The 2008 awards were launched last night at a function in Dunedin.
The awards started in 1998 and have been held every two years.
Mr Christie said in an interview the awards gave Otago businesses a chance to take stock on how well they had done.
"Colleagues can applaud business success in general. The awards are worth it for that point alone."
Asked if he thought the current economic climate might dissuade some businesses from entering, Mr Christie said the awards were not judged only on profitability.
How businesses treated customers and staff were also considered.
"We know good things are happening out there and this is a time to feel good about ourselves. I am hopeful we will attract more entries than normal."
Entering was not a daunting prospect as the entry forms had been kept simple to fill out.
After a screening process, successful entrants were interviewed by a judging panel, to be led by Sir Robin Gray.
The winners will be announced at a function on November 21.
