Best of the Midwest is more than a contest—it’s a community celebration and marketing engine that puts your brand in the spotlight. With over 900,000 annual votes across the Upper Midwest and deep engagement from local audiences, this is your opportunity to turn recognition into real, year-round results.
Now is the time to get your name on the ballot! Encourage your customers, fans, and followers to nominate your business in the Best of the Best contest. The more nominations you receive, the better your chances of advancing to the voting round!
Now’s the time to drive engagement with your supporters. Encourage your customers, fans, and followers to vote for your business daily in the Best of the Best contest. Every vote counts, and with consistent support, you could earn top honors in your category!
Whether you’re named a winner, finalist, or simply gained exposure, participating in Best of the Best is a powerful way to engage your audience and build community recognition. Finalists and winners can promote their status with Best of badges.
Auto & Transportation
Businesses & Services
Family & Community
Arts & Entertainment
Food & Beverage
Health & Beauty
Home & Garden
Shopping & Leisure
Sports & Outdoors
Locals & Professionals (individuals)
Winners are recognized across more than 300+ categories within these groups.
Best of the Midwest Toolkit
Promoting your nomination or win increases engagement and sales.
We’ll walk you through every step!
You’ll get: Social Media Graphics & Templates | Email Templates | Print-Ready Ads
We make it easy!
The best way to increase your brand’s chances of being named Best of the Best is to make sure you’re getting in front of as many community members as possible both before your name is on the ballot and during the voting phase.
Echo Press | Alexandria, MN & surrounding area
Nominations: July 2-19, 2025
Voting: September 9-21, 2025
Results Announced: November 19, 2025
Bemidji Pioneer | Bemidji, MN & surrounding area
Nominations: July 9-July 31, 2025
Voting : August 13-September 6, 2025
Results Announced: October 25, 2025
Brainerd Dispatch | Brainerd, MN & surrounding area
Nominations: June 1-June 14, 2025
Voting: July 1-July 31, 2025
Results Announced: October 15, 2025
Detroit Lakes Tribune | Detroit Lakes, MN & surrounding area
Nominations: May 15-June 1, 2025
Voting: June 28-July 19, 2025
Results Announced: September 13, 2025
Dickinson Press | Dickinson, ND & surrounding area
Nominations: November 12-November 23, 2025
Voting: November 26-December 7, 2025
Results Announced: January 28, 2026
Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, MN; Cloquet, MN; Superior, WI & surrounding areas
Nominations: June 23-July 11, 2025
Voting: July 21-August 8, 2025
Results Announced: September 10, 2025
Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, ND; East Grand Forks, MN & surrounding areas
Nominations: June 30-July 13, 2025
Voting: July 21-August 10, 2025
Results Announced: September 27, 2025
InForum | Fargo, ND; Moorhead, MN; Red River Valley & surrounding areas
Nominations: July 14-August 3, 2025
Voting: August 11-August 31, 2025
Results Announced: October 29, 2025
Jamestown Sun | Jamestown, ND & surrounding area
Nominations: September 27-October 11, 2025
Voting: October 18-November 11, 2025
Results Announced: December 17, 2025
Mitchell Republic | Mitchell, SD & surrounding area
Nominations: March 3-March 15, 2025
Voting: March 17-April 6, 2025
Results Announced: May 28, 2025
Park Rapids Enterprise | Park Rapids, MN & surrounding area
Nominations: July 9-July 31, 2025
Voting : August 13-September 6, 2025
Results Announced: October 25, 2025
Post Bulletin | Rochester, MN & surrounding area
Nominations: June 2-June 16, 2025
Voting: July 14-August 4, 2025
Results Announced: September 27, 2025
The Globe | Worthington, MN & surrounding area
Nominations: August 18-September 4, 2025
Voting : September 8-October 4, 2025
Results Announced: November 26, 2025
West Central Tribune | Willmar, MN & surrounding area
Nominations: April 11-April 25, 2025
Voting: May 1-May 15, 2025
Results Announced: July 26, 2025
Participating businesses report:
As the largest media organization in the Upper Midwest, Forum Communications has helped thousands of businesses reach more customers and increase their revenue.
