The popular Most Loved Santa Monica contest is back for a second year, which is currently in full swing with voting taking place through the end of this month.
The City of Santa Monica has partnered with the Buy Local Santa Monica Committee and local business partners for the initiative.
Residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to vote for their Most Loved Santa Monica businesses, with categories ranging from Most Loved Farmers Market Vendor to Most Loved Bike/Surf/Skate Shop to Most Loved Main Street business.
Anyone who votes will automatically be entered to win prizes including gift certificates from local businesses, Buy Local SM T-shirts, Buy Local reusable bags and more.
Voters are also encouraged to share the love on social media by posting photos at their favorite Santa Monica businesses using @BuyLocalSM and #MostLovedSM.
Last year more than 1,000 people voted.
To date organizers have had more than 1,200 votes so far and it’s just one week into the voting.
The online survey contest runs for the month of Feb. 2-28, 2015 and can be accessed at www.buylocalsm.com.
Winners will be announced in April at a Most Loved Santa Monica Awards ceremony and reception at Santa Monica City Hall.
Most Loved Santa Monica is part of the Buy Local Santa Monica campaign, dedicated to raising awareness of local businesses and the economic, environmental and community benefits of thinking local first.
The contest is sponsored by Downtown SM Inc., Main Street Business Improvement Association, Montana Avenue Merchants Association, Pico Improvement Organization, SM Chamber of Commerce, SM Convention and Visitors Bureau, SM Pier Corporation in partnership with the Santa Monica Daily Press and the City of Santa Monica.
To vote for Most Loved SM businesses and for more information on the contest, last year’s Most Loved Winners and the campaign, visit www.buylocalsm.com.
Here are some testimonials/ quotes from last year’s Most Loved Santa Monica 2014 winners:
Winner of 2014 Most Loved SM Independent Business
The Brat Store
Owner Nancy Kaufman says:
I’m always proud to tell new Brat Store customers that Brat was voted as Most Loved Independent Business in Santa Monica last year. They always reply “I can see why.’ It puts a smile on my face. Thanks, Santa Monica, I love smiling!
Winner of 2014 Most Loved SM Main Street Business + 2104 Most Loved SM Salon/Spa
Rudy’s Barbershop Main Street
Manager AJ Laprise says:
Rudy’s Main Street would like to thank everyone who came to visit us in 2014, and those who voted to honor us with the title of “Most Loved.” (At last year’s Most Loved Santa Monica Awards Reception at City Hall) it was excellent fun to visit with all the other “Most Loved” businesses and hear their “Most Loved” stories, all told with giant smiles. We are excited to continue serving our returning clients and all of the new faces we have seen during “Most Loved” 2014. We look forward to keeping Santa Monica ‘uniquely dapper’, looking ‘sharp’, and keeping ‘clean’ with Rudy’s Brand #1, #2 & #3 in 2015! Thank you Santa Monica!
Winner of 2014 Most Loved SM Coffee Bar/ Bakery
Espresso Cielo
Owner Diane Maler says:
Last year I received a phone call to come in for my winner’s photo in the contest for Most Loved Coffee Shop in Santa Monica, 2014. Espresso Cielo won! I was thrilled, and so proud of my baristas. If I could say how I felt in one word about the support from our community of Santa Monica, as well as from our customers, it would be “awestruck”. As a result of this contest, and support from Santa Monica, we see new faces every day. This gives us cause to remember that customer service is as important as serving the best coffee, and pastries, in Santa Monica every day. Thank you so much!
Winner of 2014 Most Loved Hotel
Fairmont Miramar Hotel + Bungalows
Marketing Manager Jacqueline Kerns says:
It was an honor to be selected as one of the “most loved” businesses in Santa Monica. We strive to provide an authentically local experience for visiting hotel guests and appreciate the support from our Westside patrons who enhance this vibe while enjoying what Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows has to offer.
