“Best of” section more than just a gimmick

Although its seems like it has been a long time in coming, the special Best of Boundary County section is included in this edition of the Bonners Ferry Herald. An annual feature designed to highlight those businesses and individuals in the community who excel at what they do, all of the winners are chosen by your vote and those of your friends and neighbors. The Herald staff has nothing to do with selecting the winners.

What we do contribute are certificates honoring each winner, recognition in print and online, and the cachet of having been singled out by the community as being among the best.

However, we have heard a few grumbles from various sources regarding the fairness of the process and the purpose of the BBC contest. This year, ballots were available exclusively online, so those used to filling in a paper ballot did not have that opportunity. However, people who wished to vote could do so as often as once per day on the Internet. We do apologize to those without online access. The intent was not to exclude anyone from taking part but simply to make it easier to vote.

Another issue that an isolated few have called into question is the purpose of the Best of Boundary County feature itself. A shameless bid to obtain advertising? Yes. A bunch of B.S., as one business owner called it on Facebook? No.

First, let’s address the advertising element. The Herald is a for-profit operation. Its longevity — it has been serving the region since 1891 — depends upon advertising revenue. That is how it works.

Nevertheless, that does not mean that the ads in the newspaper are B.S. Similar to our feature articles, our calendar and our community news, our advertising helps keep you up-to-date on the goods and services available in Bonners Ferry and beyond. It informs you about opportunities to save money or enjoy special events that you might otherwise not know about. In a small community like ours, that is invaluable, because our advertising and our publication is typically your most reliable resource.

The Herald depends upon you as a source of information, too. From school news to special feature articles, our inspiration in large part comes from individuals who stop by the office, give us a call or send us an email.

It seems to me that the Herald and the community of Bonners Ferry depend upon each other equally to preserve what is unique, vibrant and interesting to residents and visitors alike. Yes, profit does enter into the equation. That is why we call ourselves a business, but we also consider ourselves a community member that provides a valuable and indispensable service to you as well.

Congratulations to all the winners in the Best of Boundary County contest.