A record number of entries have been received for the 2008 Westpac Otago Chamber of Commerce business excellence awards.
A total of 87 businesses had entered, the highest number in the 10-year history of the two-yearly awards, awards committee chairman Bevan Rickerby said.
"The resulting number of entrants has been impressive. The judges must now begin the difficult task of short-listing and interviewing the finalists."
Awards were received across the wider range of categories but also in the new categories of sustainability and design.
All entrants had taken the time to look at their business from a fresh perspective, he said.
The high number of entries would provide good competition and gave business owners the opportunity to measure themselves against their peers.
The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on November 21.
