Step right up and choose the best

The competition to name dozens of local businesses and professionals the best of the bunch isn't rocket science. In fact, it isn't science at all.

Best of North Idaho, sponsored by North Idaho Business Journal, is a popularity contest intended to give consumers' zeal an acclaimed annual outlet. For a full year, all those winners get to pound their chests and slap the Best of North Idaho logo on their signs and ads, showing that they are, indeed, the people's choice.

While opinions vary widely on who's best at what, an irrefutable truth is that Best Of contests aren't foolproof. Best of North Idaho isn't, either. Because balloting is done online, and because anybody who knows the back doors into Internet polling can rig the system, Best of North Idaho cannot claim that it is a statistically accurate, verifiable reflection of what the majority of North Idahoans consider the best of the best.

Instead, the best of the best is decided by the people who care the most. Voter turnout is fueled by pure passion; individuals motivated by consumer or employee loyalty will carry the day.

Voting is going on right now. If you'd like to stake your claim to who's the best dentist (yes, there is such a thing), where to go for the beefiest burger or who's the best gal or guy around selling homes, go to:

http://www.cdapress.com/bestof2015/

The voting ends one week from today, so don't delay. Vote only on the categories that inspire you.

Remember, this is your outlet for exuberance - yours and the businesses you think are best. Winners will be announced in a special edition of the North Idaho Business Journal in March.