HOWLONG pet food manufacturer Cool Off was the big winner at the Riverina Murray Business Awards.
The meat processor, under its business name Staughton Group, collected three prizes at the presentation night conducted by the NSW Business Chamber.
The company was named regional business of the year as well as receiving gongs for excellence in business and excellence in innovation.
He was on hand with others on Friday night at the Temora aviation museum to receive the latest accolades at a gala gathering that included Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.
The other award winner from the Border was Albury's Townsend Veterinary Clinic which received the Start Up Superstar accolade.
The category recognises businesses less than two years old that are displaying entrepreneurial spirit.
The Townsend Street clinic is overseen by veterinarian Shelley Wiltshire and veterinary nurse Kim Hawley who are co-directors.
It won the outstanding new business category at the Albury-Wodonga business awards earlier this year.
Two other Albury finalists, Peta Stewart Conveyancing and Renee Pigdon, of Petfocus Vetcare, were highly commended.
The former had that recognition in the excellence in micro business section, while Ms Pigdon's acknowledgment came in the outstanding business leader division.
Albury-based NSW Business Chamber regional manager Andrew Cottrill lauded the winners.
"It is wonderful to celebrate the truly remarkable world class business operations we have in our region," Mr Cottrill said.
Even through tough times, they continue to demonstrate dedication to customer service, quality and continuous improvement."
The Murray-Riverina winners will advance to the NSW Business Chamber's state business awards.
They will be held in Sydney on Friday November 22 at the International Convention Centre.
