamber itself, relies heavily on volunteers. The Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization made up of local business men and women. Chamber members ARE the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has incredible members who volunteer many hours of their time and expertise to organize and execute events like the Christmas Parade. Many of the people who help plan the Parade have been on the committee for several years. A valuable partnership with member businesses Cable One, KVOE and The Emporia Gazette provides listeners and viewers the opportunity to experience the Parade if they are not able to attend in person.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We

BEST CAR WASH Mr. G's - Three locations -

1901 W. 6th Avenue

(across from Long John Silvers)

101 S. Commercial St.

716 E. 12th Avenue

(across from Casey's)

Car Wash

2010

(next to Do B's)

Car Wash

2011

Car Wash

2012

businesses that were selected the “Best”.

Best Non-Profit Group United Way

Date Started: Founded 1938 Products/Services Offered: Purpose: The United Way of the Flint Hills works with the communities in Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Morris, Wabaunsee, Osage, Greenwood, and Woodson counties to identify the pressing issues in those communities and to raise funds that will address those issues.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: The last year has been an important one for the United Way of the Flint Hills. We were on the ground immediately following the Reading and Harveyville tornadoes to assist with immediate relief needs. We raised funds to assist the residents in their recovery efforts, and we continue to be involved in the long-term

Caffe Mocha • Oregon Chai • Muffins • Caffe Latte • Kona Mocha Glacier

809 Commercial • 620-342-4001 COFFEE

COFFEE

COFFEE

COFFEE

2004 2004 2005COFFEE

2005

COFFEE

COFFEE

2006

2007

Thank you for voting us

Best Coffee

COFFEE

COFFEE

2008 COFFEE

2012

We will continue to provide quality products and excellent service seven days a week.

HOURS

2009 COFFEE

2010 COFFEE

2011

Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. • Saturday 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Sunday 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. • Open late for theatre performances Readers’ Choice Award • Best Coffee 2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11 & 2012

Cappuccino • Decaf Vanilla Latte • Full Leaf Loose Tea • White Chocolate Mocha • Cinnamon Rolls

Thank you for voting us

are honored to be chosen “Best” in our category, and excited that the hard work of our volunteers and partners is being recognized. By selecting the Christmas Parade as the Best Annual Community Event, readers of The Emporia Gazette are telling us that they enjoy the dedication and lighting ceremony and the Parade that kicks off the holiday season. Traditionally, the Christmas Parade has been Emporia’s largest and only nighttime Parade. There are numerous businesses, organizations, and churches that participate in the Christmas Parade, and many people from those groups put a lot of time and effort into preparing their floats. These people and the volunteer organizers are the ones who make it possible for the Christmas Parade to be voted Best Annual Community Event by The Emporia Gazette readers, and they are the reason the Christmas Parade prevails as a premier winter event.

Anything else you would like to add? Since its inception, the Christmas Parade has always been held on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. A theme and Parade Marshal are selected each year.

We appreciate the time taken by each of The Emporia Gazette readers who completed the Best of the Flint Hills survey, and thank the Gazette and its employees for their hard work and recognition of the

Sugar Free Kona Mocha • Many Creative Flavorings • Croissant Sandwiches • Gourmet Roast Coffee

Best Annual Community Event

Monday, April 30, 2012 recovery of both of these communities. On top of that, we exceeded our 2011-12 campaign goal and raised over $593,000 for 21 community partners that provide essential services in our community. It has been a productive, meaningful year for the United Way! Secrets to your success: The secret to our success is to be accessible to our community and be willing to take on new responsibilities to ensure that the residents in all of our communities have access and tools they need to thrive.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers: We are thrilled to receive this award. We try to do our best to serve everyone in our community, and this award makes us feel that the community recognizes our efforts!

Thank you, Gazette Readers!

Anything else you would like to add?

The United Way of the Flint Hills has an exciting future, and we are looking forward to working even harder for our community.

Readers Choice Awards Secrets to your success: Peter Pan Park is a historic park with over 50 acres of green space for leisure activities as well as formally scheduled programs. The park staff is dedicated to keeping the facilities and grounds in top shape for patrons.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers?

The staff is proud of the achievements they make on a daily basis to make this the most popular park in our system. It is nice to have our efforts recognized.

Anything else you would like to add? We have 18 public parks (approximately 325 acres) in Emporia; some have amenities and others are green space. We hope you’ll have the chance to enjoy other parks too.

Best Children’s Entertainment Spot/Local Attraction David Traylor Zoo

Candlewood Suites

Peter Pan Park

Owner: Candlewood Emporia LLC Date Started: May 2001 Products/Services Offered: Extended stay hotel. Each room is equipped with a full kitchen. Free laundry, high speed wireless Internet, fitness center and the Candlewood Cupboard for convenient shopping.

Changes or improvements in the last couple of years: Our hotel is completely renovated. Suites have new furnishings, carpet and hardwood flooring. Our corridors have been updated with a contemporary color scheme. We also have a new look for the meeting room, fitness center and lobby area.

Secrets to your success: Great staff who take pride and ownership in the hotel and in making Candlewood Suites a great place that guests love.

How do you feel about receiving this award from the gazette readers? We

CONGRATULATIONS! Best Clothing Apparel Shop

are extremely honored and will strive to continue to serve Emporians with their guest accommodations and meeting room functions.

Anything else you would like to add?

We would like to extend an invitation to all Emporians to stop by Candlewood Suites and see our newly redecorated hotel.

Best Overnight Accommodations

Best Public Park

Owner: City of Emporia Date Started: 1926 Products/services offered: two playgrounds, three shelter houses, amphitheater, boat house, three tennis courts, four horseshoe pits, drinking fountains, benches, picnic tables, two baseball diamonds, a four acre fishing pond, disc golf course, bocce ball court, statue of Peter Pan, restrooms, concrete structures, former Monkey Island changes or improvements in the last couple of years: There haven’t been any improvements made in the last couple of years, but we are currently working with Patti Banks and Associates for a Park Master Plan which should give us options for developments as funds allow.

Page 23

Flinthills 8 Theatre

Best Place to Take a Date

Owner: City of Emporia Date Started: 1934 Products/services offered: The Zoo offers children an opportunity to study the behaviors of animals that they may find locally as well as those exotic species that live on other continents. They can experience interactive graphics as well as thought provoking play structures that mimic an animal’s life. The animal ambassadors exhibited in the Zoo Education Center are part of our Outreach program and most can be touched, giving the child a chance to feel their covering and discover how it is used to protect the animal.

The Zoo is open to everyone. We have native and exotic animals living in naturalized exhibits enhanced by appropriate displays of horticulture. We offer education programs varying from brief animal encounters to lessons on a variety of subjects. Patrons can request formal programming or chose to wander through the Zoo on their own, discovering the many wonders of the plant and animal world.

Any changes or improvements in the last couple of years: In the Fall of 2011, the Preston Forest Adventure opened which displays a variety of animals that live in the North American forest. It also features interactive graph-

ics about trees and the sounds made by forest animals. A few play structures are included which demonstrate how it may feel to live in the forest or travel like a spider. We ’re working on developing more formal education programs to offer to children. We are fortunate to have Hetlinger Developmental Services providing concessions in the Zoo during the weekday lunch hour.

The secret to your success: Support from the community through EFOZ donations and funding from the City of Emporia; committed staff dedicated to providing the best care for the animal collection; and volunteers who work with staff, present educational outreach and help in other ways to support the mission of the Zoo. How do you feel about receiving this award from the Gazette Readers? It is gratifying to be publicly acknowledged for the job that we do. Our mission is to provide an environment which inspires respect and stewardship for the natural world, improve the future for wildlife and provide a recreational opportunity for learning about nature and conservation.

Anything else you would like to add? We have several upcoming public events. You can view the calendar on our website www.emporiazoo.org. We hope you can join us!

Best Place to Take a Date Flint Hills 8 Theatres

OWNERS: Dickinson Theatres HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RECEIVING THIS AWARD FROM THE GAZETTE READER? We are very excited and honored the readers have recognized the Flinthills 8 as their home to see all the latest movies.

Thank You for voting for us.

2715 Candlewood Dr., Ste. B • 620-343-1660

Page 24

Readers Choice Awards

Monday, April 30, 2012