Close to 100 local business people gathered at Meadow Gardens Tuesday night to be honoured for their exceptional customer service.

TIMES readers once again cast ballots and picked the community's best businesses for the 2012 Readers' Choice awards.

Shop owners and staff representing many of the winning companies attended the reception to be lauded for these accomplishments.

Leading the congratulatory charge was TIMES publisher Spencer Levan, who commended every business owner - whether they were first-time winners, or like Dr. Michael Orser of Alouette Animal Hospital, who has won every year since the program's inception 13 years ago.

Warm Hearth has been in business for more than 20 years and won the best fireplace store award for the eleventh time.

"We make a real effort to give good customer service and sell good products at fair prices," said Rick Springer, owner of Warm Hearth.

"This is confirmation that what we are doing is working. It's nice to get a pat on the back like this," he added.

TIMES columnist and Pitt Meadows lawyer John Becker said jokingly that he was happy to win something he didn't have to run for.

"This is a great night. It is a surprise... It's nice to know we have a loyal base of customers and it's something I hope to repeat next year," Becker said.

"You people are all winners. congratulations to all of you. One of the best things about our awards is it's truly decided by our readers," Levan said.

"The amount of advertising in our paper doesn't guarantee you an award. We like to think we get them into your business, then it's up to you to get to this spot. So, congratulations. It proves that all of you provide excellent service to your customers and the people you serve."

smclaren@mrtimes.com