Good ‘Burger Awards 2023 to honor the best of St. Pete
Just like crafting the perfect hamburger requires the finest ingredients, St. Petersburg is getting ready to celebrate its own exceptional “burgers” with the 11th annual Good ‘Burger Awards.
The “Good ‘Burger Awards” were cooked up by the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce to spotlight and celebrate successful local businesses and community leaders. The name is a tribute to a former mayor who affectionately referred to the city’s residents as “burgers” (short for St. Petersburgers).
Each year, the Chamber sifts through hundreds of nominations and narrows the list down to the top 10 choices in a variety of categories. The Chamber announced the finalists this week with nine categories, two of which are new:
- Arts & Culture
- Makers & Creators
- Eats & Treats
- Sunshine Award (Individuals, companies and organizations serving as champions for change)
- Community Conscious (Grassroots & Large)
- New Biz on the Block
- Sustainability Stewards (New Category)
- Wellness Warriors (New Category)
“It’s been a lot of fun creating the new categories, just making sure that we are nimble enough to allow everybody to get recognized,” said Chris Steinocher, President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. “The sun can shine on everybody, and everybody can be a Good ‘Burger.”
The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce created the “Good ‘Burger Awards” to honor large and small business owners and community leaders who contribute to the City in a positive way. Photo: St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce
Voting is open to the public through Oct. 24. Steinocher says they received a “tidal wave” of votes already this week and expect to surpass their total number of votes from last year. In addition to receiving an award (and bragging rights), the “Good ‘Burgers” is a friendly competition that offers businesses and people in the community the opportunity to promote themselves and their services in an effort to get the most votes.
“It’s allowing people to raise their hand and say, ‘Look how hard I’ve worked,’ and make them the heroes,” Steinocher said. “I think the community is ready to appreciate each other again. It’s time to celebrate.”
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony event at Jannus Live Nov. 14. Steinocher said the Chamber will also be spotlighting the most recent graduates of its Startup and Entrepreneurial Academies during the awards ceremony. “I want my businesses who are just getting started to see what the payoff could be, that 1,000 people will show up at Jannus to root you on and celebrate you, too.”
The public is invited to vote for their favorite Good ‘Burger picks and purchase tickets to the celebratory event through the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce’s website.
