2008 Best of the Valley Reader's Poll
What’s the best thing about living in the Pioneer Valley? As the 2008 Best of the Valley Readers’ Poll makes clear, it’s nearly impossible to whittle the possibilities down to just one thing. In the pages that follow, you’ll see that it took us more than 180 categories to get even close to answering the question.
But if we had to put our finger on it, if we had to name that aspect of life in the Valley that makes living and working and playing here so special, we’d say this: The Valley is filled with vibrant, independent-thinking, forward-looking people who care a great deal about the world around them and the communities of which they are a part. These people, engaged in a wide range of enterprises, show that the Valley is in the vanguard, particularly in putting into practice ideas about local sustainability and green living. Though the Valley has its share of Big Box retailers and so-called “gray” industries, it is enhanced by a vast number of independently owned and operated businesses, many of them pioneers within the green movement.
As you read the 2008 Best of the Valley edition, you’ll see a number of new categories and plenty of new faces. You’ll also see a number of perennial winners who have long been recognized by our readers as the best in their respective categories. Looking closer, you may be heartened to see that many of this year’s winners make a special point of highlighting green initiatives they’ve recently undertaken, emphasizing values that resonate with our readers.
What’s the best thing about living in the Valley? The answer is up to you.
