It’s good to be recognized for what you do.
That’s what Coastal Electric Cooperative customer service manager Patricia Haggray said after her company was voted Bryan County’s favorite overall utility for the third year in a row by readers of the Bryan County News.
“It means the world to us that our members would vote us their favorite overall utility,” she said. “We do our best to serve our members well. That’s why we come to work, and that’s what makes our jobs so rewarding.”
Haggray wasn’t the only one to be honored at the Bryan County News’ 2017 Best of Bryan gala Feb. 23 at the Richmond Hill City Center.
In all, there were hundreds of nominees in 121 categories, which resulted in a lot of votes.

In one category alone, Bryan’s Favorite Teacher, there were more than 30 teachers nominated and thousands of votes cast at www.bryancountynews.com.
The woman who made sure the votes were counted accurately was Bryan County News General Manager Kathryn Fox.
“Bryan’s Faves is one of our favorite things to do here at the Bryan County News,” Fox said. “Our readers are seriously passionate about their nominees, and it speaks volumes about a community that feels that strongly about the people and businesses here.”
The contest is entirely reader-driven, Fox said, with all nominations sent by electronic ballot in the first round. In the second round, voters pick from the nominees.
“Thousands of votes later, we had our winners, and we were thrilled to honor them,” Fox said. “To our readers who took the time to nominate and vote for our favorites, thank you for your strong community support and for letting everyone in Bryan County know where they can find the best of the best.”
Bryan County News Director of Community Relations Sue Nelson served as master of ceremonies at the event, announcing the winners. She said she looks forward to the event each year.
“There is so much to love about being part of a small, close-knit community,” she said. “Whether it’s the delicious culinary dishes served at the City Center or hunting down that perfect customized gift for someone special over at KTM’s, these local businesses become our favorites and make Bryan County a very special place to live. “
Nelson, who congratulated the winners, said it’s important to shop local, especially because most businesses are locally owned.
“It is also important to recognize these businesses.They work very hard to meet our community’s needs, from oil changes to nail fill-ins to pet grooming services, so that everything we need is right here in our own back yard.”