People's Choice · 2027
Maryville & Blount County
One question decides this ballot: which business would you recommend to a neighbor who just moved in?
Why Maryville is different
All the growth here comes from people moving in
Blount County had 509 more deaths than births in a single year, and still grew — because about 1,200 more households moved in from other counties than left. Those neighbors don't know a plumber, a dentist, a vet or a hair stylist yet. They're the reader.
That's why this ballot is weighted toward service and trades rather than nightlife, and why it asks who you'd vouch for instead of who your favorite is. A business with the loudest fan base isn't necessarily the one you'd send a newcomer to.
Home services & trades
11HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, remodeling, lawn, pest, cleaning, gutters and more. A new homeowner hires six of these in the first year.
Health & medical
7Dental, orthodontics, optometry, physical therapy, chiropractic, veterinary, hearing. Regulated fields appear as verified listings rather than a popularity vote.
Dining & food
8Breakfast, lunch, dinner, barbecue, pizza, bakery, coffee and catering.
Retail & auto
6Auto repair, tire, car wash, garden center, furniture and gift.
Personal care
5Hair salon, stylist, barber, nails and massage.
Professional services
5Insurance, accounting, real estate, financial advice and legal — several as verified listings only.
2027 calendar
What happens when
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Now — Business registration
Get on the list
Free, no commitment. Registering means you won't miss nominations and your details are right when the ballot is built.
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Feb 9 – Mar 22, 2027
Nominations
Open write-in across all categories. Top five per category become finalists. Tell your customers — campaigning is encouraged.
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Apr 6 – May 10, 2027
Voting
Finalists only. One verified vote per person per category. Finalist order randomized on every ballot load.
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May 25, 2027
Winners announced
Winners and runners-up published. Categories that don't clear the minimum vote threshold aren't awarded that year.
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Jun 18, 2027
Print edition & awards night
Winners edition distributed through title companies, realtor new-resident packets, the chamber, library and local businesses.
The market
Who you'd be reaching
Net households arriving from other counties in a year, in a county where deaths now outnumber births.
Blount County gross retail sales in 2024, across 143,599 residents.
Registration, nomination and being ranked all cost nothing. Advertising is separate, optional, and always labeled.