Shining a Spotlight on the Best of the Highlands

Who deserves the spotlight?

That question will soon be answered as Highlands Insider officially launches the inaugural Bestie Awards, a new community-driven Readers’ Choice celebration designed to honor the people, businesses, and hometown favorites that help define life across the Upper Cumberland.

Beginning Saturday, readers throughout the region can visit HighlandsInsider.com to submit nominations for the first-ever Bestie Awards.

Organizers say the program was created to go beyond a traditional “best of” contest by focusing not only on businesses, but also on the personalities, traditions and community moments that make the Highlands unique.

“This is about celebrating the people and places that become part of our everyday lives,” said Clarissa Williams, co-founder of Highlands Insider. “The Besties are designed to recognize the restaurants families gather at after ballgames, the businesses people recommend to friends, the volunteers who quietly serve the community and the hometown traditions that help define who we are.”

The competition will feature a wide range of categories, including restaurants, healthcare, retail, professional services, entertainment, community leadership and local favorites, along with more community-inspired recognitions such as “Best Hidden Gem,” “Favorite Local Tradition,” “Hometown Hero,” “Most Welcoming Business” and “Favorite Place to Take Out-of-Towners.”

Nominations will remain open through May 31, with public voting scheduled throughout June.

Winners will then be announced during the inaugural Besties Gala celebration planned for July.

Throughout the competition, nominees and winners may also be highlighted through Highlands Insider, Cookeville Now and additional social and digital spotlight coverage.

But one nominee will ultimately earn the highest recognition.

The business or individual receiving the most overall votes across all categories will be named the “Best of the Best” and receive a free advertising campaign with promotional videos, digital marketing, print parking, website marketing and branding through Highlands Insider, Hometown Digital Marketing Agency and Cookeville Now.

Williams said the goal is to create a positive, uplifting experience centered on celebrating the Upper Cumberland and encouraging residents to support local businesses and organizations.

“We wanted this to feel exciting, community-focused and fun,” Williams said. “There are so many incredible people doing amazing things throughout this region, and they deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”

The Bestie Awards also reflect Highlands Insider’s broader “News Reimagined” approach, combining print, digital, video and community engagement into a multi-platform local media experience.

HOW IT WORKS

To nominate:

Visit HighlandsInsider.com beginning Today