SC young teen driver death trend down

Deaths of South Carolina drivers ages 16 and 17 dipped slightly in 2012 compared with 2011, according to the S.C. Department of Public Safety’s Office of Highway Safety.

That bucks the national trend of rising teen deaths behind the wheel.

But it is in keeping the long-range trend in South Carolina of deaths of 16- and 17-year-old drivers declining since 2003. That year, 29 16- and 17-year-olds died. In 2012, 13 died.

The topic of young driver deaths has been in the news since the Governors Highway Safety Association last month released a study indicating that deaths of young drivers had risen in much of the nation for the first six months of 2012, compared with the first six months of 2011. It predicted that in many states, young driver deaths would rise for all of 2012.

However, South Carolina defied the predictions, with teen driver deaths dropping from 14 in 2011 to 13 in 2012.

The state’s mandatory seat-belt law, which took effect for the first full year in 2006, helped reduce teen deaths, safety officials said. These days, about 60 percent of teens who die in fatal accidents aren’t buckled up. That used to be a lot higher.

But officials also attribute the decline to a multi-pronged effort, much of it financed by federal and corporate grants, that reaches tens of thousands of high school students each year, confronting them in emotionally dramatic ways to get them to change youthful reckless driving habits that could get them killed.

4 programs

The four major outreaches are:

•  Alive at 25. Begun in 2007 at 11 high schools and reaching 3,511 students that year, this intensive, 4½-hour program taught by law enforcement officers last year reached 18,284 students at 105 high schools. The program goes far beyond driving mechanics and knowledge of traffic laws, focusing instead on emotionally connecting with students to get them to change dangerous driving habits.

“It’s not a scare tactic — it’s more an emotional impact — how would your parents react if we were to knock on their door and say you aren’t coming home?” said Brooke Russell, executive director of the S.C. Chapter of the National Safety Council.

One big reason for its success might be that many schools won’t allow students to drive to school unless they have taken the course.

Alive at 25 is designed to modify teens’ risk-taking behavior. In recent years, various studies have indicated that areas of teen brains that assess risks may not be fully mature, making teens prone to act on impulse and to take unnecessary chances. Studies suggest the brain’s capacity to make good judgments on reasoning and planning matters doesn’t mature until the early or mid-20s.

Last year’s Alive at 25’s $1 million-plus costs was supported by the $35 tuition each student pays, as well as hefty grants from insurance and automotive companies and dealers. The program is sponsored by the S.C. Chapter of the National Safety Council and is modeled on programs elsewhere in the nation. Parents are encouraged to attend and sit in the back of the room. Classes average from 15-25 students.

•  Tickets. Beginning in 2009, this Office of Highway Safety program has put vivid traffic safety messages on some 5 million tickets sold at most state high school sporting and extracurricular events. The cost: $85,000 in federal funds.

“That teenage audience is a hard group to reach, with all their social media,” said Office of Highway Safety director Phil Riley, “but these get in the hands of teens and their parents and center on four major issues — drinking and driving, texting and driving, not wearing a seat belt and speeding.”

•  Simulators. Bought at a cost of more than $145,000 in federal grants over the past several years, the Highway Patrol’s three rollover simulators and one driving simulator last year reached a total of some 15,000 mostly young people.

“When a student sits down in the driving simulator, we set different programs,” said Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Bob Beres. “They find out how easy it is to be distracted and run over an object or a person, or run into a building.”

The rollover simulators spin and eject life-sized, unbuckled dummies.

•  Families of Highway Fatalities program. In this program, selected parents of young people who’ve died in avoidable traffic accidents speak to groups of students.

“The students are going to connect — they are going to think, ‘Wow, this could be my dad talking, this could be my mom sharing the story if I got killed,’” said program director Faith Turner.

Last year’s speakers appeared before 15,800 students at 47 schools.

Good news

from a recession?

Although South Carolina’s outreach efforts no doubt have a positive effect, the recession has been a major factor in declining teen driver deaths, said AAA Carolinas Traffic Safety Foundation president Tom Crosby.

“As the economy picks back up, there will be more teen deaths, because more teens will be driving more,” Crosby predicted.

Crosby said South Carolina lawmakers could take a major step in stemming teen deaths if they would adopt a graduated youth driver’s license, which would require teens to spend more time behind the wheel with their parent or guardian before turning them loose on the highway.

Turner said the important statistics are invisible: how many lives her Families of Highway Fatalities and other programs are saving because students get the message.

“Those are the numbers we will never see, but we know they are there.”

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

The 2012 Buzzies – Our Readers’ Choice Awards

For 14 years, The Herald and heraldonline.com have given you a chance to tell us about your favorites around town with our annual Readers’ Choice Awards – The Buzzies.

This year, all your favorite categories are back, allowing you to tap York County’s favorite people and places, good and services – and most irresistible places to chow down.

In more than 100 categories, you made clear choices about who has the best food, the best service and more.

We hope you enjoy patronizing all of The Buzzies!

Best Lawyer

• Duane Shaw, Shaw Law Firm, 1169 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Food & Drink

Best Bagel

• Panera Bread, 526 John Ross Parkway, Rock Hill

Best Bakery/Wedding Cakes and Best Dessert

• Sweet Art Cakes, 1502 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Barbecue

• Burk’s BBQ, 2012 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Biscuits

• Bojangle’s, 2381 Cherry Road, 1278 E. Main St. and 493 S. Herlong Ave., Rock Hill

Best Breakfast, Best Family Restaurant and Best Meal under $10

• Nishie G’s, 706 Mount Gallant Road and 727 Dilworth Lane, Suite 105, Rock Hill

Best Buffet

• Golden Corral, 1031 N. Anderson Road, Rock Hill

Best Chinese

• Red Bowl Asian Bistro, 2760 Celanese Road, Rock Hill; and 845 Stockbridge Drive, Fort Mill

Best Coffee

• Starbucks, 1303 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill; and 926 Market St., Fort Mill

Best Date Place

• Michael’s Rock Hill Grille, 1039 Charlotte Ave., Rock Hill

Best Doughnuts

• Dunkin’ Donuts, 2677 Celanese Road and 1932 Springsteen Road, Rock Hill; and 5009 Lake Vista Drive, Fort Mill

Best Fried Chicken

• Shrimp Boat, 771 S. Heckle Blvd. and 1411 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Fries

• McDonald’s, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Hamburger

• Sonny’s Dutch Mill, 550 N. Anderson Road, Rock Hill

Best Hot Dog

• Ebenezer Grill, 1525 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Ice Cream

• PW’s Gourmet Ice Cream, 491 S. Herlong Ave., Rock Hill

Best Italian

• Olive Garden, 519 John Ross Parkway, Rock Hill

Best Japanese

• Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, 850 Patriot Parkway, Rock Hill

Most Kid Friendly and Best Service

• Chick-fil-A, 2245 Dave Lyle Blvd. and 2415 Cherry Road, Rock Hill; and 1600 S.C. 160 West, Fort Mill

Best Mexican

• Charanda Mexican Grill, 2260 Crosspointe Drive and 4811 Old York Road, Rock Hill; and 1504 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill

Best Milkshake

• Cook-Out, 738 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Onion Rings, Best Patio and Best Outdoor Dining

• White Horse, 1022 Camden Ave., Rock Hill

Best Pizza

• Empire Pizza, 1415 Riverchase Blvd. and 4811 Old York Road, Rock Hill

Best Salad

• Ruby Tuesday, 1410 Old Springdale Road, Rock Hill

Best Sandwich/Sub

• Sub Station II, 403 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Seafood

• Pier 51 Seafood, 3921 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill

Best Steakhouse

• Longhorn Steakhouse, 2255 Crosspointe Drive, Rock Hill

Best Sunday Meal

• Old Town Bistro, 135 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Vietnamese

• Thi’s Place on Main, 210 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Wings

• Wingbonz (formerly Wing King Café), 1027 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill; 971 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill; and 20 N. Congress St., York

People

Best Accountant

• Bernard Ackerman, Bernard N. Ackerman, CPS, P.A., 864 Riverview Road, Rock Hill

Best Bartender

• Phillip Johnson, McHale’s Irish Pub, 122 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Caterer

• Melanie Rowe, 2685 Celanese Road, Suite 107, Rock Hill

Best Chiropractor

• Dr. Drew Kasic, Advanced Care Clinic, 1430 Ebenezer Road, Suite 101, Rock Hill

Best Dentist

• Dr. Bill Cranford, Cranford Dental, Suite 135, 1721 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Insurance Agent

• Rett Rutland, State Farm, 1053 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill

Best Lawyer

• Duane Shaw, Shaw Law Firm, 1169 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Physician

• Dr. Nicholas Tuttle, Rock Hill Family Practice, 1435 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Radio Personality

• Chuck Boozer, WRHI and Interstate 107, Rock Hill

Best Real Estate Agent

• Stephen Cooley, Keller Williams, 1560 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Sportscaster

• Mario Washington, WRHI-AM, Rock Hill

Best Veterinarian

• Catawba Animal Clinic, 2241 India Hook Road, Rock Hill

Best Weathercaster

• Larry Sprinkle, WCNC-TV, Charlotte

Places

Best All-Around Event

• Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill

Best AM Radio Show and Best FM Radio Station

• WRHI, 1340 AM and 94.3 FM, Rock Hill

Best Art Gallery

• York County Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Museum

• Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill

Best Nightclub and Best Place to Dance

• Long Branch, 761 Riverview Road, Rock Hill

Best Park

• Cherry Park, 1466 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Place to Walk/Run/Bike

• Piedmont Medical Center Trail (Riverwalk), 2850 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Place for Live Music

• McHale’s Irish Pub, 122 E. Main St., Rock Hill; and 1820 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill

Best Place to Worship

• North Rock Hill Church, 2562 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill

Best Place to Work

• Family Trust Federal Credit Union, 1615 Progress Way, Rock Hill

Best Television Station

• CN2, Rock Hill

Goods & Services

Best Air Conditioning/Heating Repair

• Comfort Systems, 1010 E. White St., Rock Hill

Best Antique Store

• A Lasting Touch, 2210 India Hook Road, Rock Hill

Best Appliance Store

• Sears, Rock Hill Galleria, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Rock Hill

Best Auto Body Shop

• Rock Hill Collision Center, 1542 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Auto Parts Supply Store

• AutoZone, 1449 E. Main St. and 1565 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Bank/Credit Union and Best Overall Customer Service

• Family Trust Federal Credit Union, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Book Store

• Books-A-Million, Manchester Village, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Rock Hill

Best Car Wash

• Quick C, 1250 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Carpet/Flooring Store

• Jackson Carpet, 1106 Cranford St., Rock Hill

Best Cell Phone Company

• Verizon Wireless, 636 Crown Pointe Drive, 4859 Old York Road, and 2349 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Child-Care Center

• Carolina Kids, 4124 Celanese Road, Rock Hill

Best Consignment Store

• The Upscale WeeSale, Rock Hill

Best Day Spa

• CovRing Day Spa, 417 E. White St., Rock Hill

Best Department Store

• Belk, Rock Hill Galleria, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Rock Hill

Best Discount Store

• Walmart, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Drug Store/Pharmacy

• CVS, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Dry Cleaners

• Freeman’s Dry Cleaning, 1045 Camden Ave., Rock Hill

Best Employment Agency

• Carolina Recruitment, 1661 Celanese Road, Rock Hill

Best Fitness Club

• CrossFit Rock Hill, 1453 Dave Lyle Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Flower Shop

• Plant Peddler, 261 N. Anderson Road, Rock Hill

Best Funeral Home

• Greene Funeral Home, 355 E. White St., Rock Hill

Best Furniture Store

• Badcock Home Furniture, 745 Albright Road, Rock Hill

Best Golf Course

• Rock Hill Country Club, 600 Country Club Drive, Rock Hill

Best Grocery Store

• Bi-Lo, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Hair Salon

• Salon Naman, 1445 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Homebuilder

• Palmetto Family Homes, 1000 Albright Road, Rock Hill

Best Home Improvement Store

• Lowe’s, four locations in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York and Lake Wylie

Best Hunting/Fishing Store

• Nichols Store, 1980 Mount Holly Road, Rock Hill

Best Interior Design/Decorating Business

• Angela Woods Antiques & Interior, 1872 India Hook Road, Rock Hill

Best Jewelry Store

• Allison Love’s Fine Jewelry, 2030 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Kids’ Clothing

• Legacy’s Child, 355 Herlong Ave., Rock Hill

Best Landscaping/Yard Care

• O’Connor & Sons, 2847 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill,

Best Maid Service

• Ready-Maids, 935 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Men’s Clothing

• Jos. A. Bank, 305 Herlong Ave., Rock Hill

Best Nursery/Garden Store

• Wilson’s Nursery & Garden Center, 921 W. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Office Supply Store

• Office Depot, 2349 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Pawn Shop

• David’s Pawn Shop, 1425 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Pet Store & Pet Grooming

• PetSmart, 1110 Hospitality Drive, Rock Hill

Best Photography Studio

• ForeverSmiles Photography, 1037 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill

Best Place to Buy Gas

• Murphy USA, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Place to Buy Unique Gifts

• White Home Gift Shop, 258 E. White St., Rock Hill

Best Plumbing Service

• Don Crump Plumbing, 4181 Upper Cove Road, Rock Hill

Best Print Shop

• The Print Shoppe, 1671 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Real Estate Company

• Allen Tate, 1602 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Rental Store

• Gala Affairs, 1368 Constitution Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Shoe Store

• Rack Room Shoes, 2331 Dave Lyle Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Spirits Store

• O’Darby’s Fine Wine & Spirits, 1405 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Sporting Equipment Store

• Academy Sports & Outdoors, 2468 Crosspointe Drive, Rock Hill

Best Tanning Salon

• Solarium Tanning Studios, 1735 Heckle Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Tire Dealer

• Drum’s Tire & Battery Service, 817 W. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Travel Agency

• Mann Travels, 411 Charlotte Ave., Rock Hill

Best Women’s Clothing

• Belk, Rock Hill Galleria, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Rock Hill

Best Wrecker Service

• Interstate Towing & Recovery, 450 Corporate Blvd., Rock Hill

The 2012 Buzzies – Our Readers’ Choice Awards

For 14 years, The Herald and heraldonline.com have given you a chance to tell us about your favorites around town with our annual Readers’ Choice Awards – The Buzzies.

This year, all your favorite categories are back, allowing you to tap York County’s favorite people and places, good and services – and most irresistible places to chow down.

In more than 100 categories, you made clear choices about who has the best food, the best service and more.

We hope you enjoy patronizing all of The Buzzies!

Best Lawyer

• Duane Shaw, Shaw Law Firm, 1169 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Food & Drink

Best Bagel

• Panera Bread, 526 John Ross Parkway, Rock Hill

Best Bakery/Wedding Cakes and Best Dessert

• Sweet Art Cakes, 1502 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Barbecue

• Burk’s BBQ, 2012 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Biscuits

• Bojangle’s, 2381 Cherry Road, 1278 E. Main St. and 493 S. Herlong Ave., Rock Hill

Best Breakfast, Best Family Restaurant and Best Meal under $10

• Nishie G’s, 706 Mount Gallant Road and 727 Dilworth Lane, Suite 105, Rock Hill

Best Buffet

• Golden Corral, 1031 N. Anderson Road, Rock Hill

Best Chinese

• Red Bowl Asian Bistro, 2760 Celanese Road, Rock Hill; and 845 Stockbridge Drive, Fort Mill

Best Coffee

• Starbucks, 1303 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill; and 926 Market St., Fort Mill

Best Date Place

• Michael’s Rock Hill Grille, 1039 Charlotte Ave., Rock Hill

Best Doughnuts

• Dunkin’ Donuts, 2677 Celanese Road and 1932 Springsteen Road, Rock Hill; and 5009 Lake Vista Drive, Fort Mill

Best Fried Chicken

• Shrimp Boat, 771 S. Heckle Blvd. and 1411 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Fries

• McDonald’s, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Hamburger

• Sonny’s Dutch Mill, 550 N. Anderson Road, Rock Hill

Best Hot Dog

• Ebenezer Grill, 1525 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Ice Cream

• PW’s Gourmet Ice Cream, 491 S. Herlong Ave., Rock Hill

Best Italian

• Olive Garden, 519 John Ross Parkway, Rock Hill

Best Japanese

• Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, 850 Patriot Parkway, Rock Hill

Most Kid Friendly and Best Service

• Chick-fil-A, 2245 Dave Lyle Blvd. and 2415 Cherry Road, Rock Hill; and 1600 S.C. 160 West, Fort Mill

Best Mexican

• Charanda Mexican Grill, 2260 Crosspointe Drive and 4811 Old York Road, Rock Hill; and 1504 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill

Best Milkshake

• Cook-Out, 738 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Onion Rings, Best Patio and Best Outdoor Dining

• White Horse, 1022 Camden Ave., Rock Hill

Best Pizza

• Empire Pizza, 1415 Riverchase Blvd. and 4811 Old York Road, Rock Hill

Best Salad

• Ruby Tuesday, 1410 Old Springdale Road, Rock Hill

Best Sandwich/Sub

• Sub Station II, 403 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Seafood

• Pier 51 Seafood, 3921 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill

Best Steakhouse

• Longhorn Steakhouse, 2255 Crosspointe Drive, Rock Hill

Best Sunday Meal

• Old Town Bistro, 135 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Vietnamese

• Thi’s Place on Main, 210 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Wings

• Wingbonz (formerly Wing King Café), 1027 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill; 971 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill; and 20 N. Congress St., York

People

Best Accountant

• Bernard Ackerman, Bernard N. Ackerman, CPS, P.A., 864 Riverview Road, Rock Hill

Best Bartender

• Phillip Johnson, McHale’s Irish Pub, 122 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Caterer

• Melanie Rowe, 2685 Celanese Road, Suite 107, Rock Hill

Best Chiropractor

• Dr. Drew Kasic, Advanced Care Clinic, 1430 Ebenezer Road, Suite 101, Rock Hill

Best Dentist

• Dr. Bill Cranford, Cranford Dental, Suite 135, 1721 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Insurance Agent

• Rett Rutland, State Farm, 1053 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill

Best Lawyer

• Duane Shaw, Shaw Law Firm, 1169 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Physician

• Dr. Nicholas Tuttle, Rock Hill Family Practice, 1435 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Radio Personality

• Chuck Boozer, WRHI and Interstate 107, Rock Hill

Best Real Estate Agent

• Stephen Cooley, Keller Williams, 1560 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Sportscaster

• Mario Washington, WRHI-AM, Rock Hill

Best Veterinarian

• Catawba Animal Clinic, 2241 India Hook Road, Rock Hill

Best Weathercaster

• Larry Sprinkle, WCNC-TV, Charlotte

Places

Best All-Around Event

• Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill

Best AM Radio Show and Best FM Radio Station

• WRHI, 1340 AM and 94.3 FM, Rock Hill

Best Art Gallery

• York County Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Museum

• Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill

Best Nightclub and Best Place to Dance

• Long Branch, 761 Riverview Road, Rock Hill

Best Park

• Cherry Park, 1466 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Place to Walk/Run/Bike

• Piedmont Medical Center Trail (Riverwalk), 2850 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Place for Live Music

• McHale’s Irish Pub, 122 E. Main St., Rock Hill; and 1820 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill

Best Place to Worship

• North Rock Hill Church, 2562 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill

Best Place to Work

• Family Trust Federal Credit Union, 1615 Progress Way, Rock Hill

Best Television Station

• CN2, Rock Hill

Goods & Services

Best Air Conditioning/Heating Repair

• Comfort Systems, 1010 E. White St., Rock Hill

Best Antique Store

• A Lasting Touch, 2210 India Hook Road, Rock Hill

Best Appliance Store

• Sears, Rock Hill Galleria, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Rock Hill

Best Auto Body Shop

• Rock Hill Collision Center, 1542 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Auto Parts Supply Store

• AutoZone, 1449 E. Main St. and 1565 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Bank/Credit Union and Best Overall Customer Service

• Family Trust Federal Credit Union, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Book Store

• Books-A-Million, Manchester Village, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Rock Hill

Best Car Wash

• Quick C, 1250 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Carpet/Flooring Store

• Jackson Carpet, 1106 Cranford St., Rock Hill

Best Cell Phone Company

• Verizon Wireless, 636 Crown Pointe Drive, 4859 Old York Road, and 2349 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Child-Care Center

• Carolina Kids, 4124 Celanese Road, Rock Hill

Best Consignment Store

• The Upscale WeeSale, Rock Hill

Best Day Spa

• CovRing Day Spa, 417 E. White St., Rock Hill

Best Department Store

• Belk, Rock Hill Galleria, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Rock Hill

Best Discount Store

• Walmart, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Drug Store/Pharmacy

• CVS, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Dry Cleaners

• Freeman’s Dry Cleaning, 1045 Camden Ave., Rock Hill

Best Employment Agency

• Carolina Recruitment, 1661 Celanese Road, Rock Hill

Best Fitness Club

• CrossFit Rock Hill, 1453 Dave Lyle Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Flower Shop

• Plant Peddler, 261 N. Anderson Road, Rock Hill

Best Funeral Home

• Greene Funeral Home, 355 E. White St., Rock Hill

Best Furniture Store

• Badcock Home Furniture, 745 Albright Road, Rock Hill

Best Golf Course

• Rock Hill Country Club, 600 Country Club Drive, Rock Hill

Best Grocery Store

• Bi-Lo, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Hair Salon

• Salon Naman, 1445 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Homebuilder

• Palmetto Family Homes, 1000 Albright Road, Rock Hill

Best Home Improvement Store

• Lowe’s, four locations in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York and Lake Wylie

Best Hunting/Fishing Store

• Nichols Store, 1980 Mount Holly Road, Rock Hill

Best Interior Design/Decorating Business

• Angela Woods Antiques & Interior, 1872 India Hook Road, Rock Hill

Best Jewelry Store

• Allison Love’s Fine Jewelry, 2030 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Kids’ Clothing

• Legacy’s Child, 355 Herlong Ave., Rock Hill

Best Landscaping/Yard Care

• O’Connor & Sons, 2847 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill,

Best Maid Service

• Ready-Maids, 935 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Men’s Clothing

• Jos. A. Bank, 305 Herlong Ave., Rock Hill

Best Nursery/Garden Store

• Wilson’s Nursery & Garden Center, 921 W. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Office Supply Store

• Office Depot, 2349 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Pawn Shop

• David’s Pawn Shop, 1425 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Pet Store & Pet Grooming

• PetSmart, 1110 Hospitality Drive, Rock Hill

Best Photography Studio

• ForeverSmiles Photography, 1037 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill

Best Place to Buy Gas

• Murphy USA, multiple locations throughout York County

Best Place to Buy Unique Gifts

• White Home Gift Shop, 258 E. White St., Rock Hill

Best Plumbing Service

• Don Crump Plumbing, 4181 Upper Cove Road, Rock Hill

Best Print Shop

• The Print Shoppe, 1671 Cherry Road, Rock Hill

Best Real Estate Company

• Allen Tate, 1602 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill

Best Rental Store

• Gala Affairs, 1368 Constitution Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Shoe Store

• Rack Room Shoes, 2331 Dave Lyle Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Spirits Store

• O’Darby’s Fine Wine & Spirits, 1405 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Sporting Equipment Store

• Academy Sports & Outdoors, 2468 Crosspointe Drive, Rock Hill

Best Tanning Salon

• Solarium Tanning Studios, 1735 Heckle Blvd., Rock Hill

Best Tire Dealer

• Drum’s Tire & Battery Service, 817 W. Main St., Rock Hill

Best Travel Agency

• Mann Travels, 411 Charlotte Ave., Rock Hill

Best Women’s Clothing

• Belk, Rock Hill Galleria, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Rock Hill

Best Wrecker Service

• Interstate Towing & Recovery, 450 Corporate Blvd., Rock Hill