Who and what is the "best" of Manhattan Beach? Now's your chance to weigh in, with the return of the "Best of Manhattan" awards from the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The awards will honor leaders in a variety of business and community categories. Nominations for the popular awards are open to the public from now through September 8. (Use this form to nominate your favorites.) 

Finalists will be announced on September 12, after which the public can vote for their favorites through September 26. The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony at Westdrift Hotel on October 17.

“We are so excited to bring back this popular event and elevate it with a new level of
excellence,” said Kelly Stroman, President and CEO of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of
Commerce. “We are looking forward to bringing together the community to spotlight
innovation, excellence, giving and to recognize the best and brightest in Manhattan Beach."

The award categories are as follows: 

*Nominations for these two categories are not open to the public. 

The October 17 awards ceremony at Westdrift Hotel, sponsored by First Republic Bank, will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is now in its sixth year (after a two-year hiatus).

Tickets for the event are available on Eventbrite. Tickets are $115/person and $1050 for a table of 10. A “family style” seating option for up to 16 guests is also available.

"The evening is about celebrating the people and businesses that enhance the community and that make Manhattan Beach a unique and exceptional place to live and conduct business," said Stroman.

A “Meet the Finalists” reception will also be held on October 10 at First Republic Bank Manhattan Beach, 601 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Reception details will be released closer to the event.