(201) Best of Bergen 2016 Edition | Page 12

And the Winners Are… THE VOTES HAVE BEEN COUNTED FOR THE 10TH ANNUAL BEST OF BERGEN READERS POLL 10 2016 EDITION | (201) BEST OF BERGEN GUIDE Amanda Uprichard dress $231, Suite 201, Ridgewood ANNE-MARIE CARUSO I t’s hard to believe that the Best of Bergen Readers Poll is already 10 years old. Even harder to believe is that it’s growing in size and popularity every year. This year is bigger and truly better than ever with some 20,000 readers casting their ballots in more than 100 categories. The readers’ picks are coupled with editor and celebrity picks to round out the winners. Local businesses are catching on and encouraging their loyal patrons to cast ballots in support, which has an impact on the results. Smaller businesses that readers may never have heard of before are receiving rave reviews from their customers and sometimes catapult to the top of the heap. As always, there are a handful of businesses that rise to the top – seemingly possessing a magic formula for success. In fact, there are some 10-time winners this year – family businesses and others that have consistently demonstrated their professionalism and quality with a loyal following to go along. And, in some cases, there are some categories that are too close to call, resulting in ties for the winning slot and some terrific runners-up that also deserve recognition. As has been demonstrated since the poll’s inception, (201) readers know what they like best about Bergen. Whether it’s shopping, dining, having fun or just living their lives and raising their families, they have their fingers on the pulse of what makes Bergen County such an exciting place. Congratulations to all of the winners.