2012 TDN Readers' Choice Awards by The DailyNews

The Daily News

readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; choice 2012 Awards

who has the Best burger in town? best pizza, too

ted. You voened. We list

186

sweet spot wins best dessert

s winnere insid

family fun, Page 21

dining, Pages 6-12

pet care, Page 20

A s u p p l e m e n t to The Daily News

Retail store, Page 16

Asian restaurant Bank / credit union Bar / sports bar Bed & mattress store Breakfast Burger Carpeting Gambling facility Child care center Coffee Day spa Dental office Dessert Dinner Doctor Driving school Fabric store Family fun Family restaurant Feed & tack store Florist Furniture store Garden store / nursery Hair salon Health & fitness club Hearing aids Heating / AC contractor Insurance agency Jewelry store Karaoke Law firm Lawyer Local restaurant Local website Mexican restaurant Mortgage lender Nail salon New car / truck dealer (domestic) New car / truck dealer (imported) Oil change Orthodontics / oral surgery Pediatrician Pet day care Pet grooming Photo studio Pizza Plumber Radio station Real estate agency Retail store Retirement living Seafood Sporting goods Steak Tire store Title insurance Used car / truck dealer Vacuum sales & service Veterinarian Vision center Working apparel

7 28 10 17 6 8 17 5 13 6 16 31 12 11 14 22 18 21 10 21 14 18 20 16 17 30 19 26 29 10 24 24 10 13 11 28 14 22 24 25 31 12 20 20 5 8 19 30 28 16 26 8 25 7 22 18 22 21 21 29 20

Yo u r 2 0 1 2 R e a d e rs ’ c h o i c e

elcome to the 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards. Daily News readers may note a more streamlined Readers’ Choice Awards list this year. In an effort to weed out redundant and non-competitive categories, we’ve dropped the number of categories from 102 in 2011 (an all-time high) to 61, a number more in line with Readers’ Choice ballots from the early 2000s — the first years the votes were taken. Some categories have been consolidated. Among many examples would be “Best Bank” and “Best Credit Union,” which merged. “Best Athletic Store” was similarly folded into “Sporting Goods” and “Best Exercise Studio” into “Health and Fitness Club.” Other categories were eliminated for a variety of reasons, including closures and consolidations that reduced the number of regional choices available. We had a record number of votes cast, with more than 570 readers completing ballots. We thank you for your participation and invite you to check out our list of winners — as well as some of our reigning champs, below.

The Daily News’ Readers’ Choice Awards received a large gift in 2012 — its history. When longtime Daily News employee Kathy Holden retired in January, she discovered files containing the results of every Readers’ Choice vote since 2001 — information we hadn’t been able to locate for years. With these results in hand, we’re now able to recognize area businesses and professionals who’ve compiled enviable winning streaks in the Readers’ Choice balloting. 12-YEAR CHAMPIONS Coffee: With its numerous locations, TDN readers have always preferred Starbucks. Mexican Restaurant: Azteca, at Kelso’s Three Rivers Mall, remains undefeated. Oil change: Jiffy Lube, a national franchise, has held the top spot every year. Furniture: Elam’s Home Furnishings of downtown Longview has won 12 consecutive first-place awards as best furniture retailer. In 2012, Elam’s added first place in a second category: Bed & Mattress Store. Sporting goods: Bob’s Sporting Goods. Another local winner. We divided this category for several years, asking readers to choose winners both in Sporting Goods and Athletic Store. The categories were recombined for 2012, with Bob’s earning another win and keeping its streak intact. Tires: Western regional powerhouse Les Schwab is a 12-time winner. Work clothes: Bob’s Sporting Goods again, with Wood’s Logging Supply usually claiming runner-up.

UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONS These categories were added after 2001. First place has yet to change hands: Garden store/nursery: Added in 2002. Greg’s Gardens & Gifts of Longview has an 11-year winning streak. Hearing aids: Added as “audiologist” in 2004. Whatever the category name, G.F. Obermeyer of Longview has been on top for nine years. Retirement living: Added in 2005. A Canterbury property, or the Canterbury group as a whole, has won in each of the eight years since then. Pet day care: Added in 2006. Healthy Hound of Longview is the seven-time champ. Law firm: Added in 2007. WalsteadMertsching, with offices at Longview’s Civic Center, has won all six first places. Photo studio: Added in 2007. Mr. C’s Photography of Longview has a streak of six consecutive wins. Fabric store: Added in 2007. Jo-Ann’s, a national franchise operation, has a location on Ocean Beach Highway in Longview and a six-year winning streak. Vacuum cleaners: Also added in 2007. A-1 Vacuum of Longview is the sole winner. Driving school: Added in 2010. Cowlitz Driving School has won all three. NOTABLE STREAKS Some businesses, while not sweeping every award, have compiled notable winning streaks, two of which ended in 2012.

Continued on next page >>

11 years: Judy’s Restaurant & Catering of Longview won every year between 2001 and 2011 in Best Desserts. Judy’s closed in summer 2012. 11 years: Columbia River Carpet One of Rainier also won every vote for Best Carpet Store between 2001 and 2011, but was edged this year for first place by Sloan’s Floor Coverings of Longview. 10 years: It’s 10 years and counting for Nipp’s Drive Through, the Best Burger winner. 9 years: Longview’s Masthead Restaurant usually does well in several categories, but has won Best Local Restaurant every year since 2004. 9 years: Affiliates of Windermere have won in Best Real Estate Agency since 2004. 8 years: Fibre Federal Credit Union was named Best Credit Union in every year between 2005 and 2011. For 2012, Credit Union and Bank were combined into a single category, with Fibre Federal winning that as well. 8 years: Cowlitz Title (2005-present) has an active, 8-year streak as Best Title Insurance Company. 7 years: Sessions Plumbing and Heating has an active streak in Best Plumber that dates to 2006. 7 years: USA Nails has also owned the Nail Salon category since 2006. The streak is ongoing. 6 years: We have three active, 6-year streaks. Polly’s Tender Loving Day Care of Longview in Best Child Care Center; Smiles Dental in Best Dentist and Longview & Vision in Best Vision Store. — John Markon / The Daily News

PHOTO STUDIO 2006 READERS CHOICE AWARD

PHOTO STUDIO 2007 READERS CHOICE AWARD

p h oto s t u d i o 1. Mr. C’s 2. Bell Studios 3. Jessica Lemmons

Notes: Photo Studio was added as a category in 2006 and Mr. C’s has won every year. The rankings are unchanged from 2011.

ISLAND CASINO GAMBLING FACILITY

THANK YOU

FOR VOTING US

G a m b l i n g fac i l i t y 1. Cadillac Island Casino 2. Lucky Eagle Casino (Rochester) 3. Oak Tree Casino and Card Room

Notes: Last year’s top two returned in 2011 order. Woodland’s Oak Tree appears in the ratings in this category for the first time.

Royal flush 1125 COMMERCE AVE

360-501-4328

PHOTO STUDIO

2008 READERS CHOICE AWARD

2009 READERS CHOICE AWARD

2010 READERS CHOICE AWARD

2011 READERS CHOICE AWARD

2012 READERS CHOICE AWARD

raPhY PhoTog STudio

Thank You!

10% OFF Holiday Blend 8oz, 12oz, or 16oz sizes [$14.00/lb reg. price] with coupon. exp 11/30/12

Coffee Roastry & Tasting Room

• In House Fresh Roasted Beans • Professional Baristas R S TO OU • Fresh Handcrafted Drinks “THANK AL

1335 - 14th Ave. • Longview 360.442.4111 • www.zojocoffee.com

LOY ERS CUSTOM OTES!” UR V FOR YO

Than� yo� for your suppor� LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1981

(360) 425-9260

Hours 6am-2pm M-Sat | 7am-2:30pm Sunday

The Pancake House

Notes: Starbucks and Red Leaf tied for first in 2011. Starbucks has never been ranked lower than first since the first appearance we have for this category in 2001. Zojo’s trailed the same top two in 2011.

Thank You for voting us

1/2 OFF

Monday thru Friday only. Expires December 31,2012. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

If you like food, You’ll love Stuffy’s

FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 40 YEARS!

804 Ocean Beach Hwy.

1425 California Way, Longview • 360-577-9966

423-6356

5:30 AM - 1:30 PM Monday thru Saturday; 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM Sunday

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

445723

Thank you to our customers for voting us and for your loyalty all these years!

Notes: The rankings were unchanged from 2011. Either The Pancake House (9 times) or Stuffy’s (3 times) has won this category every year since 2001.

1. Starbucks 2. Red Leaf Organic Coffee Co. 3. Zojo’s Coffee Roasters

THE PANCAKE HOUSE COUPON

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1. The Pancake House 2. Stuffy’s II 3. Omelettes and More

coffee

Thank You!

Buy 1 meal get 2nd meal

b r e a k fas t

Longview

As i a n r e s tau r a n t 1. New Moon 2. Paragon 3. Golden Palace

Notes: This was the first win for New Moon. Paragon was last year’s winner. Golden Palace is a six-time winner.

steak

1. JT’s Steak and Fishouse 2. Parker’s Steakhouse 3. The Bistro

Thank you for voting & choosing JT’s!

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Best Steak

Notes: First win in this category for JT’s, which was second in 2009 and 2010 and third last year. Parker’s was the 2011 winner with The Bistro in second place.

Best Dinner Best Local Restaurant

Best Seafood

Best Desserts 445198

1203 14th Ave., Longview (360) 577-0717

Thank You For Voting Us #1 MSG! NO D D AD E

Part Of The Community Since 2000

Dail y SpecLunch $ 4 ial

.95

Many thanks to all our past, current and future customer friends. It is YOU who give us meaning: you are so appreciated!

WE LOVE YOU!

1860 15TH Ave. Longview, WA 98632 • 360-501-5278 Check Out Our Menu At:

www.eatatnewmoon.com

Thank You to Our Loyal Customers! We invite you to come by and find out why we have the best burgers...

11 years in a row!

pizza

1. Papa Pete’s 2. Bruno’s 3. (tie) Pie@Trio’s Vernie’s

Notes: Papa Pete’s has locations in Longview, Castle Rock, Centralia and Ridgefield and wins for the third year in a row. Bruno’s and Pie@Trio’s also finished second and third in 2011 while Vernie’s appears in the ratings for the first time.

445717

The hard working staff at Nipp’s graciously accepts these awards.

b u rg e r

980 Ocean Beach Hwy • 425-8464 Mon. - Sat. til 9pm

1. Nipp’s 2. Five Guys Burgers and Fries 3. Masthead Restaurant

Notes: Tenth straight year in first place for Nipp’s. Five Guys was third last year and The Masthead was unranked.

Thank you for all the votes! Enjoy this special and have a wonderful day!

BEST PIZZA

seafood

2 LARGE PIZZAS

2 TOPPINGS On Each

19.99

1. Freddy’s Just for the Halibut 2. Red Lobster 3. JT’s Steak and Fishouse

Notes: Top two unchanged from 2011, when JT’s and the Masthead tied for third place.

Proud to be Longview’s Premier

Restaurant SEAFOOD

BEST SEAFOOD

360.578.9561

900 Triangle Center, Longview

Thank you to all our loyal customers & friends Home of the Award Winning Clam Chowder Now offering Gluten-Free Options and Pan-fried Razor Clams!

1110 Commerce • 414-3288

Open 7 Days a Week

Visit our drive up window for orders to go

The Bistro

Thanks for Voting us 3rd Best Steak & 3rd Best Local Restaurant

Live Music Wine Tasting Happy Hour

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night! Wine Tasting the first Thursday of the month! New Happy Hour menu and Drink specials offered every night from 5-7

Bring in this ad for $10 towards Good thru 11/30/12 your next dining experience. 1329 Commerce Ave. Downtown Longview • Wed-Sat 5 pm ‘til...?

Make your reservations onlie at www.thebistrobuzz.com or call 360.425.2837

Thank You For Making PaPa Pete’s your

Pizza PaRloR

Third Year In a Row!

Pizz Parl a or

serving the Best Pizza in south West Washington since 1974 longvieW - Baker’s Corner Plaza 5614 Ocean Beach Highway (360) 577-7272

Castle RoCk - I-5 at Exit 49 1163 Mt. St. Helens Way (360) 274-4271

Ridgefield - I-5 Exit 14 109 South 65th Avenue (360) 887-1818

CentRalia - I-5 Exit 82 933 Harrison Avenue (360) 736-5777

Fa m i ly r e s tau r a n t

k a r ao k e

1. Porky’s 2. Yan’s Chinese Restaurant 3. Regent Chinese Restaurant

Notes: Porky’s was second and Yan’s third in 2011. The Regent was a winner in 2010, but unrated last year.

local r e s tau r a n t

1. Masthead Restaurant 2. Applebee’s 3. Sizzler

1. Masthead Restaurant 2. JT’s Steak and Fishouse 3. The Bistro

Notes: The Masthead, second last year, has won this category nine times in the last 10 surveys. Applebee’s moved up from third to second. Sizzler is a former winner (2003).

Notes: The Masthead has won for the last nine years. Both JT’s and The Bistro were outside the top three in 2011.

b a r / s p o rt s b a r 1. Porky’s 2. Silver Star Sports Bar & Grill 3. Applebee’s

Notes: The categories of Bar and Sports Bar were combined for 2012. Porky’s was the 2011 winner for Sports Bar while the Silver Star was second and Applebee’s third.

Best Local Restaurant

Thanks for voting us the Best Local Restaurant 9 years in a Row! And Best Family Restaurant 8 out of the last 9!

Dinner Burger

The

ASTHEAD RESTAURANT

1210 Ocean Beach Hwy. Longview • 577-7972 www.MastheadRestaurant.com

Family Restaurant

dinner

1. JT’s Steak and Fishouse 2. Masthead Restaurant 3. Olde Creekside Cafe

Notes: JT’s was second and the Masthead third last year. Olde Creekside was unrated.

mexican r e s tau r a n t

1. Azteca 2. Guadalajara Mexican Grill & Cantina 3. Los Pepes

Notes: Azteca, located near the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, has won this category every year since 2001. Guadalajara was last year’s runner-up.

Best Mexican Restaurant

GRACIAS!

Thank you to all our loyal customers for voting us your favorite Mexican restaurant!

Come Join Our Everyday Fiesta! www.kelsoazteca.com

20% OFF ENTIRE BILL Excludes alcoholic beverages.

Offer expires 11/30/12 Coupon not valid with any other offer.

420 THREE RIVERS DR., KELSO, WA • (360) 577-9087 11

for voting us as your #1 Best Dessert!

d e s s e rt

1. The Sweet Spot 2. Shari’s 3. JT’s Steak and Fishouse

Notes: Perennial winner Judy’s Restaurant & Catering closed during 2012, ending a 12year winning streak. Shari’s was third last year while The Sweet Spot and JT’s were unrated.

p e d i at r i c i a n

1. Pediatric Clinic 2. Dr. Blaine Tolby 3. Longview Child & Adolescent Clinic

1015 Ocean Beach Hwy • Longview, WA

Notes: Dr. Karen Kato of the Pediatric Clinic finished second behind Tolby in 2011. Dr. Phyllis Cavens of the Child & Adolescent Clinic was third. Tolby had won for the last four years before being knocked out of the top spot.

Thank you for voting us #1!

Special thanks to our wonderful nurses and staff!

KAREN KATO, MD

DANIELLE PARROTT, MD ERIN HARNISH, MD LACEY CARPENTER, PA-C JENNIFER SAXER, MD DARYL LINNELL, MD

Child and Adolescent Clinic

child care center

Thank You for your votes!

Blaine Tolby, MD

1. Polly’s Tender Loving Day Care 2. Three Rivers Christian School 3. Wee Care Day Care

Notes: Rankings unchanged from 2011. Polly’s has won every year since 2007. Phyllis Cavens, MD

local website

1. Smiles Dental (welovesmiles.com) 2. The Daily News (tdn.com) 3. City of Longview (www.ci.longview.wa.us)

Anne Mette Smeenk, MD

Notes: Regional powerhouse Smiles Dental has locations up and down Interstate 5 from Salem, Ore., to Tumwater, Wash. The city of Longview has greatly expanded its Web options over the last several years and appears in the rankings for the first time.

1515 3rd Ave., Longview

577-7204

Ages: 1-12 yrs. HOURS: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM M-F “Children Are Our #1 Priority” Licensed and Certified Limited Space Available Owner/Director: Jennifer Wild

We appreciate the confidence you place in us every day to provide compassionate, comprehensive medical care for your children.

Rebecca Hutfilz, MD

Malini Patel, MD

Thank You! Security System

Sue Abell, MD

445504

Randy Copeland, MD

Ken Wu, MD

Tsering Lhewa, MD

Child and Adolescent Clinic www.candac.com

Specialist Care For Every Child

971 11th Ave Longview, WA 98632 360-577-1771

2121 NE 139th St., Ste 205 Vancouver, WA 98686 360-254-7750 443673

florist

d o c to r

1. Jansen’s Flower & Gift Gallery 2. (tie) Kathy’s Flowers Banda’s Bouquets 3. House of Roses

1. Dr. William Turner 2. Dr. Mark Thorsen 3. Kaiser Permanente

Notes: Jansen’s, Kathy’s and House of Roses are all former winners. Kathy’s had won from 2009-2011. Banda’s is new to the rankings.

Notes: Turner has won for the last four years. Thorsen tied for third in 2011.



Complete quality nails for men & women

Thank you for voting us

1. USA Nails 2. Lovely Nails 3. Hannah’s

Nail Salon

445812

Florist

na i l s a l o n

Thank you to all of our loyal customers!

We are moving to 1414 Commerce Avenue

Notes: USA Nails has locations in the Triangle and Three Rivers malls and boasts a seven-year winning streak in this competitive category. Lovely Nails has been in the runner-up spot in both 2011 and 2012.

Thank You for Over 40 Years of Support!!!

We do Shellac and gel polish

445882

• Fresh Flowers for All Occasions FLOWERS & GIFT GALLERY

us nails

Triangle Center | Offer expires 12/31/12 • Acrylic Nails • Sculptured • Solar Nails • Fiberglass

• Shellac • Designs • Wax • Air Brush • Manicure • Pedicure Spas

423-0450 1052 WASHINGTON WAY

check out the daily news online at tdn.com

NAIL SALON

7 Years in a row!

$21.99 full set $17.99 full set $8 full set

FLORIST

• Vintage Collectibles and Gifts

www.BandasBouquets.com

Thank You for Voting us Your #1 Nail Salon!

Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 5pm

Open Mon.-Sat. 9am-7pm Appointments & Walk-ins Welcome 1015 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview • 636-1706

William Turner, M.D. “I have been privileged to care for Lower Columbia residents for the past 24 years. My partners and I at Longview Orthopedic Associates are excited about ongoing advances in orthopedic surgery that will help us continue to provide the highest level of care in future years, right here in Cowlitz County. “From hands to feet, from sports medicine to computerassisted joint replacement, LOA physicians have specialized training in a broad range of orthopedic conditions. Our thanks to the thousands of patients who trust us with their care every year.”

Physician

William Turner, MD

Learn more about Longview Orthopedic Associates at www.longviewpsi.com/loa

625 9th Avenue, Suite 210 • Longview, WA 360.501.3400 15

day s pa

hair salon

1. Estetica Day Spa 2. Flourish Skin & Laser 3. Spa Euphoria

Notes: Flourish was first and Estetica second in 2011.

1. Pals for Hair 2. Unruly 3. Great Clips

Notes: Pals, a seven-time winner, regained first place in a very competitive category. Unruly advanced from third in 2011 to second in 2012.

r e ta i l s to r e

1. Bob’s Sporting Goods 2. Fred Meyer 3. Macy’s

Notes: This new category resulted in one of three first-place finishes for Bob’s.

Day Spa Hair Salon

Thank You for selecting us Your #1 Day Spa! www.esteticaspa.com 1146 Commerce Ave. • 360.577.6956

Thank you Cowlitz County

for again voting us your #1 salon! your coupon connection

Stretch your dollar this holiday season with money-saving coupons inside The Daily News CALL 360-577-2500 to subscribe

Pals for Hair is your source for Bumble & Bumble of NYC! Featuring B&B Color Minded Color Sealing System

Pals for Hair 636-2983 • 1146 Commerce Longview

Donate at Pals for the 2nd Annual Doernbechers Toy Drive in honor of Ronan Thompson

h e a lt h a n d f i t n e s s c lu b 1. Three Rivers Athletic Club 2. Curves 3. Snap Fitness

Notes: Health & Fitness and Exercise Studio were separate categories for several years, ending in 2011. Three Rivers finished second in Health and Fitness last year, while Curves was second and Snap Fitness third in voting for best Exercise Studio.

bed and m at t r e s s s to r e 1. Elam’s Home Furnishings 2. Sleep Country 3. Mattresses & More

Notes: Mattresses & More, a five-time winner in this category, closed during 2012. Elam’s was ranked third in 2011.

carpeting

1. Sloan’s Floor Coverings 2. Columbia River Carpet One 3. Lowe’s

Notes: Sloan’s ended an 11-year winning streak for Rainier’s Columbia River Carpet One, which had been the Readers Choice in every year since 2001.

Gym THANKS TO ALL OUR LOYAL MEMBERS – WE LOVE YOU.

FREE ZUMBA CLASSES

760 Ocean Beach Hwy. LONGVIEW, WA

(360) 577-8746 17

Thank you for making us one of your favorite fabric shops!

Enjoy 40%

off ONE item of your choice! Our usual restrictions apply

title insurance

1. Cowlitz County Title Company 2. Cascade Title Company 3. Chicago Title

Notes: Cowlitz Title has won the last eight years. Cascade and Chicago Title swapped positions from 2011.

Fly in and see what’s quackin! 404 E S Pacific • Kelso, WA 98626

Regular shop hours: M-F 10-6 & Saturday 10-4

360.703.3279

www.paisleyduckquilting.com

fa b r i c s to r e

1. Jo-Ann Fabrics 2. Paisley Duck Quilting 3. Walmart

1. Elam’s Home Furnishings 2. Furniture World 3. Aaron’s

Notes: Jo-Ann’s, with a location on Ocean Beach Highway in Longview, has won every year since this category was first offered in 2007. The Paisley Duck moved up from third to second place.

Notes: Elam’s is another of our “undefeated” Readers’ Choice champions, having been voted first every year since 2001. Neither Furniture World nor Aaron’s were ranked in 2011.

Thanks For voting us Furniture Store

#1 #1 Mattress Store

Always offering

• Great Prices • Large Selection • Expert Advice 1413 commerce 18

575-9804

furniture s to r e

SINCE 1967

Plumbing & Heating, Inc

45 years serving Cowlitz County!

p lu m b e r

Thank You

1. Sessions Plumbing and Heating 2. Gallow & Smith Plumbing & Heating 3. All-Out Sewer & Drain Services

BEST PLUMBER

Notes: Sessions has an enviable winning streak in this category, having finished first in every survey since 2006. Gallow & Smith was second in 2011. All-Out Sewer appears for the first time.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

H e at i n g / ac c o n t r ac to r Notes: B&M has a two-year winning streak.

A part of the community since 1967

636-0070

445585

1. B&M Heating & Air Conditioning 2. Renaud Electric Heating & Cooling 3. Carlson’s Heating and Air Conditioning

for voting us your #1 Plumber 7 years in a row!

945 Vandercook Way, Longview

WA contr. Lic #SESS11213NH: OR: 30837

2 Years in a Row! Inc.

Hea AC Co ting/ ntract or

Since 1979

Thank You for Voting Us #1 • Heat Pumps • Furnaces

• Air Conditioning

SALES l SERVICE l INSTALLATION Proudly Serving Cowlitz County Since 1979

205-B Barnes St., Kelso 360-577-3633 www.bmheating.com

AUTHORIZED DEALER:

STATE CONTR • REG # BMHEAHC957D4

OR BBL # 175420

wo r k i n g a p pa r e l

1. Bob’s Sporting Goods 2. Wood’s Logging Supply 3. Walmart

Notes: Bob’s has a 12-year win streak for first place in work clothes.

pet g ro o m i n g 1. Waggin’ Tails 2. The Spot 3. Healthy Hound

Notes: Waggin’ Tails is a firsttime winner. Healthy Hound slipped from first to third.

PROFESSIONAL GROOMING & PET SUPPLIES, inc. GROOMING - BOARDING - DAYCARE PROFESSIONAL GROOMING ACADEMY

445808

Thank You!

1064 14th Ave. Longview, Washington 98632 (360) 636-4493 Owners: Jack & Marsha Strock

Pet Groomer Pet Daycare

Waggin’ Tails #1 Professional Dog Grooming

Pet day c a r e 1. Healthy Hound 2. The Dog Zone 3. The Spot

Notes: The Healthy Hound has never finished anywhere other than first in Pet Daycare, which was added to Readers Choice in 2006. The rankings are unchanged from 2011.

g a r d e n s to r e / n u rs e ry 1. Greg’s Gardens and Gifts 2. Lowe’s 3. Tsugawa Nursery

Notes: Greg’s has been the Readers Choice every year since this category was first included in 2002. Lowe’s and Tsugawa’s swapped positions from 2011.

Thank you loyal

customers for trusting me with your furry little friends for over 23 years and voting Waggin’ Tails

Pet Grooming

1024 14th Avenue Longview, Washington 98632 In loving memory of “Sissy” 1997–2012 20

Terrisa Remmers Owner and Operator Since 1989 360.423.4131 waggintails1989@hotmail.com

RIVERSIDE

v e t e r i na r i a n

fa m i ly f u n

1. Riverside Animal Hospital 2. VCA Ocean Beach Animal Hospital 3. Animal Health Services

1. Triangle Bowl 2. Chuck E. Cheese 3. Longview YMCA

Notes: There always seems to be movement in this category. Riverside and Ocean Beach are former winners. Animal Health Services appears for the first time. Last year’s winner, Lower Columbia Veterinary Clinic, was outside the top three for 2012.

Notes: Triangle Bowl won last year. Chuck E. Cheese, a former winner (2009), moves up to second from third.

Vet

1. L&J Feed 2. Del’s Farm Supply 3. Wilco

1. A-1 Vacuum 2. Longview Sewing & Vacuum 3. Vacuums and More

Notes: L&J won for the sixth time in the last eight years. Wilco opened a Kelso location in 2012 at the site of the former Splitz bowling center.

FamI FUNly

700 Triangle CenTer Longview

425-4060 445655

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Thanks for making us #1! VACUUM STORE

506 ALLEN STREET

Notes: This award was first given in 2007 and A-1, located on Allen St. in Kelso, has won every time.

Featuring brands you can depend on! Locally owned & operated since 1982

Vacuum Cleaners starting under $100 • Bags • Belts • Filters • Service • Commercial Cleaning Products • Central Vacuum Systems

GREAT SERVICE & SUPPORT

L J Feed

Your farm , garden & pet supply store with friendly & knowledgeable staff

Thanks You for voting us #1 Feed Store for the last 8 years

Now Offering 5% Discount with cash & 5% Discount for Seniors Check out our expanded tack section in Longview

Ask about our loyalty punch-card program!

www.landjfeed.com

2 Locations to better serve you

A-1 VACUUM

531 14th Ave • Longview

360-577-0434

Mon - Sat 8-6, Sun 10-4

508 Allen Street Kelso, WA 98626

360.577.1093

FEED STORE

445704

F O R VOT I N G U S

Thank you for voting us #1 veterinarian!

vac u u m s a l e s a n d s e rv i c e

360-423-3707

445801

feed and tac k s to r e

Thank You

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

336 Davidson • Woodland

360-225-7975 Mon - Sat 8-6

driving school

tire s to r e

used car / t ru c k d e a l e r

Notes: Regional titan Les Schwab has two Longview locations and a 12-year winning streak in the Tire Store category.

Notes: The order was the same in 2011. These three dealers have accounted for all eight wins in Used Cars and Trucks, with Columbia winning four times, Eldon Robbins three and Bud Clary once.

1. Cowlitz Driving School 2. A&J Driving School 3. Wake’s Driving School

Notes: Cowlitz has won in all three years of this category’s inclusion. A&J is the new name of the former Wake’s Driving School.

1. Les Schwab 2. (tie) Longview Tire (tie) Superior Tire 3. McCormack Tire

COWLITZ DRIVING SCHOOL Thank You for making us #1 DRIVING since 2010!

n e w c a r / t ru c k dealer (domestic)

SCHOOL

MOST EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS IN COWLITZ COUNTY!

1. Columbia Ford 2. Bud Clary dealerships 3. Stirling

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Saving Lives in Cowlitz County since 1985

1264 12th Ave. Longview

Notes: Another win and an automotive sweep for Columbia Ford, which also won the categories for Best Imported Car Dealer and Best Used Car dealer.

425-5474

www.cowlitzdrivingschool.com

Thank You For voting us

1. Columbia Ford 2. Bud Clary dealerships 3. Eldon Robbins Auto Sales

TIRe SToRe

#1 tire store again!

more than a tire store • Alignment • BrAkes • shocks • struts 1420 INDUSTRIAL WAY • 423-1832 / FReD MeYeR ShoppINg CeNTeR • 425-5420 22

hoURS: 8-6 MoNDAY - FRIDAY • 8-5 SATURDAY

445237

www.lesschwab.com

New Domestic car/truck Dealer

Thank You to Our Customers Our commitment to you...

• Our 65 local employees will continue to be involved in our community, and they appreciate the opportunity to meet your needs

New importeD car/truck Dealer

• we will continue to provide quality cars, trucks & commercial vehicles at competitive prices • we will continue to provide loaner cars or shuttle transportation to our customers when using our service department

useD car/truck Dealer

• we will continue to financially support youth activities & education, our medical community and our local community outreach programs …Cowlitz County is our home

• we will continue to be a responsible business with environmentally friendly products for a healthier community • we will provide comfort and concern for our customers and provide a healthy work environment for our employees • we will continue to train our union parts & service technicians on the latest technology available (including new Gas/Electric Hybrid (HEV) and 100% Electric (EV) vehicles) • we will continue to maintain and update our customerfriendly website

fORd HyundAi Ov LinCOLn niSSAn ChVehicelre4s00 700 7th Avenue, Longview • 360-423-4321

oose To Cl o s e d S u n d ay. From ! SH O P P E R S W E L C O M E ! ww w. C o l u m b i a A u t o G r o u p . c o m

44583223

n e w c a r / t ru c k d e a l e r ( i m p o rt e d )

l aw f i r m

1. Walstead-Mertsching 2. Ann Mottet 3. Crandall, O’Neill, Imboden & Styve

1. Columbia Nissan Hyundai 2. Bud Clary Subaru 3. Dick Hannah Toyota

Notes: Walstead-Mertsching, located on Longview’s Civic Center, has finished first every year since Law Firm was introduced as a category in 2007.

Notes: No change from 2011.

Thank You for Your Confidence

The Falkenstein Zandi law firm wants to thank readers for voting Chad Zandi as one of our area’s best lawyers. Congratulations to Chad! Please contact us for any family law issues that you may have.

l awy e r

1. Ann Mottet 2. Mark Brumbaugh 3. Chad Zandi

Lawyer

Notes: Mottet has won for the last three years. Brumbaugh is affiliated with Walstead-Mertsching.

950 12th Avenue, Suite 100, Longview

360-577-8995

Thank you for voting us #1, six years in a row!

John A. Barlow

Barry J. Dahl

Stephen L. Wanderer

Norman C. Dick

Mark S. Brumbaugh

Michael A. Claxton

Mathew J. Andersen

Frank F. Randolph

Chelsea C. Baldwin

Darryl E. Colman

Proudly helping people and businesses throughout the Lower Columbia Region since 1925. Personal Injury Auto Accidents Wrongful Death Insurance Claims

Wrongful Termination Family Law Commercial Litigation Employment Law

Collections Corporations and Business Estate Planning and Probate Real Estate

CIVIC CENTER BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR 1700 HUDSON STREET, LONGVIEW (360) 423-5220 • WWW.WALSTEAD.COM A Professional Service Corporation 24

Law Fir m

2012

s p o rt i n g g o o d s 1. Bob’s Sporting Goods 2. Big Five Sporting Goods 3. Athlete’s Corner

Notes: Bob’s has won every year since 2001 in Sporting Goods.

Oil change 1. Jiffy Lube 2. Walmart Auto Center 3. Columbia Ford

Notes: Jiffy Lube, the nationally franchised oil change specialist, has won this category every year since 2001. Neither Walmart nor Columbia Ford made last year’s top three.

At Jiffy Lube we work hard every day to earn your business. Come see us soon for a Value Oil Change Plus, starting at

Best Oil Change

19.99

At Jiffy Lube, we work hard every day to earn your business and we are proud to be #1!

Kelso: 1019 Allen Street • 360-636-0278 Longview: 962 15th Avenue • 360-423-9700 25

retirement living

1. Canterbury 2. Monticello Park 3. Koelsch Senior Communities

Notes: The various Canterbury properties have dominated this category since it was introduced in 2005. Monticello Park moves up from third to second. Bob Beal, Agent 829 11th Ave., Longview Bus: 360-425-5432

Jessica Mickens, Agent 314 S. Pacific Ave., Kelso Bus: 360-577-8888

Scott Fischer, Agent 1414 16th Ave., Longview Bus: 360-423-9500

insurance ag e n c y 1. State Farm 2. Allstate 3. American National

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company â&#x20AC;˘ Bloomington, IL

Notes: State Farm (second) and American National (third) finished behind Longview Insurance, Inc., in 2011.

Thank You for voting US retirement center

As a family-owned company, we take pride in what we do.

You will find updates to every corner of Monticello Park; new computer and coffee areas, a movie theatre, improved common spaces, new grounds and everywhere in between. So spend some time with us, meet the residents and staff, and find out why so many like to call Monticello Park â&#x20AC;&#x153;homeâ&#x20AC;?.

Monticello Park By Bonaventure

605 Broadway, Longview, WA 98632

Thank you for voting us Best of the Best for the last 9 consecutive years.

Bank / credit union

Notes: Banks and credit unions were separate categories in most years through 2011.

1. Fibre Federal Credit Union 2. Red Canoe Credit Union 3. Chase Bank

E ESTAT REALFFICE O

r e a l e s tat e ag e n c y

Notes: Windermere of Longview has won for the last nine years.

209 W. Main St. Suite 200, Kelso Open Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5:30 (360) 636-4663 (HOME)

Also in Cathlamet At 102 Main St. Suite 200 â&#x20AC;˘ (360) 795-0552

1. Windermere 2. John L. Scott 3. Coldwell Banker Bain

m o rtg ag e l e n d e r

Notes: Rankings unchanged from 2011. Life Mortgage was most recently a winner in 2010.

1. Fibre Federal Credit Union 2. Red Canoe Credit Union 3. Life Mortgage

Thank You!

vision center

for voting us #1 JEWELRY STORE

1. Longview Eye & Vision 2. Cascade Eye Clinic 3. Three Rivers Eye Care

Notes: Longview Eye & Vision has offices in Longview, Woodland and Cathlamet. The company has been a first-place selection in every year since 2007. Three Rivers Eye Care moves into the ratings after being unranked in 2011.

Years in a Row

JEWELRY STORE

j e w e l ry s to r e 1. Diamond Showcase 2. Fred Meyer Jewelers 3. Gallery of Diamonds

Notes: Same order of finish as 2011 and 2010.

2207 30th Ave., Longview - Next to Fred Meyer

360-577-1113

www.diamondshowcaselv.com

Store Hours: Tues-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun & Mon: Closeddd

“Your Vision ~ Our Mission”

Dr. Terry Tack

Vision Center

Thank You once again, for naming us the area’s Best Vision Center!

Dr. Jeff Tack

Dr. Kristi Poe

636-2020 820 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview • Suite 100 29

hearing aids

1. G.F. Obermeyer 2. Miracle Ear Center 3. Allied Hearing Aid Specialists

Notes: This category debuted as “audiologist” in 2004. G.F. Obermeyer has won every year.

Radio Station

Thanks for making us your FAVORITE radio stations!

radio s tat i o n 1. KUKN 2. KLOG 3. KLYK

Notes: KUKN (country music) and KLOG (news, talk, sports) reversed positions from 2011. KLYK (“Magic 94.5 FM”) offers an adult contemporary format.

For Voting Us #1 9 Years In A Row! There Must Be a Reason. We invite you to come in and find out why!

Hearing Aid Ofﬁce

Cutting Edge Technology, Including Wireless. Serving the community since 1977

Hearing Aid Consultant

950 11th Ave • Longview, Wa,

425-0730

Lane Schrepel 445734

George Obermeyer 30

o rt h o d o n t i c s / o r a l s u rg e ry 1. Smiles Dental 2. Dr. Peter C. Wagner 3. Dr. Lauren Cai

Notes: Both Smiles, a first-time winner, and Peter Wagner, who has offices in Longview and Chehalis, are new to the rankings. Lauren Cai was also third in 2011.

ORTHODONTIC OFFICE

Thank you for voting us the Top Orthodontic Office in the Lower Columbia Area

d e n ta l o f f i c e 1. Smiles Dental 2. Smiles Hilander Dental 3. Twin City Dental

Peter C. Wagner, D.M.D., P.S.

Notes: Smiles has built a six-year winning streak. Twin City Dental returns to the top three after missing last year.

855 11th Ave., Suite A | Longview

360.425.2370

THANK YOU

for your Trust in the Care We Provide Shannon Flanagan Hearing Specialist

Call today for your appointment!

Call today for your appointment! Miracle Ear

812 Ocean Beach Highway,Suite 300 | 1-360-200-1187 31