The Local Business Awards program will be presented by Precedent Productions, who have managed business awards programs for over 30 years through NSW and Australia.

Managing Director of Precedent Productions, Mr Steve Loe, said "It is exciting to bring the Local Business Awards to the Southern Highlands region. I have great respect for the quality of local businesses in the area, and hold the local business people and teams in great esteem. I am excited to see the people behind the businesses recognised for their efforts."

Take the time to thank your favourite local business for the quality service that they offer by nominating them in the Local Business Awards.

Nominating a local business acknowledges their exceptional quality, giving the team behind the business the recognition that they deserve for their hard work and dedication.

Nominations can be lodged at www.thebusinessawards.com. Many local businesses will also have nomination coupons available on-site. A wide range of categories are available for nomination to display the wide variety of excellent businesses for which the Southern Highlands is famed.

The nomination period will conclude on September 2. Anyone who nominates a business will be in the running to win a GoPro Hero4 Silver.

At this early stage, the response received from the local community has been highly impressive.

The support that the people of Southern Highlands have shown for their local business illustrates the community spirit in the area , and also affirms that Southern Highlands local businesses deserve their reputation for excellent service and community engagement.

Special thanks are extended to major sponsors Hume Coal and TrueLocal and support sponsors Harper Entertainment Distribution Services, Clifton Accountants, Boral Cement Berrima, Wingecarribee Shire Council and Southern Highlands Business Women's Network.

Their support of the Local Business Awards reflects their commitment to local business in the Southern Highlands area and is essential to the success of the program.

HarperCollins Publishers is the second largest general books publisher in the world, with operations in 19 countries.

With nearly 200 years of history and more than 65 unique imprints around the world, HarperCollins publish approximately 10,000 new books every year, in over 30 languages.

Harper Entertainment Distribution Services is one of the three largest book distributers in Australia, distributing books to Australia and New Zealand on behalf of HarperCollins publishers and its many clients

For further information on the Southern Highlands Local Business Awards, visit www.thebusinessawards.com.au or call Precedent Productions on 02 8577 5060