"We have the privilege of working with kind and humble people," Dundaloo CEO Shelly Sabey said in her acceptance speech.

"We have the privilege of getting to know people and supporting them to live a life that is meaningful to them."

Business excellence in the Manning, Gloucester and Great Lakes regions was celebrated on Friday, with the Taree Wingham Racecourse's function centre packed with businessmen and women from the area.

Hosted by the Manning Entertainment Centre's Jeremy Miller, the night began with a welcome to country from Uncle Phil Saunders and speeches from member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead and Manning Valley Business Chamber president Jeremy Thornton.

Music was provided throughout the evening by Wingham local James Johnston, whose smooth tones filled the centre between awards.

Awards for the night started with the local recognition awards, with Manning Valley Property and Livestock starting the night by winning the best start up business.

Gloucester Accommodation Management Services was next, winning excellence in tourism and hospitality.

Classic Design Jewellers claimed the next two awards, excellence in professional services and excellence in customer service.

Excellence in small business workplace health and safety was won by Foild, with Life Skills 4 Kids rounding out the category by winning excellence in health and well being.

The NSW Business Chamber-aligned awards category began with the young business executive award, claimed by Chris Zanardi from Wingham Beef Exports.

The young entrepreneur was won by Linda Bryant from The Photography Hub.

Debbie Hopper from Life Skills 4 Kids won the business leader award and Dundaloo Support Services did likewise when it won excellence in business ethics.

Bamboo by Logan Leigh achieved excellence in innovation and excellence in environmental sustainability.

The Photography Hub achieved excellence in small business and Jack and Co achieved excellence in business.

Dundaloo Support Services returned to the stage when they won employer of choice, and Wingham Beef Exports won excellence in export.

The first winner of the much anticipated local major awards was The Photography Hub, who won People's Choice.

The Bruce Cowan award was won by Neil Hanington, recognising his contribution to community and business in the region.

Manning institution Steber International won the Hall of Fame award.

Business of the year runner up was Bamboo by Logan Leigh, before the overall winner of the business of the year was claimed by Dundaloo Support Services to raucous cheers and a storming of the stage by employees and supporters.

Throughout the night an emphasis was placed on the Manning, Great Lakes and Gloucester regions as a single business district, with the spread of awards and strength of the businesses a positive sign of things to come.

For more photos, see here.

lachlan.leeming@fairfaxmedia.com.au