Want To Be On Next Year's Ballot?
Here is how the awards actually work. The nomination round runs May 1 to 22, and it is a write-in: people type your complete company name into the ballot, once a day per email address. The top five names in each category move on to July voting, the top three become finalists with an invite to the awards gala, and winners get published in the Pocono Record. Self-promotion through your own channels is encouraged by the program. Offering prizes or discounts for nominations is prohibited and can get you disqualified.
Two factors can help a business prepare: customers recognizing the exact business name and having an audience that can be reached when nominations open. The planning windows below are based on the 2026 cycle and should be confirmed against the official 2027 rules when released.
Sept 17, 2026
This year's winners announced at the gala at Mt. Airy, printed in the Pocono Record on Sept 20. See who took your category. That is your target.
Oct – Dec 2026
Build the foundation. Google Business Profile complete, reviews coming in on a steady cadence, and one exact business name everywhere you appear. Use one consistent public business name so supporters can find and nominate the correct company.
Jan – Mar 2027
Grow the audience that will nominate you. Consistent video and social so your name stays in front of the Poconos, plus an email or text list you can activate when the ballot opens.
April 2027
Get the ask ready before day one. Your exact name, your category, a direct link, and posts, emails, and in-store signage queued up. Remind people they can nominate once a day for three weeks.
May 1 – 22, 2027
Nomination round. Three weeks, write-in, once a day. Top five per category advance. Preparation is much easier when the audience and contact list are built before nominations open.
July 1 – 15, 2027
Voting round. Second push, one vote a day. Top three become finalists and get the gala invite.
September 2027 · Estimated announcement window
Winners announced. Gala, printed winners section, and a finalist or winner badge your business promotes all year.
Why It's Worth It
1
A recognizable trust signal. Finalist or winner recognition can support trust on websites, social posts, proposals and printed materials where the program’s brand-use rules allow. It can be a helpful differentiator when customers compare options.
2
Potential local visibility. The program may provide event, publication and promotional visibility to finalists and winners. Eligibility, costs and promotional details should always be confirmed in the current official rules.
3
Reusable recognition content. Where permitted, finalist or winner recognition can support social content, email signatures, website trust sections and community updates throughout the year.
With more than 140 categories, from Roofing Company to Winery to Locally Owned Business, there is a spot on this ballot for nearly everyone in our chapter. R0BATO Media can help members organize video, social and local-search assets early enough to support a thoughtful nomination campaign when the next official cycle opens.