1st Annual
2016
Readers Choice LE ADER SPECIAL FOCUS
Being there for customers Reader’s Choice awards reflect jobs well done
customers. It's pretty basic, really."
READER’S CHOICE People like to be acknowledged for a job well done, and that's where the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader's 2016 PATRICK J. SULLIVAN Reader's Choice awards come in. PSULLIVAN@PTLEADER.COM After 20 years of a "Best Foods" contest, for which Leader readers were asked to vote Customer service is a consistent theme for favorites related to food and drink, in among winners in the new Leader Reader’s 2016 the theme shift to Reader’s Choice for Choice awards. listing readers' favorites in Jefferson County, Listening, interacting and even laughing with some 87 categories. with customers make a difference, because the Of course, Reader’s Choice is not a scienbottom line is, it’s repeat business in a rural tific survey; it reflects the opinions of people community that makes for year-round success. who participated over a four-week period by using newspaper ballots or voting online. HENERY HARDWARE There are plenty of businesses that merit Henery Do it Best Hardware, a secondrecognition. generation, family-owned business is going Such acknowledgment brightened the strong in Jefferson County and beyond. It’s day of those who received a Leader Reader’s no surprise its daily efforts at customer serChoice first-place certificate. vice are recognized. Henery received more Chef Thysen Scott was touched emotionindividual votes in the "Hardware Store" cat- ally by the out-of-the-blue customer-appreegory than any other ciation moment, as he entry in the Reader's prepared GBF CaterChoice contest, which ing (God Bless Food) provides simple conto feed 2,000 people firmation that yes, during the holiday the store's daily efseason. forts are noticed and Jane Bonstra at appreciated. Easy Times Espresso "It's huge," Matused the award opthew Henery, co-owner portunity for a staff of the business with celebration, complete his wife, Tara, said of with a crown. That’s the honor. "The best what happens when way for us to know one business is rated we're doing the right tops in “Coffee,” “Serthing is for the cusvice” and “Individual tomer to let us know." Barista.” The foundation Roger and Cindy of the business is a Ramey and the staff knowledgable, friendly at Penny Saver Mart staff to help customers in Port Townsend enwith projects large and joyed a big cheer with small. the public recognition. "We pride ourselves John Coon and the on being an old-fashcrew at Coon Plumbioned 1950s, serviceCadian Hendricks of Arrow Lumber accepts the award ing, a young business orientated hardware for the company as the Reader’s Choice best place to with a lot going on, store and we are there go for building supplies in Jefferson County. came clean about how to take care of our being so busy made community." such unexpected pubThere are Henery Hardware stores in lic kudos truly mean something. five locations: Port Townsend, Quilcene, Kody McConnell at Chimacum Cannabis Bremerton, Kingston and Anacortes. The Port appreciated that he was top rated, especially Townsend store opened in 1994, and now has since this is only his first year in business. about 30 employees. QFC Port Hadlock took first in the "Fa"Our team is really part of our family," vorite Sandwich” category, and the deli crew he noted. "We pride ourselves on the family was ecstatic to be so noticed. environment." Cindy Brown at the Valley Tavern was stirred to be a favorite in the "Bartender” ARROW LUMBER category; the patrons cheered when she Arrow Lumber has been giving and gaining shared the news. in the community since first opening in 2008 Amanda Webby at Dog Townsend was along the highway just outside Port Townsend; very pleased to know people appreciate how a showroom building opened in 2015. The opshe handles their pets. She presented the eration here has 12 employees. award at a staff meeting to much surprise "You form relationships and are able to and excitement. cultivate and let them grow," said Cadian Ben Richardson and the crew at Satch Hendricks, manager of Arrow Lumber, which Works Auto Repair in Port Hadlock fix vewas voted tops in the Reader's Choice “Build- hicles every day to keep drivers on the road. ing Supplies” category. "Our reputation is a Richardson said it was a boost to pause and big deal to us, whether it's mine or our team. realize that yes, people appreciate their ef"You work it day to day and listen to your forts at customer service.
, Leader Reader s Choice recognizes EXCELLENCE The Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader offered a “Reader’s Choice” ballot in our print edition and on our website to encourage your votes in 87 “Best of Jefferson County” categories. If your favorite business did not make the grade you feel it deserves, look for our contest to return in the Fall of 2017, and make your opinion known. Here are the 2016 Leader Reader’s Choice award recipients:
★Antiques 1 Port Townsend Antique Mall 2 Cherry Blossom 3 Bergstrom Antique & Classic Autos
★Art Gallery 1 Port Townsend Gallery 2 Northwind Arts Center 3 Earthenworks Gallery Continued on page 2▼