“Small business people and they’re staff are part of the social fabric of our communities,” the Local Business Awards founder said.

“They’re the people we stop to chat with on the way to and from work, or in the course of doing our own jobs.

“Very often they become friends as well as sounding boards outside our families and colleagues who we can turn to for advice or just some sympathy.”

Mr Loe said nominating a favourite business for the annual Southern Highlands Local Business Awards was an excellent way to thank them form their efforts, which so often go unrecognised.

Nominations for the 2018 Southern Highlands Local Business Awards are now open and the thousands of online nominations already received show that businesses in the Southern Highlands have many loyal and happy customers who appreciate what they do.

Precedent Productions, which runs the awards, has also received many nomination forms via mail.

“I would particularly like to thank the Awards’ Major Sponsors, NOVA Employment and Support Sponsors Wingecarribee Shire Council, Boral Cement Berrima and Flower Flower,” Mr Loe said.  

“Their support of the Local Business Awards is essential to the success of the program and it reflects their recognition of the importance of local businesses in the Southern Highlands area.

“Now is your chance to thank your favourite businesses by voting for them online at www.thebusinessawards.com.au or by filling out nomination coupons which have been distributed throughout the community.”

“Don’t miss the deadline, as nomination close soon and each time you vote you will be in the running to win a Nespresso KitchenAid Coffee Machine.

Nominations close on June 12. 

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