Expanded Best Of contests unveiled by Forum Communications, along with the introduction of regional business endorsements
The Upper Midwest is about to have a new year-round destination for community recommendations, as Forum Communications unveils its expanded Best of the Midwest program this fall. The new website will serve cities across the region and will be the home for more than 14 local 'Best of the Best' contests.
Forum Communications, known for its local news sites, is bringing the popular Best Of programs, a reader favorite for over 15 years, to the Midwest region. This year, the Best of the Best contests for Bemidji Pioneer, Brainerd Dispatch, Detroit Lakes Tribune, Alexandria Echo Press, Dickinson Press, Grand Forks Herald, Jamestown Sun, Mitchell Republic, The Globe, Park Rapids Enterprise, Post Bulletin, Duluth News Tribune, and West Central Tribune are new additions to the program. Best of the Best, Park Rapids Enterprise, is also a new contest this year.
The program consists of 14 local contests, including Best of the Red River Valley, Best of the Bemidji Area, Best of Brainerd Lakes, and others. Each contest recognizes local businesses of excellence across various categories. Historically, these contests have taken place during a two-week period, with results published shortly after the contest's conclusion.
The new Best of the Midwest website will provide continuous access to local business recommendations throughout the year. It will feature a refreshed 'Best of the Best' brand, with a cohesive logo mark across all participating markets. A search function will be implemented to help readers and advertisers easily find category or business recommendations.
Advertisers can also take advantage of a downloadable media kit to identify tactics for improving their chances of receiving 'Best of the Best' recognition. A 'Best Of' newsletter will also be available for readers and advertisers to stay informed about local contests.
In addition, a regionalized newsfeed of content focused on travel recommendations will be added to the Best of the Midwest website. An archive of past digital editions of 'Best Of' magazines will also be available. Easy-button navigation from Forum Communications' local news sites to the Best of the Midwest website will ensure year-round access to winners and contest information.
The Best of the Best contest for InForum is currently ongoing, with voting open until Oct. 5. The person responsible for the expansion of Forum Communications' Best-Of program and the establishment of the Best-Of-Midwest website hosting more than 14 local 'Best-Of-Bester' contests and winner directories from cities in the Upper Midwest starting this fall is not identified in the provided search results.
This move by Forum Communications is in response to reader demand, as they started expanding their Best Of programs last summer. The new Best of the Midwest website is expected to provide a valuable resource for both businesses and residents in the Upper Midwest, making it easier to discover and support local businesses of excellence.
