Business in Tahoe can be tough. Just ask any business owner you know. Many (if not all) are at the mercy of the visitors who come to town. Sometimes it’s good. And sometimes Mother Nature lets us know who’s really in charge by throwing things at us like drought and atmospheric rivers — which can impact business tremendously.

Those that have done business on the South Shore for 25, 30 years (or even longer) deserve some serious kudos. They’ve been through many peaks and many valleys, and to still be standing, there’s definitely something to be said for that.

Many of you know the stories of these businesses, but there are also many of us who don’t. I’d love it if we could tell every businesses’ story. I’d be willing to bet that there is something unique and interesting about each of them. But the fact of the matter is that we just don’t have the resources to be able to do it. However, the opportunity to submit information about your business is now alive and well on the Tribune website. Since we cannot get to everyone, the next best thing for us to do is have the portal for businesses to submit their information for a business spotlight.

One of the things that I noticed when I became publisher is that there were some great stories to be told in the local business community — but we weren’t telling them very often or highlighting the good things that were happening in the business community. We’re definitely doing more of this now, but having this option helps us to do even more.

This is by no means a magic bullet, and if every business were to go and submit their info, it doesn’t mean it’s going to publish in the next edition or get a front-page feature. But what it does do is help us to get more involved and tell the stories of local business — not just for the locals, but for the visitors as well. The more people who know about what’s going on, the better it is for the business and the business environment on the South Shore.

Speaking of businesses on the South Shore, it’s that time again where we scour the basin and search for healthy debate on who is the Best of Tahoe. The voting started earlier this week and it will run through May 26 — plenty of time for folks to change their mind from years past and see if anyone has dethroned their favorite.

As I wrote in a column last year, folks should take pride in being voted one of the Best of Tahoe. This contest takes into account everyone’s vote. Sure, it’s mostly comprised of locals, but there are visitors who vote too. So to claim victory by both locals and visitors, that’s pretty damn cool — and should be cause for a celebration. Because when you have businesses, including some that have gone through some pretty tough times, to come out paramount amongst your peers, that’s a gift to be proud of.

So don’t forget to vote. The suggestions that will be there to choose from initially are there because they were submitted last year. If your favorite person, place or business is not listed, go ahead and add it — once added, others can vote for that choice too. Good luck!

Publisher Rob Galloway can be reached at rgalloway@tahoedailytribune.com or 530-542-8046. The business spotlight submission can be found under the “Business” tab and by clicking the “contribute” button to the right. Best of Tahoe voting can be accessed through the button at the bottom of the home page or by going to tahoedailytribune.com/bestoftahoe2017.