CARLSBAD — The Best of North County celebrated more than 620 businesses, their owners and community hubs during an event Tuesday in Carlsbad, marking the fourth year of the contest.
Chris Kydd, publisher of The Coast News and Best of North County magazine, said this year’s contest received more than 10,000 nominations for businesses and organizations from across North County San Diego.
Local residents and patrons cast more than 196,000 votes to determine “Best of” winners across a range of categories. The top overall vote-getters in their respective categories were Ms. Oceanside Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty), 33 Property Management and San Pasqual High School, according to Kydd.
“Best of North County is about more than recognizing great businesses,” Kydd said. “It reflects our mission of building stronger, more connected communities by encouraging residents to discover and support exceptional local businesses.
“We’ve invested tens of thousands of dollars into producing, promoting and celebrating Best of North County because we believe local businesses deserve meaningful recognition and effective marketing opportunities.”
About 390 award winners and guests attended the event at 2051 Cucina Italiana on July 14 to receive their awards and connect with others from across the North County community, according to Kydd.
Jamie Segal was one such attendee, representing both Propaganda Wine Co. and CoLab Public House.
CoLab finished second in the Live Music Venue category behind the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.
Located in Vista, CoLab houses multiple businesses, as its name suggests, including Breakwater Brewing and Mexico City Cuisine. Segal said the venue hosts daily events such as bingo, trivia and live music.
“It feels great to be recognized for something you put a lot of work into and to get your name out there,” she said.
Jamie Deehan, owner of J. Marie Lash and Beauty, said this was the second year her business had been nominated for Best of North County after earning second place last year in the Lash and Brow Service category.
“This year, it was my mission to get first,” Deehan said. “I reached out to friends, family and clients.”
Her Oceanside-based eyelash business earned first place in the category this year. Deehan said it was a “very fulfilling feeling” to know how many people were in her corner and supporting her with each vote cast.
“It was people showing how much they love and care,” Deehan said.
Photos of some winners from the Best of North County event:
