Tuesday night was a time for Readers’ Choice winners to shine, but many business owners were humble about being voted the best in their fields.

The Times News advertising department presented plaques to winners of its annual contest at a dinner at the Orioles community center Tuesday, with more than 150 in attendance.

The contest begins in July when people nominate their favorites in 200 categories. The top five are moved to the voting round, and businesses are featured in a special insert to be included in Thursday’s edition.

“The Times News Readers’ Choice has always been about supporting our local businesses. Not only by providing them with the opportunity to engage with their customers, neighbors and friends; but to reach out to people they wouldn’t otherwise have reached. A platform to show how proud you are of your hard work, the services you provide to everyone who lives here and the accomplishments you’ve achieved as resident businesses,” advertising director Jen Benninger told attendees Tuesday night.

It’s about how people conduct business, she said. “It’s not about winning or losing, how many votes you managed to accumulate over the span of two months, but how we connect with our community. How we strive to provide quality service to the people of Carbon, Schuylkill, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton counties and beyond.”

Lehigh Valley Health Network was a favorite this year in more than 30 health categories.

Tammy Trimbur, operations manager for LVH-Carbon, said being voted best hospital, emergency room and nurse is “really meaningful to those serving that we are meeting the needs of the community.”

LVHN, now part of Jefferson Health, strives to maintain a small-town feel while pulling in the resources of a bigger operation, she said.

“We make it personal,” she said. Many of the staff grew up in the community and lives in the community. Some doctors are treating patients they grew up with.

From the opening in 2022, LVH-Carbon has grown with the demand, Trimbur said.

She said the awards show workers that what they do matters. “The community validates us,” Trimbur said.

Nearly 20 LVHN people attended the ceremony Tuesday. “I am so proud of our teams for being recognized by our neighbors,” Trimbur added.

Home Comfort Solutions of Lehighton won in the electrician, heating and air conditioning and plumber categories.

The Accardi family brought all nine employees and spouses to the celebration.

Erin Accardi said they try to put the customer first, remembering that it’s the customer’s home they are providing heat for in the winter and cooling in the summer. They strive for affordability and reliability.

The business started in 2018 with just Lou Accardi and has grown. The business provides a personal touch, Erin Accardi said. “Someone always answers the phone.”

She added that many good contractors service the area, and she was surprised and grateful they won. “It’s a vote of confidence. We are honored and appreciate all our customers’ support.”

Lynn Shupp says her photography win means she is being relatable to customers and strives to offer backdrops and packages they are looking for.

“This means a lot,” she said, in her 28th year in business. “It’s not about winning or losing but how you connect with the community.”

C.J. Walters has taken over his late father’s monument business. “We are always honored that people recognize us,” he said.

Cindy and Dean Deppe, the fourth generation of Becky’s Drive-In, were thrilled about being voted the favorite drive-in. The family owned drive-in will be celebrating its 80th anniversary next year and the Deppes shared some secrets to success for any business.

The first requirements are energy and determination. The Deppes are retired but Dean said they had many 40-hour weeks at a job, followed by nights and weekends at the drive-in. “You have to put energy into anything to get results.”

A drive-in is weather dependent so they make the most of their space while they can. Dean Deppe said, “We cater to young families. We have amusement rides that cost more than they make.” Cindy will do move-themed popcorn and characters will be on hand to greet families.

The grounds and the bathrooms are kept clean.

But most importantly, it’s a job requirement to wear a smile. “For a lot of the teenagers, it’s their very first job,” Cindy said. “We do our best to make it fun for them.”

But in return the workers need to be nice to customers.

Breonna Alvarado knows all about working with customers. At age 16, the Palmerton Area High School student was voted best server. The server at Papa Al’s says she is a people person. “It’s easy for people to talk to me,” she said.

But she was quick to credit the whole staff. It’s teamwork,” she said.

The restaurant captured 23 awards in the food category to the delight of the staff who attended the dinner. It’s their third year as a multi-category winner.

Waitress Amanda Santiago said their secret to success is consistency. Winning brings new faces into the restaurant, but they take it from there. “It keeps us on our A game.”

Mary Pachorkowski was celebrating her birthday with three wins for her Kitty Kat Concessions. It’s really humbling,” she said. But working most weekends at carnivals, block parties and special events is demanding. “I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t love it,” she said.

She won for favorite food truck, best donuts and treats and sweets.

Caitlyn Moyer, owner of Cindy’s Deli in Franklin Township, is also a perennial winner. “It means a lot have a vote of confidence and be recognized as part of the community,” Moyer said.

It’s her 14th year in a demanding business that requires 70-hour weeks. “It’s always about the food and the service,” she said. “It comes naturally to me.”

Wednesday is hot dog day and she tries new toppings, sometimes things that are in season and other times ideas from pop culture. “I never try to make anything inherently gross,” she said.

No matter what topping she dreams up, she said chili is still everyone’s favorite.