It’s that time of year again.

The News has launched its annual Sunrise Side’s Best of the Best contest that showcases readers’ favorite Northeast Michigan businesses.

The contest begins with you, dear reader, nominating your favorite Northeast Michigan business. Nominations are open now and will remain open through Saturday.

Just go to TheAlpenaNews.com/Best to nominate your favorite businesses in a variety of categories, from best art gallery to best smoke shop.

Next month, you’ll begin voting on your favorites. Later this year, the Sunrise Side’s Best of the Best in each category will be named, along with runners up.

The contest is about more than bragging rights for the winning businesses. The list of winners also provides readers a directory of businesses recommended by their neighbors for everything from home repair to car repair to retailer to entertainment venue.

But it all begins with those nominations.

So visit TheAlpenaNews.com/Best today to make sure your favorite businesses get in the running for the Sunrise Side’s Best of the Best.