Last night’s launch of the awards at Birallee Tavern was a chance for the twin cities’ business communities to network ahead of the thrill of some friendly competition.

Now in their seventh year, the awards are a chance for businesses to be recognised for their achievements across a range of categories.

Wodonga Chamber of Commerce secretary Dave Coleman and Albury-Northside Chamber chairman Phil Clements hoped a more streamlined entry process this year would encourage more entries.

“This is a key event for the joint chambers and a great way for local businesses to showcase what they’re all about as they compare themselves to their peers and hopefully be recognised,” Mr Clements said.

Mr Coleman said it also pushed businesses to strive for bigger and better things.

“It brings the business community together to show people what’s out there and what other businesses are doing,” he said.

Some of the categories had been “tweaked”, Mr Clements said, to make the criteria clearer.

The outstanding young business person of the year, new last year, will be back again, while the hall of fame was always a “very prestigious award”, he said.

Businesses can nominate at chamberbusiness- awards.com.au, and a panel of 12 will judge the winners.

Nominations close on August 22, with the winners announced at the gala dinner in October.