CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau held its fifth annual People’s Choice Awards Tuesday, honoring local businesses and employees.
More than 2,500 votes were cast across various social media platforms for nominees in 12 categories. Additionally, the bureau also honored individuals recognized by their employers for their dedication to their job at the Capitol City.
Alisa Bailey, bureau president and CEO, said businesses play a crucial role in entertaining tourists and residents in the Kanawha Valley.
“When people visit our city, it’s these people who kind of close the sale, that create the experience,” she said.
According to Bailey, more than $550 million is spent annually in the Charleston area.
“Charleston also has a higher than normal people who the reason they visit Charleston is to visit family and friends,” she said. “To have the residents involved in the voting and nominating was a very important factor in these awards.”
Capitol Market Executive Director Tammy Borstnar said having the business nominated was a tremendous honor.
“We’re in our 20th anniversary this year, so I think we have kudos to the longetivity of our outdoor businesses and our outdoor farmers,” she said. “They created this monster.”
Capitol Market won in the “favorite attraction” category. The other people’s choice winners were:
— Pies & Pints as “favorite restaurant;”
— Pies & Pints’ Grape and Gorgonzola Pie as “favorite dish;”
— Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream as “favorite dessert shop;”
— Drew Smith of Bricks & Barrels as “favorite bartender;”
— Embassay Suites as “favorite lodging;”
— Taylor Books as “favorite retail store;”
— Live on the Levee as “favorite event;”
— Bob Thompson as “favorite performance artist/band;”
— The Empty Galss as “favorite music venue
— West Virginia Power Baseball as “favorite family activity;” and
— Kayleigh Phillips as “favorite visual artist.”
Charlotte Cranfield was recognized as “best hotel employee” by The Resident Inn, and Charleston Deputy Mayor Rod Blackstone was recognized as “best frontline ambassador.”
The Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau also unveiled a new logo at the event.