Contest Rules

Voting Method and Requirements:

• Votes can only be made by completing the online form at https://cvea.voterfly.com/.
• All voting entries must have voters’ complete information, including name, email address, and any other required details, or the votes will not be counted.

Voting Limits:

• Each person may vote only once per category.
• Winners are chosen by individuals who fill out the online voting ballot.
• We will track IP addresses to ensure fairness. If multiple people within the same household wish to vote, they must use separate devices and not share the same network.

Nominee Eligibility:

• Nominees must RESIDE within Castro Valley / Eden Area (Defined as Unincorporated areas of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Hayward Acres, or San Lorenzo) or hold an active Castro Valley / Eden Area Chamber Membership.

• Eligibility is verified through the Business License database, social media presence, and official websites.

Voting Period:

• All votes must be received by Jan 7th.

Category Limits:

• Nominees must choose and stick to no more than three of categories for the duration of the voting period. Changes to category selections are not permitted once voting begins.

Ballot Stuffing and Security Measures:

• If a business is caught “stuffing ballots” or circumventing security measures, their votes will be flagged and removed. We use automated software to detect and prevent fraudulent voting practices.

Disqualification and Conduct:

• The Best of Castro Valley / Eden Area facilitators reserve the right to disqualify any business that violates the competition rules or engages in inappropriate conduct, including but not limited to misuse of marketing materials and non-compliance with guidelines.
• Participants who violate the rules will receive a written warning.

Permissions and Use of Likeness:

• By participating in The Best of Castro Valley / Eden Area, you grant us permission to use your business name, likeness, and image for marketing and promotional materials related to the competition.

Results and Announcements:

• All competition results are held privately by the Castro Valley / Eden Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Winners will be announced on Jan 16th online and at the Castro Valley Eden Area Chamber of Commerce Installation Mixer.
• Winners will receive a certificate, promotional materials, and bragging rights.

Purpose of the Competition:

• The goal of The Best of Castro Valley / Eden Area is to create awareness of the great small businesses in Unincorporated Alameda County. We aim to make the competition enjoyable for all participants.