The Business Leader award went to Bomaderry Bowling Club secretary manager Garry Wilbraham.

Those were the major two of 18 awards presented at a sell-out event, at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, attended by 450 guests.

While the majority of people were there to support and celebrate award finalists it was the entertainment that captivated the crowd. An aerialist suspended upside down was pouring the sparkling wine supplied by local winery Cupitt’s. 

Singer Mikaela Dan from The Voice entered the auditorium from the upper floors, and made her way to the stage. There she was accompanied by 12 dancers from awards finalist, DanceWorks.

The night was compered by local talent, Chance Hanlon, and also featured a floor co-host, Rebecca Hanlon. Throughout the night, Rebecca adding a new dimension of engagement to the night interviewing guests.

The awards honour the region’s finest businesses, and Business Chamber president Brendan Goddard said last year organisers raised the bar high with the gala night.

“This year it was our intent to raise it higher again, looking to wow our guests in every way possible,” he said.

At the business end of the night, award judges noted Mr Henry’s Palmira Holdings Enterprises demonstrated continuous growth, impressive sales figures, and commitment to utilising technology to improve performance.

Judges David Linden-Smith and Anna Finch said Palmira Holdings Enterprises was an innovator. 

“The business constantly adopts new technology for the benefit of its customers, employees and ultimately its bottom line. It has shown again and again that an old dog can learn new tricks,” Mr Linden-Smith said.

Mr Henry said the nomination was a rigorous and enjoyable process to go through.

“While we were so excited to win, we certainly did not expect it,” he said.

Business leader Mr Wilbraham said he was ‘blown away to win the award’.

“The Club gives me the latitude to do what I want and it enables me to do so much for the community, which I love,” he said.

It was refreshing to see a number of new business win Awards in several different categories, as well as some of our consistently Awarded businesses continue to enjoy success.

The chamber also introduced a new employer-nominated award, Employee of the Year, which was awarded to Eric Coulter, long-time employee of Southern Cross Housing.

Eight category winners will go on to represent the Shoalhaven at the Illawarra Business Awards on Friday October 20.

This photo gallery was supported by Jervis Bay Hearing Centre and Bridges Financial.