One of my favorite things about our annual "Best of Savannah" readers poll and special issue is the huge morale boost it gives us around here.

Let's face it: Working at a perpetual underdog has its stress points. We have a smaller budget and staff than pretty much all of our competitors in this market. While we're proud of being able to do a lot with less, that plus two bucks will get us a grande at Starbucks.

We face certain structural issues as well. For example, we don't have the backing of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, as do some entities which sell advertising and thus are competitors even if they're not in the news biz.

And because we don't sell fawning, cheesy personality profiles to generate extra revenue, as some other local publications do, we don't get that social boost on the country club circuit.

But one thing we do have is street cred, and nowhere is that more evident than in the genuine positive feeling our Best of Savannah issue generates in the grassroots.

The winners are truly happy to receive recognition from our readers, the businesses that win are truly proud to put their certificates up in their shop windows, and our publication is truly valued for its role in bringing the community together in mutual warmth and respect, culminating in the annual "Best of Savannah" awards party.

This year's party, held at the magnificent Charles H. Morris Center, was a blast. Keith Kozel was our DJ, sound was provided by Capital A Productions, and catering was by Coach's Corner (voted "Best Local Sports Bar" by our readers).

@ One correction from the issue: Personal Trainer Janet McCarthy actually works at Lava 24 Fitness on Broughton Street. Sorry, Janet!