Last chance to vote on the 2021 Good ‘Burgers

So what makes a good ‘Burger? Firmness, shape, color? Taste? Condiments?

In the land of metaphors, those words could also describe St. Pete’s diverse collection of citizens, services, nonprofits, businesses and business owners.

“Some people think it’s some kind of hamburger-tasting contest,” laughs Chamber of Commerce President Chris Steinocher, describing the group’s annual Good ‘Burger Awards. “But that’s OK, because we’ve got great ones of those. It’s just a way to have fun.”

Nominations for the 2020 Good ‘Burger Awards wrap up Friday (July 23).

The Good ‘Burger Awards were established in 2013 to honor St. Pete-based businesses and individuals that contribute “in a positive way to make St. Pete the city where everyone loves to live, work, and play,” according to the Chamber’s website.

Steinocher is only too happy to focus that description. “The Chamber does it to celebrate the great things that are going on in this community,” he says. “Rather than the stuffy, boring chicken dinner and business awards that most chambers do, we want to reflect the cool, funky St. Pete.”

Best of all, he says, is that the awards are inclusive and open to everyone, not just those who are members of the Chamber. “We’re just looking for those things that help us fall in love with St. Pete. There are so many of them, and we just want to make sure people are aware of ‘em. It’s a celebration of those things.”

New businesses – even the newest of the new – often get attention. “One of the great things about this is how much I learn personally,” Steinocher says. “I can’t keep up with how many unique things there are that I would have never known about. I think it’s great for our Chamber to get another perspective of St. Pete.”

Vote on the 2021 Good ‘Burger Awards here.