FORT HALL — Hundreds of owners, managers, representatives and employees of area businesses assembled at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino and Hotel Wednesday evening for the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
With over 100,000 votes cast and 426 in attendance, the annual awards show had its biggest year ever. Hosted by the Idaho State Journal, the yearly event nominates a variety of local businesses in 130 categories, as voted on by Idaho residents.
Dressed in some of their best regal attire, business representatives gathered at white cloth-laden tables in the Chiefs Event Center and enjoyed a full meal complimented by drinks before the event kicked off.
After announcing winners, the businesses and their representatives were invited on stage to pose for a picture with their certificates to celebrate their achievement.
Health West, which has received numerous winners certificates over the years, received five wins in 2024 that included best dentist, best doctor, best OB/GYN, best urgent care and best non-profit.
“I think it's incredible the Idaho State Journal hosts this (event) and recognizes all the work that all of our businesses are doing for our communities,” said Mindy Benedetti CEO of Health West. “We're blessed to live in a community where we have so many strong businesses that are doing such incredible work. As far as Health West, I continue to be inspired by the work that every one of our team members do, it's incredible to work with a team that's so mission oriented and continuing to find ways to better serve our community.”
Benedetti continued, “We’re so thankful for all the votes from the community and the opportunity to serve our communities on a daily basis. We couldn't do what we did without not only our patients, but also our partners and the support that they offer us.”
This year included a few first time wins for businesses, including Premier Collision Center, which won best auto body shop.
“The win for the organization just shows us that the people in the staff that we have here are capable of providing a great service to the community,” owner Amanda Chatterton said. “We really do appreciate the community supporting locally owned businesses in the area. I think our craftsmanship and I think our customer service is beyond exceptional.”
Other business achievements include wins from popular diner Jeri’s Jumbo’s Cafe, which won best breakfast and best dining customer service.
“It just signifies a lot of hard work and effort by not only myself, but the staff and the love and care they put into the business,” said Jeri’s Jumbo’s owner Heidi Hunsaker. “We couldn’t win the awards without the staff. We keep things consistent. We haven't changed our plate size, our portions, our product. We don't try to find cheaper products out there to cut corners or to cut costs. We keep using the same quality items that we've always used for generations.”
Hunsaker continued, “We couldn't win without the customers, either. When you walk in our door, it says, ‘Through these doors, walk the greatest customers in the world’ and it's true. We have our regulars. All our customers are honestly the greatest that you can have, and without them, we wouldn't have got the award. They have their own free will (to dine) where they want. They choose to eat at our place and spend their money with us.”
The yearly Readers' Choice Awards ceremony, sponsored by Idaho Central Credit Union and Pony Express Car Wash, is one of the most coveted by businesses in the area, proudly displaying their achievements and the recognition they receive from area residents near and far.
“The Idaho State Journal's Readers' Choice event this year was one of the best yet,” said Idaho State Journal Advertising Director Taylor Smith. “We had a record voter turnout online and our largest event attendance. This event has become a staple in Southeast Idaho and is a testament to the passion and engagement of our audience.”
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