By Sarah Rolles

BOB Award votes rising rapidly

May 6, 2015 | 7:05 AM

paNOW readers continue to prove that they are passionate about recognizing the best of what Prince Albert has to offer.

Voting began a week ago for paNOW’s second annual Best of the Best Awards (BOBs) and similar to last year, the response has been tremendous. Within the first 24 hours, there were already more than 70,000 votes cast and now a week later, that number has risen to more than 168,000.

With more than 200 categories, the BOBs are a great opportunity for local businesses, people, or community groups to gain some exposure and promote themselves. Last year, the top nominees got creative in getting the word out to better their chances to win. This year’s top nominees continue to do the same with social media platforms being used most extensively.

Harinderpal Rai owner of one of Prince Albert’s newest restaurants The Spice Trail and top nominee in not one but three categories including Best New Place to Eat, Best Ethnic Restaurant and Best Indian Cuisine is one of many finalists that has taken advantage of paNOW’s vote for us graphics package that can be downloaded on the paNOW website. Rai, like many others, including the staff at Bold Dance Productions and Frontrunner Footwear, have utilized Facebook and the cover page and profile pic that is provided by paNOW in the graphics download to get the word out to their customers, family and friends to vote for them.

But businesses are not all that people can vote for — the BOBs are also an opportunity to nominate community groups, special places, or community members that they feel deserve to be recognized.

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Some top nominees this year in some of those categories include Bob Tichkowsky, Dave Tucker and Malcolm Jenkins for Best Citizen. Marj Bodnarchuk, Suzanne Bantle and Wilf Savisky for Best Volunteer. The Historical Museum, Kinsmen Park and the Northern Lights Casino for Best Tourist Attraction and then of course Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert, MADD Prince Albert and Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women for Best Local Charity.

This year the BOBs do still features all the same categories as 2014 plus a few extra including: best boss, best location for a second bridge, best mall cop and best divorce lawyer. The top nominees for the Best Boss category this year include: Mide Seyi-Ajayi, director of care at Pineview, Debbi Kellett owner of Frontrunner Footwear and Judy Beauchesne, early childhood director at Children’s Choice St. Anne Daycare.

Last year, there were just under 400,000 votes cast during the three-week voting stage making the BOBs the biggest, most successful reader survey ever conducted in Prince Albert. This year, that number is anticipated to be much higher.

If you have been honoured with being a top nominee or if you know someone, someplace, or something that deserves to win then don’t wait get your clicking finger ready and vote now. 

Voting will continue until May 27.  The 2015 BOBs winners will be announced June 3.

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow