The program is an annual event. A new survey is conducted each year.

The Consumers' Choice Award commissions the study to various U.S. and Canadian independent research firms such as; Harris Interactive, Synovate and the Gallup Poll organization. 

Interviews are randomly chosen among the general public and top-ranking managers of small to medium size businesses. 

Web surveys were conducted within two groups, area consumers-General Public and Business Managers. The primary sampling frame for our surveys were through the Harris Poll Online panel (HPOL).  This is the largest online shared-cost panel in the U.S. consisting of over 3.5 million individuals.

There are approximately 100 categories of industries shared among service providers and retail. The actual number of categories varies within different markets. New categories are introduced annually.   

The question asked of respondents consisted of a closed question, allowing respondents to make a choice among the nominated businesses. Nominations were based on a pilot study obtained during interviews conducted with initial 15-20% of the sample.    

Respondents were asked the question  "We would like to know your opinion about (Specific City ) companies in various sectors, which have distinguished themselves the most in the last year. To help in making your choice, please base your answer on aspects such as quality, value, service and appearance of the business as well as any other elements you might consider important in making your choice.    

The criteria for selecting winners were as follows. Two winners were selected in each category based on those businesses receiving the most votes (ie highest percentages among those casting votes in each category) All winners had to receive at least 20% of the votes cast in the category. Accordingly there were fewer then two winners in some categories. Where there was a third business whose percentage of votes cast for it was not statistically different from the second place winner, a third winner was selected. The sample base, on which percentages were calculated, is the number of people who actually cast votes for a business in the category. "Don't Know's" and "None's" were removed from the base in each category.      

The Consumers' Choice Award is considered the seal of excellence. The award not only constitutes the crowning achievements of their efforts, but more importantly it also represents the most valuable reward of all, the knowledge that they have earned the trust and loyalty of consumers.   

A congratulatory letter is received by award recipients, notifying them of their award status . Businesses that wish to participate in a promotional program can elect to do so in order to leverage their award status in the community. The promotional program includes a black tie gala where recipients are presented their award on stage. Attandence is recieved by media, civic and business leaders.  “CONSUMERS’ CHOICE AWARD” (the “Word Mark”) and the logo referred to herein as the “Certification Mark”) are the sole property of the organizer.