Best of Bellevue 2025 Voting Begins Tomorrow

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Voting for the annual Best of Bellevue, Nebraska awards begins tomorrow, Aug. 1. Coordinated by the Bellevue Times, this year’s event marks the ninth year of the event in its current format.

The biggest change this year is that winners will receive two years of recognition. For example, businesses named Best of Bellevue in 2026 will hold that title through both 2026 and 2027.

The change is part of a one-time transition to a forward-year recognition model, similar to Best of Omaha. Beginning next year, the 2027 event will recognize the Best of 2028.

The new format came directly from feedback from past winners, many of whom said they were promoting their awards after the calendar had already changed to a new year. A forward-year model gives businesses a longer, more meaningful marketing window and more time to use their recognition in advertising and promotions.

This year’s ballot also includes three new categories: Best Thrift Store, Best Counseling or Mental Health Practice and Best Accounting & Tax Service.

The Best of Bellevue website has also been completely redesigned for 2026. Visit BestofBellevueNE.com to explore the new look, improved navigation, and new features, including a Business Directory, Bellevue Map, and Sponsors Directory.

Returning for its second year is the Community Impact Award, which honors a business that strengthens Bellevue through charitable giving, volunteerism, or other community service. All Bellevue businesses are eligible. Beardmore Chevrolet, Subaru & Hyundai received the inaugural award in 2025.

Also returning are the Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year awards, presented to the overall top vote-getters in those respective categories. Last year’s recipients were Cornhusker Auto Wash and the Bellevue Public Schools Foundation.

Those honors join the event’s highest recognition, the Spirit of Bellevue Award, presented annually in two divisions. The People’s Choice Award is determined by public write-in voting, while the Judge’s Award is selected by a diverse panel of Bellevue residents and community leaders.

The 2025 Spirit of Bellevue recipients were Hoogeveen Chiropractic Wellness Center (People’s Choice) and Bellevue Together (Judge’s Award).

Another notable change this year involves the Spirit of Bellevue Award. Since the award was introduced, previous recipients have been ineligible to win again, allowing new businesses and organizations an opportunity to be recognized each year.

With the transition to the 2026-27 awards, that rule has been reset. Every Bellevue business and nonprofit—including previous Spirit of Bellevue recipients—is once again eligible to compete for either the People’s Choice or Judge’s Award.

Previous Spirit of Bellevue recipients include the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, For the Love of Food Cafe, Beardmore Chevrolet, Subaru & Hyundai, Bellevue Public Schools, Chick-fil-A Bellevue, Cornhusker Auto Wash, DJ’s Dugout, Stella’s Bar & Grill, Erwin’s Jewelers, Dan’s Custom Sawmill, Solutions Heating & Air, Achieve Physical Therapy, Cake Expressions, and B&B Grill & Arcade.

Voting is open August 1-31. Participants may vote once per day, per device, with no registration required, and can vote only in the categories that interest them.

Winners will be announced this fall. Daily voting is one of the best ways to support your favorite local businesses and organizations.

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