Businesses receive recognition at Best of the Best event

MULTIPLE WINNER — Brandy and Debbie Puskarich, the daughter and mother, who operate Puskarich Accounting, were among local businesses that received multiple awards for aspects of their Follansbee business through votes cast by readers of the Herald-Star and Weirton Daily times for their Best of the Best Readers’ Choice contest. — Warren Scott

WINTERSVILLE — While addressing many local business leaders and supporters gathered at the St. Florian Hall Wednesday evening, Ross Gallabrese, executive editor of the Herald-Star and Weirton Daily Times, noted Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney once said, “Life is a series of decisions you make that add up to your reputation. Do the right thing.”

Gallabrese noted owners and managers of many local businesses work hard to provide quality goods and services to their customers, often without knowing if their efforts are appreciated.

He said the votes cast by the newspapers’ readers in the Best of the Best Readers’ Choice contest help to ensure them their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

“We are celebrating a spirit of helping others and willingness to take chances tonight,” said Gallabrese before more than 100 awards were presented to businesses providing everything from automobiles to tasty snacks and job training to a night’s rest away from home.

He told the many winners and nominees many votes were cast and tabulated to bring them together for the evening of food, music and camaraderie.

MULTIPLE WINNER — Scott Campbell, owner of M&M True Value Hardware, accepted awards for three aspects of the Steubenville business after receiving many votes cast by readers of the Herald-Star and Weirton Daily Times for their Best of the Best Readers’ Choice Contest. — Warren Scott

Gallabrese said 1,771 votes were cast by 429 people in the contest’s first round, followed by 122,387 votes cast by 6,114 in the second round. Finally, 100,212 votes cast by 2,003 people in the third round determined the first, second and third place winners honored on Wednesday.

The votes often reflected different aspects of the same businesses, with several businesses receiving three awards a piece.

They included Gus’s Goodies of Weirton, which was named the best bakery and the best provider of cakes, cookies and doughnuts; and Hidden Acres Weddings and Events of Mingo Junction, which was voted the best wedding and event planner, banquet facility and company to work for.

Other recipients of multiple awards included M&M True Value Hardware of Steubenville, for best hardware, lawn and garden supplier and rental business; and Puskarich Accounting of Follansbee, which was named the best for accounting, tax preparation and financial planning.

Pastaio Cucina Rustica Italiana, a Wintersville restaurant, received the top awards for Italian food, service and outdoor dining; while Frederico Foods of Steubenville was the top winner for convenience store, deli and subs.

And Seven Ranges Entertainment was named the best supplier of entertainment and family entertainment as well as the best new business, an honor reserved for those that opened between June 2023 and June of this year.

Businesses or organizations receiving the top awards in two categories included:

• TEAM Automotive for new cars and trucks, while Lightining Lizard of Wintersville was named the top dealer of used cars and trucks.

• Basil Sports Bar and Grill of Weirton, for best hamburgers and beer and wine selection.

• Theo Yanni’s of Weirton, for best menu and cocktails.

• Murrays’ Restaurant of Wintersville, for best value and breakfast.

• Trinity Health System’s School of Nursing, for best college and best private or public school.

• Ferguson House of Furniture of Wintersville, for best furniture and mattresses.

• Seven Ranges Entertainment of Steubenville, for best entertainment and family entertainment.

• Drover’s Inn of Wellsburg, for best wings and atmosphere.

• The Cipriani and Thomas Law Office of Wellsburg for best law firm and attorney.

• Valley Hospice for best hospice and home health services.

• And JJ Realty of Weirton also received dual honors, being named best real estate agency, while its agent, Amy Beaman, was named best Realtor.

A full list of first, second and third place winners for all categories can be found in a special section in today’s issue.

Gallabrese noted local businesses are vital to their communities not only for the goods and services they provide but also for the assistance they lend to various causes.

“Local businesses always are willing to step up and help — whether it’s donating a gift card or basket to an auction or helping to support a youth sports program,” he said.