The local business awards have a long history but for the last few years it has been in recess. There was a function held at the Roxy a few years back and although there was a great MC on the night, for some reason it still never gained the momentum it deserved.

Fast forward a few years and the local Business Chamber is under the watch of a leader who has a true passion for Leeton and the greater region. Early this year, he called me and confirmed a date for the 2019 awards. I was sceptical but we agreed that if they could get 80-100 people to attend, then they would at least have an event to go ahead with. What followed was months of Chamber members chasing sponsors and encouraging local businesses and individuals to nominate and help support the newly revamped awards. As the weeks progressed, it became obvious that the committee would exceed their target of 80-100 and not just by a bit - they were going to at least double that number!

This past Saturday, almost 250 guests descended on the club's auditorium for a Gatsby-themed evening celebrating Leeton's best businesses and business people. With extra lighting & audio-visual gear erected in, with perfectly themed décor (all provided by local businesses), what resulted was a truly memorable night. Congratulations to the chamber for a wonderful event and to all of the very worthy 2019 nominees and winners.