How do we know how well our local economy is faring? We're bombarded with anecdotes - this business closing, this restaurant opening, quarterly earnings from Deere - but how do those translate into a bigger picture?

You might notice something different in the River Cities' Reader Best of the Quad Cities poll this year: For the first time, we're offering "staff picks" for certain categories.

This doesn't mean that we're invalidating our readers' choices. Rather, we're offering individual picks based on our experience, as a way to broaden the conversation a little. Sometimes the best things in our community are popular; other times, they need a little push to get the recognition they deserve.

Alternative-health-care provider

1. Palmer Clinics

2. Harvey Jack Chiropractic

3. Genesis Continuing Care

Fitness club

1. YMCA

2. Gold's Gym

3. Ultimate Fitness

Flower shop

1. Flowerama

2. Hy-Vee

3. K'nees

Place to buy cool home accessories/furnishings

1. American Furniture

2. Pier 1 Imports

Local blues band

1. Ellis Kell Band

2. Electric Leroy

3. Shane Johnson

Local country band

1. Dani Lynn Howe Band

2. Jim the Mule

3. A Fifth of Country

Local jazz band

1. Josh Duffee & His Orchestra

1. The Tritones Jazz Ensemble

3. Craig Bentley Jazz Trio

Local rock band

1. Crossroads