Have questions about a category? Here’s how we define each category on the ballot.
Arts & Community
ANNUAL FESTIVAL/COMMUNITY EVENT: a regularly planned event that is open to the public, whether free or ticketed.
ART GALLERY: a space dedicated to the display or sale of works of art.
CHARITY RUN: a running event designed with the purpose of raising money in the name of charity.
COMMUNITY/AMATEUR PERFORMING ARTS GROUP: an organized group of non-professional performers (theatre, music, dance, etc.).
DANCE STUDIO: a business where people can go to take dance lessons.
FARMERS MARKET: a food market at which local farmers sell fruit and vegetables and often meat, cheese, and bakery products directly to consumers.
FUNDRAISING EVENT: an event designed to raise awareness and donations for an organization’s mission.
PUBLIC/SEMI-PRIVATE GOLF COURSE: any golf course that is open to the general public.
HOLIDAY EVENT: any holiday-themed event.
LOCAL BAND: 2 or more musicians that perform together regularly in Moore County.
LOCAL SOLO MUSICIAN: a musician who performs by themselves/without a band, regularly, in Moore County.
ADULT CHOIR: any organized singing group consisting mostly of adults, typically one that takes part in church services or performs regularly in public.
YOUTH CHOIR: any organized singing group consisting of children/teenagers that performs regularly in public
PERFORMING ARTS VENUE: a space that is intended for use by various types of the performing arts, including dance, music and theatre; does not include bars/restaurants (there is a separate category under “Food & Drink” for this).
PLACE TO GET CREATIVE: a business that offers opportunities to create visual art.
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – animals: a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to animals; must have a 501(c)3 status.
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – arts: a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to the arts; must have a 501(c)3 status.
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – children: a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to children; must have a 501(c)3 status.
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – community service: a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to the general community; must have a 501(c)3 status.
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – military: a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to military; must have a 501(c)3 status.
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – seniors: a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to seniors; must have a 501(c)3 status.
PLACE TO GO ON A DATE: a business that offers a good date night experience.
PLACE TO RECHARGE DURING A POWER OUTAGE: any business or public location that offered a respite to the public during the December 2022 power outage.
PLACE TO TAKE A VISITOR: any business or attraction that people might visit for pleasure and interest.
PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE: a theater or outdoor space where movies are shown for public entertainment; must be owned by a business or an organization (no home living rooms or back yards).
POTTERY SHOP: a business that sells pottery.
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY: a performing arts group that includes, but is not exclusive to, professional performers.
SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS GROUP: an organized group of school-aged performers (theatre, band, chorus, orchestra, etc.).
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT: a business or organization’s public social media account; does not include groups or private accounts.
WEDDING VENUE: a venue that is available to use for wedding ceremonies.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
ASPHALT PAVING: a business that uses asphalt to build paths, parking lots, walkways and/or driveways.
AUTO BODY REPAIR: a business that specializes in repairing and restoring the external components of damaged vehicles.
AUTO MECHANICAL REPAIR: a business that specializes in the restoration or replacement of the working parts of cars, such as the engine and operational software.
BARBERSHOP: a haircare business that specializes in shorter haircuts that require little styling between visits (usually men’s haircuts).
CAR DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT: an automotive service department within or attached to a car dealership.
CAR WASH/DETAILING: a business that offers car wash and/or auto detailing services.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS: a law firm that specializes in defense law.
ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY: a law firm that specializes in estate planning.
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY: a law firm that specializes in family law.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER: a business that takes family photos.
FINANCIAL PLANNER: a business or a person employed to manage the personal finances of clients.
FLORIST: a business that sells and arranges cut flowers.
FUNERAL HOME/SERVICE: a business that provides final arrangements and/or services.
HAIR SALON: a haircare business that focuses on longer haircuts as well as the styling techniques and products needed to maintain them (usually women’s haircuts).
INSURANCE COMPANY: a business offering insurance.
LIMO/CAR/SHUTTLE SERVICE: a business that offers automobile transportation for hire
MILITARY/MIL-SPOUSE OWNED BUSINESS: a business that is owned by an active duty service member and/or a military spouse.
NAIL SALON: a business that offers nail care services such as manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements.
NEW BUSINESS: a new business that opened between May 2022-June 2023.
PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS: a law firm that specializes in personal injury law.
TAX PREPARATION SERVICES: an accounting firm providing tax services.
TOWING SERVICE: a business that offers towing of motor vehicles.
TRAVEL AGENCY: an agency that makes the necessary arrangements for travelers, such as the booking of airline tickets and hotel rooms.
VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS: a business owned by a military veteran.
WEDDING/EVENT PLANNER: a business that specializes in planning and organizing weddings and/or other events.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: a photographer for hire who specializes in photographing weddings.
WORKPLACE: any business with multiple employees.
FAMILY
CHILDCARE (infant – 3 years): a business that offers childcare for children aged 0-3 years.
CHILDREN’S DENTIST: a dental office that sees children.
CHILDREN’S/BABY BOUTIQUE: any store that sells clothing or products for children/babies.
CHURCH YOUTH GROUP: an organized group of young people that is linked to and supported by a local religious organization.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT: an event or business that offers fun for the whole family.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT: any restaurant that is family-friendly.
KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY: any business or venue that is available to host children’s birthday parties.
LOCAL WATER ACTIVITY SPOT: any local water activity spot used for recreation (swimming, kayaking, fishing, etc.).
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: any business or public location that offers outdoor recreational activity space.
PLACE TO BUY TOYS: any business that sells toys.
PLAYGROUND: any public playground.
PRESCHOOL: a school for children who are between 3-5 years of age.
PRIVATE OR CHARTER SCHOOL: any grade school with that runs independently from the local school district.
RAINY DAY ACTIVITY: any business or venue available to entertain children in rainy weather.
SANTA SIGHTING: any business that organizes a Santa sighting event.
STORYTIME: any business or organization that offers storytime events for young children.
SUMMER CAMP: any camp providing recreational and/or athletic facilities for children during the summer vacation period.
TRICK-OR-TREATING: any community or area popular for trick-or-treating.
YOUTH SPORTS CLUB: an athletics club or sports association for children or teens.
FOOD & DRINK
AUTHENTIC PUB: a business, such as a tavern or bar, that is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
BAKERY: a business where bread and cakes are made and sold.
BAR OR RESTAURANT FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: a bar or restaurant that features live music.
BBQ: Any restaurant with BBQ on the menu.
BEER SELECTION: any bar or restaurant that serves beer.
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH: any restaurant that serves breakfast or brunch.
BURGER: any restaurant that serves hamburgers.
CASUAL DINING: any sit-down restaurant with a relaxed ambiance and an affordable menu.
CATERER: on-site or off-site catering.
CHEF: any chef working in a local restaurant.
CHINESE FOOD: any restaurant that primarily serves Chinese food.
COFFEE SHOP: any restaurant or free-standing coffee specialty.
CRAFT/CREATIVE COCKTAILS: a business that mixes specialty cocktail drinks.
DONUTS: a business where donuts are made and sold.
FOOD TRUCK: any portable restaurant where food is cooked on-site.
FROZEN TREATS: any restaurant that serves frozen treats; may include ice cream, sherbet, sorbet, frozen yogurt, frozen alcoholic drinks, etc.
HEALTHY TREATS: a business that primarily serves menu items that are healthy treats; may include vegan, gluten free, low calorie, high-protein, plant-based, etc.
HOT DOG: any restaurant that serves hot dogs.
INDIAN RESTAURANT: any restaurant that serves Indian food.
ITALIAN RESTAURANT: any restaurant that primarily serves Italian food.
JAPANESE/HIBACHI RESTAURANT: any restaurant that primarily serves Japanese food or hibachi.
LOCAL BEER/CIDER: any locally made beer or cider.
LUNCH: any restaurant that serves lunch.
MEXICAN RESTAURANT: any restaurant that primarily serves Mexican food.
NEW RESTAURANT: any restaurant that has opened between May 2022-June 2023.
OUTDOOR SEATING: any bar or restaurant with a specific area for outdoor dining or drinking.
PIZZA: any retaurant that serves pizza.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT: any restaurant that serves seafood.
SOUP: any restaurant that serves soup.
SOUTHERN FOOD: any restaurant that serves southern food.
SPORTS BAR: a bar where televised sporting events are shown.
STEAK: any restaurant that serves steak.
SUB/SANDWICH SHOP: any restaurant that serves subs or sandwiches.
SUSHI RESTAURANT: any restaurant that serves sushi.
THAI RESTAURANT: any restaurant that serves Thai food.
VEGAN/VEGETARIAN FOOD: any restaurant that has vegan or vegetarian options.
WINE MENU IN A RESTAURANT: any restaurant with a focus on wine selection by the bottle or glass.
WINGS: any restaurant that serves wings.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY: any business that offers an alternative/holistic approach to health, such as acupuncture, reiki, etc. (does not include chiropractic care or massage; there is a separate category for this).
CBD SHOP: a standalone store that sells products that are CBD infused.
CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE: a practitioner or group focused on the system of integrative medicine based on the diagnosis and treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column.
CONCEPT FITNESS STUDIO: a small gym that focuses on group exercise and may specialize in one or two fitness areas.
DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE: an individual or group that practices medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders.
FACIAL & SKINCARE SERVICES: a business that specializes in skincare treatments such as steam, exfoliation, extraction, facials, peels, etc.
GENERAL DENTISTRY PRACTICE: a practice that offers treatment options and procedures fundamental to protecting and maintaining a good standard of oral health.
GYM: gym or fitness center that is open for general use and not limited by a group exercise schedule.
HEARING CARE FACILITY: a practice focused on the sense of hearing.
HOME CARE SERVICE: any business that provides in-home health care that allows a person with special needs to stay in their home. It might be for people who are getting older, chronically ill, recovering from surgery, or have a disability.
MASSAGE: a business that offers massage therapy services.
MED-SPA: any spa that offers specialized treatments and cosmetic services and is under the supervision of a licensed physician.
OPHTHALMOLOGY/OPTOMETRY PRACTICE: medical practice that focuses on eye care and/or corrective lenses.
PHARMACY: a store where medicinal drugs are dispensed and sold.
PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE: a practice offering medical treatment used to restore functional movements, such as standing, walking, and moving different body parts.
RETIREMENT/ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY: a living center that may or may not provide nursing care, housekeeping and prepared meals as needed.
SPA: an establishment offering health and beauty treatment through such means as steam baths, massage, or other.
VITAMIN/SUPPLEMENT SHOP: any store that specializes in nutritional supplements.
YOGA STUDIO: a standalone business that focuses on yoga practices.
HOME & HOME SERVICES
APPLIANCE STORE: a store that sells new kitchen appliances.
CARPET & RUG CLEANING: domestic and commercial carpet and floor cleaning services.
CUSTOM WOODWORKING: a business that offers custom woodworking.
ELECTRICIAN: a business that installs and maintains electrical equipment.
FLOORING COMPANY: includes all types of floor surfaces; should include sales and installation, can be a standalone business or part of a larger store.
GUTTER MAINTENANCE: any business that offers gutter maintenance.
HEATING & AIR COMPANY: HVAC services that include new equipment, services and repairs.
HOME & VACATION RENTAL COMPANY: a property management company for single or multiple unit dwellings.
HOME BUILDER: new homebuilding company.
HOME DECOR & INTERIOR DESIGN STORE: a business that sells a variety of home decor.
HOME INSPECTOR: a business that inspects homes before they’re sold.
INTERIOR DECORATOR: a business or person who is employed to decorate the inside of people’s houses.
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING: a business that offers interior and/or exterior residential painting services.
KITCHEN & BATH CABINETRY COMPANY: specializes in cabinetry for commercial and home application, including but not limited to bathroom and kitchens.
LANDSCAPING COMPANY: a business that may operate to construct, install and maintain lawns, trees, yards, shrubs, gardens, patios, related grounds and other outdoor areas which are owned by others.
MORTGAGE COMPANY: a brokerage offering mortgage services.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES: any store that sells outdoor furniture and accessories (such as cushions, umbrellas, etc.).
PEST CONTROL COMPANY: any business that deals with the regulation or management of pests that adversely impact human activities.
PLUMBER: any business that installs and repairs the pipes and fittings of water supply, sanitation or heating systems
POOL SERVICE: any business that offers pool and/or spa building, maintenance and/or services.
PRESSURE WASHING: any business that uses pressurized water to clean the exterior surfaces of houses and/or pavement.
REAL ESTATE AGENT: any licensed residential Real Estate Agent or Realtor(R) that has represented a client who bought or sold a home in Moore County in the last 12 months.
REAL ESTATE FIRM: a real estate company with an employing broker in charge.
RESIDENTIAL CLEANING COMPANY: any business that provides occasional or scheduled domestic cleaning services.
ROOFING COMPANY: any business that constructs or repairs roofs.
TILE & COUNTERTOPS STORE: any business that specializes in countertops for commercial and/or home application, including but not limited to kitchens and bathrooms.
PETS
DOG TRAINING: any business that specializes in training domestic dogs as pets.
EQUINE SUPPLY & TACK: any business that products for riding horses.
PET BOARDING: any business that provides overnight boarding for domestic animals, in-home or on-site; can be part of a larger store.
PET EVENT: any event that is focused on animals, such as a fundraiser, fair, show, or sanctioned adoption event.
PET GROOMING: any business that provides grooming for domestic animals, in-home or on-site; can be part of a larger store.
PET SUPPLY STORE: any business that sells supplies for domestic pets.
VETERINARIAN PRACTICE: any veterinarian office or clinic.
SHOPPING
ANTIQUE STORE: any store that specializes in antiques and/or collectibles; can be a vendor booth that sublets space at a larger store.
BOUTIQUE FOR ACCESSORIES: any store that sells accessories such as belts, hats, scarves, purses and/or fashion jewelry.
BOUTIQUE FOR LINGERIE: any store that sells lingerie.
BOUTIQUE FOR WOMEN’S CLOTHING: any store that sells clothing for women.
BOUTIQUE FOR WOMEN’S SHOES: any store that sells a wide variety of shoes for women.
CAR DEALERSHIP: any licensed auto dealership that has a dealership contract with an auto manufacturer and sells new vehicles.
CIGAR SHOP: any store that specializes in tobacco products and related items.
CONSIGNMENT SHOP: any resale shop that displays goods for a percentage of the sale price.
FINE JEWELRY STORE: any store that sells jewelry made of gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals with or without gemstones or other semi-precious stones.
FURNITURE STORE: any store that that sells new furniture and related accessories.
GARDENING STORE: any store that sells plants and related products.
GIFT SHOP: any store that sells souvenirs, memorabilia and/or products suitable for giving as gifts.
GOLF SHOP: any store that primarily sells golfing equipment.
HARDWARE STORE: any store that sells articles for the house and garden such as tools, nails, and building supplies.
LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT: any product made within Moore County by a local business; may include individually packaged food or drinks (not the brand itself, but the actual product).
MEN’S CLOTHIER: any store that sells clothing for men.
PLACE TO BUY CONSIGNED/USED FURNITURE: any store that sells pre-owned furniture.
PRE-OWNED CAR DEALERSHIP: any licensed auto dealership that sells used vehicles.
SPECIALTY SHOP: any store whose retail items are largely based around a specific focus.
STOREFRONT WINDOW DISPLAY: any store with a window display.
THRIFT SHOP: any resale shop that sells secondhand articles, especially clothes or furniture; the original owner does not receive compensation for sales. (Does not include boutique for women’s clothing, boutique for women’s shoes, boutique for accessories, furniture store, children’s/baby boutique etc. since these have their own categories)
WINE SHOP: any store that focuses on selling wine by the bottle or glass, rather than liquor or beer.