Among the finalists are Brooke Patriquin from Li’l Achievers, Namoi Valley Bricks, Katie Marie Johnson from First National, Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce, Mannion Group, Riley’s Furniture and Carpets, Wholegrain Milling Company, and Ultrafleet, Gunnedah.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and award celebration in Gunnedah on September 1. 

Chamber of Commerce president, Michael Broekman, said the chamber was excited to host the awards at the Civic Centre and it was good to see so many local businesses nominated.

“It’s wonderful to have representation across most of the categories,” he said.

“The types of businesses that have been nominated are from a good cross-section of the business industry. 

“It showcases where Gunnedah is at, that we’re proud of what we do, excited about the future, and we’re really hopeful that we can take a good contingent through to the state final.”

Mr Broekman said it was great to see the chamber nominated alongside Guyra District Chamber of Commerce.

“It was great to see recognition for the Gunnedah chamber. Getting a guernsey again this year after winning it last year and we’re hoping that we will do well,” he said.

“I think that what the Gunnedah chamber has been actually pursuing within 2016/2017 has been of particular importance in the business community, particularly around local procurement, skills and promoting our rural exports.”

Mr Broekman has more than one reason to celebrate the awards – his own business, Namoi Valley Bricks, is one of six finalists in the excellence in innovation category, alongside Gunnedah’s Wholegrain Milling Company.

It is the first time the brickworks has been a finalist in the awards, which is “very exciting”.

“Many business owners like myself often think that what we do is not that special but it takes things like these awards for you to write a few things down on paper to recognise that what you and your team does is important,” Mr Broekman said.

“And for someone to assess that and shortlist you as a regional finalist is already a feather in anyone’s cap, so we’re very pleased.”

The brickworks was nominated in the innovation category because it is using robotics to good effect.

“The robotics are doing the heavy lifting,” Mr Broekman said.

“By utilising robotics and technology, we’re hoping to broaden our target market for employees; to be able to utilise youth and the older generation to fill gaps with our products team and also to give long-term employees a long-term future in an industry that’s renowned to be heavy labour.

“As the retirement age is creeping up higher and higher, we need to be improving and implementing ways to utilise the skills and knowledge of long-term employees and have them feel comfortable that they have this lifetime career.”

Winners from the regional business awards will represent the region at the NSW Business Chamber’s State Business Awards in November in Sydney.

For a full list of the regional finalists, click here.