Competition aids students and local businesses

Beginning Feb. 2, and continuing through Feb. 27, Boston College students will have the opportunity to vote for what they determine to be the best businesses in the Boston area and enter to win a $500 Vineyard Vines gift basket. The competition is run by the company CityVoter.

The contest, fittingly named the "Top of The Heights," covers 1,500 businesses that fit within nine broad categories, including nightlife, cheap eats, beauty, fashion, great meals, and shopping. Students are asked to register and vote on the contest's Web site, topoftheheights.com, to participate. The voting will be open until midnight on Feb. 27, and winners within the nine categories will be announced throughout the week of March 9-13.

Kelly Slevin, who has facilitated the program through CityVoter, feels that the contest is a great opportunity for students to voice their opinions for Boston businesses, promoting those that have become their favorites. "They're making sure their opinions count, helping incoming freshmen," Slevin said. "Not only is this a chance for people to vote, but this will be the spot for people to go if they're not familiar with a particular category. It gives students more exposure to their community, and the companies can post coupons exclusive to the BC students. If the students come online and vote for them, they can give back to the students."

Slevin also spoke to the benefits that such a contest holds for local businesses. "This creates exposure for them, having these students go online and view their profile - it's a whole other line of exposure for the business."

In addition to voting for their favorite restaurants, boutiques, theaters, and other businesses, students will also have the opportunity to write reviews of the various companies. "When students go online and review them, it gives them a chance to see what people are saying and how they can make their business better," Slevin said.

Slevin felt that the BC community in particular stands to benefit from participation in a program such as this, due to its strong unity and student involvement, as well its close location and easy access to most parts of the Greater Boston area. "The Boston community in general is very responsive to college kids, specifically BC - there are plenty of places in Newton who would really appreciate being named best by the students."

A primarily motivation in developing this contest, according to Slevin, is to create a system that aids both students and businesses. "This is an opportunity for exposure on both ends," Slevin said. "Students can see what's out there and businesses can increase their expose and present themselves in another community. It's a win-win situation."

Alexi Chi contributed to this report.