The awards, hosted by the Cootamundra Development Corporation (CDC), not only provide recognition for local businesses and business people, a number of the awards are aligned with the NSW Business Chamber providing winners with the opportunity to represent at a higher level. 

Winners will progress to the 2017 Murray-Riverina Regional Awards, which will be held on Friday, September 15 this year. 

Success in these categories provide valuable promotion of their business and end in an accolade for life. 

A number of Cootamundra businesses have gone on to achieve success including Glover’s Sheep Services in the Young Entrepreneur category and Truckie Gear in the Excellence in Innovation category last year. 

The previous year, Forever Rose Photography won at regional level in the Young Entrepreneur category, going on to represent in the NSW quest. 

Following this recognition, business owner Carmen Hickey went on to be named the Australian Small Business Champion for Photography at a gala in Sydney.

Trophies presented to Cootamundra Business Award winners take pride of place in businesses across town. 

This year categories include:

Community members can pick up a nomination form from the CDC office in Parker Street or contact them on cdcinfo@cootamundra.com for one to be emailed.

Forms should be returned to the CDC. 

An independent panel of judges will deliberate on the winners following the closure of nominations with all winners to be announced at a formal dinner on Saturday, June 24.

As well as recognising excellence in local business, the Business Awards provide an opportunity for business people to gather in a social setting either talking about business or enjoying a business-free evening out.