By Billy Davis

Appreciative customers saluted more than 150 Panola County businesses in The Panolian’s 2009 “Best of the Best” contest.

The popular contest asks Panolian readers to nominate their favorite businesses among a list of numerous categories. The contest concluded October 14.  

A 20-page special section, which will publish Friday, will list the winners. The special issue was set to publish October 30 but was pushed back due to last-minute participation from businesses.

After winners are announced, the contest concludes with the coveted “Best of” certificates.

Many business owners display their “Best of” winning certificates, often near a cash register where customers can see them.

The certificates recognize first place winners.

The winners’ certificates will be distributed after the special section publishes, said Panolian marketing director Dianne Medley.

Panola businesses consider the “Best of” certificates a “badge of honor, which is what they are,” said Panolian publisher John Howell Sr.

 “We feel the ‘Best of the Best’ contest is a pat on the back, from their customers, for a job well done,” he said.