photo by: Derek Redd
Phillip Carl, director of communications and marketing for WVU Medicine Wheeling and Reynolds Memorial hospitals, poses with Miss Marshall County Fair Queen Brooklyn Pekula after the Howard Long Wellness Center won for Best Fitness Center at the Best of the Ohio Valley Awards. That award was one of several WVU Medicine won on the night.
WHEELING — WVU Medicine and other area businesses received confirmation Wednesday night that the public thinks they are the best at what they do in the Ohio Valley.
The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register and the Times Leader hosted their Best of the Ohio Valley Readers’ Choice Awards Wednesday during a gala event at Wheeling Park’s White Palace. The newspapers asked their readers this fall to select their favorites in 153 separate categories, explained John McCabe, editor of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register.
A first round of voting determined five finalists in each category, while a second round selected the winners.
In total, there were nearly 2,000 businesses nominated — 700 more than last year, he said. There were 300,000 votes submitted by voters.
“We are here tonight to honor you who have built your dreams, and put in the time, dedication and hard work to establish your business and establish your brand.
“This has led all of us here tonight to honor our best of the best readers’ choice winners,” McCabe said. “What this is is a confirmation of the work you do every day, and what it really means to the community.”
WVU Medicine took home a total of seven “Best of the Ohio Valley” awards, with WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital specifically being singled out as best hospital and best in home health care.
WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, meanwhile, was selected by readers as best for pediatrics, physical rehabilitation, and audiology. The Howard Long Wellness Center was tapped as the best fitness center.
“We are very thankful to all the voters who took time to go through the process, look at the options and choose us,” said Phillip Carl, director of marketing and communications for WVU Medicine Wheeling and Reynolds Memorial hospitals.
“We are also deeply grateful to all the patients who put their trust in us to care for them.
“I think we have excellent top-down leadership. Regionally, WVU Medicine is run by people who genuinely care about the community and health of the community. Across the region at our five hospitals, you have teams of people who believe in providing quality care close to home.”
Cloud 9 Salon and Spa was victorious in three categories — best barber shop, best hair salon, and best nail salon.
Owner Bridgette Hardy said the care she and her employees give their customers is what puts them on top.
“We put our customers first. It’s not about us, it’s about our customers,” she said. “If you are not happy with the way you look and feel, give us a try.”
photo by: Derek Redd
From left, WesBanco AVP Kevin Staub and Banking Center Manager Ryan Garrison pose with Miss Marshall County Fair Queen Brooklyn Pekula after WesBanco won for Best Bank at Wednesday’s Best of the Ohio Valley gala.
Oglebay Resort was selected best in four areas. Readers chose them as having the best children’s camp at the Good Zoo, being best for event planning, and being tops in both family entertainment and as a romantic getaway.
Rod Haley, executive vice president, said the Good Zoo helps make the park unique, as it is the only accredited zoo in West Virginia.
He added the park’s beauty also makes it popular.
“We’re able to offer a number of programs because we have flexibility with the parks,” he added.
Abby’s Restaurant was selected as best restaurant and lounge, as well as the restaurant having the best service.
Owner Joe Maroon said the secret to having a successful business “is family,” and also having the best employees.
“We are very, very lucky to have a tremendous staff,” he said. “We have wonderful people and a good family restaurant. I can’t say enough about our staff.
“Honestly, we treat everybody like our sister or our brother. We don’t do anything different. We just have a good time. I love family, and I love family people.”
Another family taking home awards was Zambito Family Dentistry, which was voted best dental practice.
“It’s not just me — we have a great team,” said Dr. Ricardo Zambito. “I think the relationships we develop with the patients is the most important thing.”
His son, Dr. Chris Zambito, added that “treating patients like family” is a key to their success.
Wilson Furniture Store was selected best furniture store.
“We have been in business for over 125 years, and when you’ve been in business that long it gives you a long time to get a good reputation,” said Robbie Yoho, sales manager.
Two years ago this week, Wilson Furniture experienced a devastating fire that curtailed their business operation.
“We had to tone down things on the mattress side of things, and mostly are selling custom-ordered upholstered furniture. But we’re still doing pretty good at that,” Yoho added.
Belmont Savings Bank was chosen as the best mortgage company by readers.
Troy Johnson, mortgage loan officer there, noted the bank’s success at personal service was what must have resonated with voters.
“We out-service the pants off of everybody,” he said. “It’s about our people.”
Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream was selected as having the best ice cream in the Ohio Valley.
“We buy the best ingredients we can, and put lots of them in,” owner Kirke Porterfield said. “We just try to do the best job we can to make the best product. We try to have good service, and have an outdoor seating area. People really enjoy it.”