Jackson Free Press

[Updated for 2020 nominations...]

With the holidays and cooler weather upon us, another season begins—Best of Jackson.

The Best of Jackson ballot is split into two stages: the nominations ballot and the finalists ballot. In this issue of the JFP, you'll find 2020's nominations ballot; you can also access it online at bestofjackson.com.

On the write-in nominations ballot, you're encouraged to enter the name of a person, business or organization (as appropriate) that you would like to nominate for a given honorific.

Once the nominations ballot closes (the digital ballot closes Nov. 15), we'll tally the nominations, determine eligibility and then release the finalists ballot on Nov. 27. The finalists ballot will offer 4-6 finalists in each category; the voting will be to determine the winner.

We've changing two things in the past few years that you should know about.

First, beginning with Best of Jackson 2015, we have had what we're calling an "Oscars-style" finale for the first time—each of our finalists will be honored as finalists, and then there will be one winner in each category. Unlike in previous years, we won't offer second place, third place, good showing, etc., but just one winner among the four finalists. We believe this best reflects the true value of the reader poll, as being named a finalist is, in and of itself, a significant achievement.

Second, we're formalizing the eligibility of local businesses that participate in the dining, nightlife and retail categories.

Best of Jackson has always been about celebrating what's unique and special about the Jackson metro area. In that spirit, we're more vigorously defining what constitutes a local, independent business to make it clear who is eligible to be a finalist.

According to the American Independent Business Alliance (amiba.net), a local, independent business is privately owned or has local cooperative ownership; is at least 50 percent owned locally; decision-making authority is vested in the local ownership; and the business is not subject to conditions dictated remotely (e.g. menu, marketing, decor).

Additionally, the Best of Jackson contest requires that local companies with a number of locations both in and outside of metro Jackson be Mississippi or Gulf Coast-based and owned—the goal is to reward companies that add to the unique flavor and sense of place here in Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region. (e.g. we do allow some Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast-based groups of restaurants to qualify if they offer an authentic regional experience for Jackson Metro residents.)

Voters are encouraged to nominate local, independent businesses in the other categories about businesses; as always, final determination of eligibility is vested solely in Jackson Free Press Inc. management.

Best of Jackson is most useful and interesting when it rewards the hard work of locals and trumpets the best, unique offerings of this place we call home. Think local first! And don't forget to vote.