More than 200 members of the business community and their families came together Tuesday night in recognition of their wins in the Times News Readers’ Choice contest.

The awards celebration was held Tuesday night at the Orioles Community Center in Lehighton.

Jen Benninger, advertising director, addressed the winners of the sixth annual contest.

“This year more than 4,600 participants cast over 90,000 nominations and more than 155,000 votes,” Benninger said.

The contest began in July with people nominating businesses in 12 categories, including automotive, food, health care, for the home and shopping.

As a local business, Benninger said, “It’s important to recognize local businesses in the community.”

It was a proud moment for Stephanie Hill, who works at Phoenix Physical Therapy in Lehighton. This is the company’s third year at the awards.

“I’m happy to be here,” said Hill, a 21-year employee. She attributed the success to the staff’s friendliness.

“People are not just a number,” Hill said. She said the staff strives to be personal to the patients.

Giant market in Lehighton said the store workers also strive to treat people well.

“Our purpose is connecting families for a better future,” said Manager Michelle Rex.

Giant has more than 190 stores, but Lehighton ranks at the top for customer feedback.

Some businesses asks customers to vote for them. Giant does not.

“We believe it needs to be genuine,” Rex said, thanking the community for their support.

Randy Flexer, owner of Flexer Masonry, was happy to be honored for doing something he loves.

“This is the fifth year,” Flexer said. “We must be doing something right.”

He started the business five years ago after working for someone else for 37 years.

“I enjoy what I do,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like work. I get to build something.”

Bethany Moyer owns Bawdy Plus, a consignment shop for larger sizes, with Andrew Chew.

They’ve been running the store on Broadway in Jim Thorpe for three years. “We have a very niche audience. Clearly there is a need,” said Moyer.

This was the second year the store garnered the prize in the consignment category. Moyer said she did ask for votes on social media, but was thrilled with the response.

“We thought maybe it was a fluke last year,” she said. “We are surprised it happened again.”

Lehigh Valley Health Network took 30 awards this year.

“The community took so much time and effort to vote for us,” said Carbon CEO Christine Biege. “We are thrilled and honored to serve the community.”

With 20 LVH employees attending the celebration, she said, “We’re growing to meet the needs of the community. This shows it’s working.”

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway won the best attraction.

Jamie Makin, who holds many roles with the railroad, said they were happy to be the winner when there are so many other choices.

“People come from all over the world,” Makin said.

The railroad is in its 20th season in Jim Thorpe and is growing its new Nesquehoning location.

“The railroad is my fountain of youth,” Makin said. “It’s multigenerational, a great family activity.”

Cindy Deppe is one of the second generation who run Becky’s Drive-In, located in Walnutport.

“We work hard,” she said, happy that people choose them as the best drive-in.

She is looking forward to the 36th annual Lehigh Township Benefit Festival & Car Show on Sunday to benefit Dream Come True of the Blue Ridge Chapter. “It’s always a nice day,” she said.

The drive-in will host trunk-or-treat events Oct. 12 and 19.

See information on all the winners in the special Readers’ Choice insert in Thursday’s edition.