Recognition of Butler County's Best Insurance Agency and Agents
The Butler County's 2026 Best of Professional Services has announced this year's top businesses across various sectors. Organized by the Journal-News, this annual recognition highlights the region's leading establishments as selected by the community.
Top Honors in Veterinary and Legal Services
In the Best Animal Clinic/Veterinarian category, Oxford Veterinary Hospital claimed the top spot, while Dixie Animal Clinic and Agri-Pet Veterinary Service were named as finalists. Davidson Law Offices Co., LPA, led the legal services field, with Kruger & Hodges Hometown Injury Lawyers and Fiehrer & Fritsch, LLC as runners-up.
Financial Institutions and Flooring Leaders
Recognized as the Best Bank, First Financial Bank outperformed other banks, including Fifth Third Bank and PNC Bank. AurGroup Financial Credit Union was distinguished as the Best Credit Union, with MyUSA Credit Union and Telhio Credit Union also earning recognition. Carpet Discounter emerged as the Best Flooring Company, with S C Carley’s Flooring and Classic Carpets & Flooring noted as finalists.
Insurance and Investment Distinctions
Wilks Insurance Agency received the Best Insurance Agency award, with United Heartland Insurance Agencies and Cincinnati Insurance as finalists. Michael Chou from Wilks Insurance Agency was named Best Insurance Agent, with Jason Crank and John Turner, both from United Heartland Insurance Agencies, recognized as finalists. In investment advisory, AurGroup Financial Credit Union came out on top, with Edward Jones, Financial Advisor Melinda M. Hannah, CFP, and AllWealth Credit Union as finalists.
Pet Services, Photography, and Real Estate Recognition
Lakes Water Hauling was celebrated as the Best Non-Brick-and-Mortar Business. In the pet grooming category, Hamilton Pet Grooming Studio led the competition, with Dog Grooming By Jamie, Oxford, and Ben Fur Pet Grooming gaining recognition. At a Glance Photography LLC took the Best Photographer award, excelling in the Best Wedding Photographer category as well, with Kristi Marie Photography and London Ramsey Photography among the noteworthy finalists.
Real Estate and Additional Service Providers
Century 21 Thacker & Associates Inc. were awarded as the Best Real Estate Agency/Team, while Jessica Wathen of North Star Realty shone as Best Real Estate Agent. Reffitt's Garage & Towing Service, Auto Body Repair, LLC stood out as the Best Towing Company, leading over Wayne’s Garage & Towing and NoLimit Towing, LLC. The Best Wedding Venue honor went to Hanover Reserve Weddings & Events, with Lake Lyndsay Event Center and Spooky Nook Champion Mill Conference Center also acknowledged.