SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 1
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Dear Readers,
us at any time to help with any need you might have. We don’t succeed unless you succeed. We have an ever growing array of Just 14 short years ago the annual Readers Choice Awards products these days so don’t be shy about letting us show you began here at The Sumter Item. It continues to be the most what we can offer. popular section we do for both our readers and advertisers. Your local newspaper is here to stay (hopefully for another Ballot after ballot come in the doors up until the last minute. 120 years) and the entire Sumter Item staff, whether they work Virtually all Sumter Item employees, especially the advertising in advertising, the newsroom, circulation or the business office, department, help in counting ballots and making sure the are here to help you. We understand that a strong business contest is done fairly and accurately. environment is critical to the success of the Sumter area The Sumter Item continues to make sections like Readers community. The Sumter Item has played a significant role in the Choice not only better each year from a visual standpoint but helpful in terms of locating local businesses to spend your hard growth of Sumter for nearly 120 years and we will continue to do so. earned dollars. And of course, the most “bang for your buck” So finally and most importantly, thanks for reading today’s is going to be advertising in The Sumter Item newspaper, our Sumter Item and we hope you enjoy the 14th annual Reader’s website (soon to be new and improved) and the many other Choice Awards special edition. products we offer on a regular basis. Between The Sumter Item Jack Osteen is Editor and Publisher of The Sumter Item newspaper and our website, we reach over 53,000 readers every Newspaper. He can be reached at 803-774-1238 or single day. No other advertising medium in this market can Jack@theitem.com. make that claim. The advertising department is here to help you, the business owner, to grow your business and help bring more customers into your doors. That’s our job so don’t be afraid to call on any of
Jack Osteen, Editor and Publisher
Congratulations THIS YEAR’S $100 WINNER IS
MITCH HANSEN
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Publisher
Sales Manager
CEO
Layout & Design
Jack Osteen Larry Miller
Waverly Williams Cary Howard
Sales Staff
Karen Cave Paige Macloskie Mark Pekuri
Ad Design
Manon Barwick Rosie Peavy
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 3
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
4 THE SUMTER ITEM
...and the
winner is
ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENT FACILITY COMPLEX Covenant Place Piedmont Plantation
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
The
BEST
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 5
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
6 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
AUTO BODY SHOP McLaughlin Ford AUTO DEALERSHIP (NEW) McLaughlin Ford AUTO DEALERSHIP (USED) McLaughlin Ford AUTO REPAIR SHOP McLaughlin Ford AUCTION COMPANY Dinkins Auction
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 7
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
BABY STORE Belk
BOOK STORE Books A Million
Bar/Grill Chili’s
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Kyla Ann’s Bridal Boutique
BOATING & BOAT SUPPLIES McLean Marine Inc.
CABLE/SATELLITE Time Warner Cable
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
8 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
CATERING CO. Serendipity Catering & Cafe
CHURCH Alice Drive Baptist Church
COUNTERTOPS CO. Walton Countertops
CUSTOMER SERVICE Aycock-Richardson Monument Co.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 9
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
10 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
DANCE SCHOOL Miss Libby’s School of Dance
DECKS AND PORCHES Aycock Construction, LLC
DAY CARE Warth Child Care
DEPARTMENT STORE Belk
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 11
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
12 THE SUMTER ITEM
DRIVE THRU WINDOW SERVICE Chick-fil-A DRY CLEANERS Polar Bear Cleaners EMPLOYMENT AGENCY Norman Williams & Associates
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION/BANK SAFE Federal Credit Union FLEA MARKET Sumter County Flea Market FLOORING CO. Dixie Carpets FLORIST Gary’s Florist LLC FRAME SHOP Michael’s
THE SUMTER ITEM 13
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
14 THE SUMTER ITEM
FRIENDLIEST BANK SAFE Federal Credit Union FUNERAL HOME Bullock Funeral Home & Crematorium GARDEN/NURSERY Treehouse Nursery GAS PRICES Tanners, Inc. GROCERY STORE Piggly Wiggly
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 15
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
16 THE SUMTER ITEM
GUNS & FIREARMS DEALER Simpson Hardware GYM/FITNESS CENTER YMCA HAIR SALON 3:16 Salon & Spa
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
HARDWARE STORE Simpson Hardware HEATING & AIR CO. Hatfield Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
THE SUMTER ITEM 17
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
HOME SECURITY CO. Palmetto Security Company Inc. HOSPICE Caris Healthcare HOTEL/MOTEL Comfort Suites
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
18 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
COLLEGE University of South Carolina - Sumter INSURANCE COMPANY State Farm INTERIOR DECORATING CO. Nicole Norris Design Studio INVESTMENT FIRM Edward Jones IRRIGATION/ LANDSCAPE Smoak Irrigation
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 19
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
20 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
JEWELRY STORE Galloway & Moseley LASER/SKIN FACILITY Colonial Aesthetics LIGHTS & FAN STORE Sumter Light House
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 21
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
LOCAL CELLULAR CO. MARTIAL ARTS FTC Sumter Tae Kwon Do MANUFACTURED HOUSE DEALER Central Carolina Homes
MEDICAL CENTER/ CARE FasteER Care
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
22 THE SUMTER ITEM
MORTGAGE CO. BB&T NAIL SALON Destination Spa NIGHTCLUB Chuckwagon
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 23
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
24 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
NURSING HOME NHC Healthcare
PEST CONTROL CO. Terminix
OFFICE EQUIPMENT Staples
PET BOARDING KENNEL My Buddy Boarding Inn
PAWN SHOP Reliable Pawn Shop
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
PET SITTER Carolina Comfort Pet Sitting PET SUPPLIES PetCo PHARMACY Walgreens
THE SUMTER ITEM 25
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
PHOTOGRAPHER/ STUDIO Megan Manus Photography PLACE TO WORK NHC Health Care
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
26 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
PLUMBER Hill Plumbing & Electric Co. Inc. POOL COMPANY Charpy’s Pools & Spas PROSTHETICS CO. Reliable Medical Equipment PRIVATE SCHOOL Wilson Hall PUBLIC SCHOOL Sumter High School
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 27
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
28 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
REAL ESTATE AGENCY SEPTIC TANK CO. ERA Wilder Realty T&N Septic Tank Co. Inc. RESTAURANT Outback Steakhouse SIGN CO. Sign Wave ROOFING CO. Fort Roofing
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
STRAWBERRY FARM Stafford’s TOBACCO STORE El Cheapo TANNING SALON LaMer Tanning Salon
THE SUMTER ITEM 29
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
30 THE SUMTER ITEM
TATTOO STUDIO Southern Ink Tattoo
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
TREE SERVICE State Tree Service
TAX PREPARATION CO. UTILITY BUILDING CO. Jackson Hewitt Dixie Products Inc. TIRE DEALER Ace Parker Tires
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM Weight Watchers
SUNDAY, SUNDAY,JUNE JUNE15, 15,2014 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 31
BEST ...and the Individual
ACCOUNTANT Al Barrineau AESTHETICIAN Amanda Hardee
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
winner is Bar Tender Jenn Smith at Chuckwagon
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
32 THE SUMTER ITEM
BOSS Jeannie Crotts at NHC Healthcare CONTRACTOR Aycock Construction LLC Dentist Dr. Gee Rabon HAIR DRESSER Nikki Brown Great Clips
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
INSURANCE AGENT Celia Dunlap Lawyer John S. Keffer Michael Jordan Tie
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 33
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
MASSAGE THERAPIST PHYSICIAN Tracie Jones Dr. James M. DuRant, Jr. Sumter Pediatrics, P.A. OPTOMETRIST Dr. Larry M. Scheele REAL ESTATE AGENT Billy Aycock, Jr. PHYSICAL THERAPIST Agent Owned Susan Duran
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
34 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Debbie Nix, TSA TEACHER Julia Owens VETERINARIAN Dr. Lester Bell Animal Medical Clinic WAITER/WAITRESS Linda G. Baker Chuckwagon
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 35
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
36 THE SUMTER ITEM
...and the
winner is
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
BEST Place for
BAKERY/DESSERTS BBQ Baker’s Sweets Bakery Wards Bar-B-Q & Cafe LLC
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 37
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
38 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
BREAKFAST Shoney’s BUFFET Golden Corral CHICKEN KFC COUNTRY COOKING Guignard Diner CUP OF COFFEE McDonald’s
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 39
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
40 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
DINNER Outback Steakhouse FAST FOOD Chick-fil-A FRIENDLY SERVICE Chick-fil-A HAMBURGERS Cook-Out HEALTHY MEAL Chick-fil-A HOT DOGS Sonic
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 41
ITALIAN FOOD Sambino’s
LIVE MUSIC Chuckwagon
KID’S MEAL McDonald’s
Mexican Food Yucatan
LUNCH Mary Ann’s Deli
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
42 THE SUMTER ITEM
MILK SHAKES Cook-Out ORIENTAL FOOD Lucky Corner PIZZA Pizza Lane
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
PRODUCE Bradley’s Market
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SALAD Zaxby’s SEAFOOD Red Lobster STEAK Outback Steakhouse
THE SUMTER ITEM 43
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
44 THE SUMTER ITEM
SANDWICHES Mary Ann’s Deli SWEET TEA McDonald’s WINGS Leo’s
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 45
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
BEST ...and the Place to Buy
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
winner is
ANTIQUES Broad Stone Manor Antiques
APPLIANCES Ard’s Appliance Sales & Service
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
46 THE SUMTER ITEM
AUTO PARTS CarQuest Auto Parts BEER/WINE & LIQUOR Marketplace Spirits CAR ACCESSORIES Dixie Products
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING Belk COMPUTERS Computer Upgraders CONSIGNMENTS The Clothing Exchange, Inc. ELECTRONICS Walmart FORMAL WEAR James Formal Wear
THE SUMTER ITEM 47
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
48 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
FURNITURE Discount Furniture Outlet GIFTS The Gift Garden MATTRESSES Discount Furniture Outlet
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
MEN’S CLOTHING Belk MOTORCYCLES/ATV’S Honda of Sumter OIL CHANGE Ace Parker Tires
THE SUMTER ITEM 49
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
50 THE SUMTER ITEM
PAINT Lowe’s PROPANE & ACCESSORIES Simpson Hardware Suburban Propane Tie SHOES Jack’s Shoes
SPORTING GOODS Simpson Hardware
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 51
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
52 THE SUMTER ITEM
TOYS Walmart UNIFORMS Unifirst WOMEN’S CLOTHING Belk
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 53
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
54 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
THE SUMTER ITEM 55
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
2014 READERS’ CHOICE
56 THE SUMTER ITEM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Simpsons