For yet another year, The Windham Eagle newspaper has wrapped up the Eagle Choice Awards and what makes the contest so special is that the winners are chosen directly by readers of the newspaper and from the community.
There were 85 different categories to vote on in 2024 and enthusiasm for the awards demonstrated by area businesses was evident through social media posts encouraging community members to cast ballots for their favorite local companies.
“There are truly so many successful businesses in the Lakes Region of Maine,” said Melissa Carter, Advertising Director for The Windham Eagle. “These awards salute those whom the public think exceeded the norm for their products, services, and overall customer satisfaction. These votes are heartfelt and come directly from the people who use the goods and services provided by these outstanding local businesses.”
Kelly Mank, owner and publisher of The Windham Eagle newspaper, said that in addition to recognizing some of the top local businesses, the Eagle Choice Awards are an excellent way for the public to learn about a business or company they may not be familiar with and to discover the very best services, food and products available in this community.
“These awards give the community trusted options and a unique way to connect residents and visitors here with area businesses in meaningful ways,” Mank said. “Most importantly, every single Eagle Choice Award vote comes from the readers and is based upon how they feel about our local businesses.”
She said that that the ongoing popularity of the Eagle Choice Awards can be traced to the continuing support and encouragement from area business owners who live and work in the community. Many businesses take great pride in being honored with the Eagle Choice Award, several having won the title for 10 consecutive years and not wanting that streak to end.
The awards ceremony is held in conjunction with the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce’s business break.
Carter said if anyone has a suggestion for a category to send an email to: awards@thewindhameagle.com and the idea will be explored for 2025 voting.
The 2025 voting will open Saturday, June 30, 2025. Once again, Eagle Choice Award voters must cast ballots in at least 10 categories or more and must also include their email address when uploading or turning in a ballot for it to be valid and to ensure that only one vote is cast by an individual. Email addresses collected during the Eagle Choice Awards competition are not sold or distributed to a third party.
The Eagle Choice Award winners who place first and second in each category are featured in a special section, included in this week’s edition of the newspaper. If two businesses come within 10 votes of each other, a tie is called and both businesses are highlighted. For the first time in the contest’s 10-year history, there was a four-way tie in the take-out category with two businesses in first place and two in second.
The special section is saved by many residents and used all year to find the area businesses that have been singled out for recognition as being the ‘best of the best’ by residents, Carter said. The section is also posted to www.thewindhameagle.com/choice.pdf and available for easy reference year-round as well.
Mank said that residents and customers can recognize Eagle Choice Award winners by the decals on doors and vehicles and plaques on display at their business all year long.
“That decal and plaque has really taken off as a symbol of trust and top-notch service for everyone who lives in this community,” Mank said. <
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