Have a business you want to thank?

Now is the time. The first phase of the 2023 Times News Readers’ Choice contest is officially open.

People can go to tnonline.com/contests and nominate their favorites in nine categories with 240 divisions through July 25.

“We enjoy hosting this contest every year, supporting local businesses and organizations,” said Jen Benninger, advertising director for the Times News.

“We hope that everyone takes the opportunity to participate.”

Categories are Auto, Entertainment and Sports, Financial, Food and Drink, For the Home, Health, Shopping, Professional and Specialty and Miscellaneous.

People can nominate their favorites once every 24 hours.

Have a reliable plumber? A favorite breakfast destination or pizza parlor? A nonprofit you support?

There’s a category for that.

Business owners can also nominate themselves and for businesses who want to be sure they get noticed, Readers’ Choice sponsorships are still available.

The Top 5 for each category will move onto voting period, where once again readers can vote once every 24 hours.

The voting period will then be Aug. 8-31.

Winners will receive bragging rights, be invited to our celebration and be featured in our special section on Oct. 5.