After a month-long campaign, where the community was invited to submit nominations for favorite local businesses in four different categories, the Newtown Chamber of Commerce and Newtown Rotary Club have announced the 2016 Business of the Year contenders:Newtown Chamber website and also at surveymonkey.com/r/votebiz2016.newtown-ct.com.

*New Business: Boostcycle, Maple Craft Foods, and Café Xpresso;

*Longevity: Black Swan Fireside Hearth & Home, Jantris Marketing Services, and Newtown Hardware;

*Philanthropy: Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro, Maplewood at Newtown, and Berkshire Motors; and

*Overall Achievement: Associated Refuse Haulers, My Place Pizza, and Butcher's Best Market.

The community is now invited to vote for the business they feel is most deserving of each honor, has consistently displayed excellence in the way they serve their customers, and how they support Newtown.

Voting will remain open through March 25 at noon. A link to vote is posted on the

A computer can only vote one time.

While all nominees will be given honorable mention, the top four nominees in each category will be honored as a 2016 Business of the Year at the awards dinner and ceremony on March 28 at Newtown Country Club from 6 to 8 pm.

The awards ceremony is open to the public by reservation only. Tickets are $20 and include dinner and cash bar.

Reservations can be done online at