Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Roger Gordon welcomed guests, commenting how on a day like yesterday there was no better place in the country to live.
He said there was rising optimism across all business sectors in Rotorua and a lot of exciting work under way to build on that.
Winners were then presented with a carved taonga by Te Puia carver Clive Fugill.
Okere Falls Store on State Highway 33 was opened in 2004 by Sarah Uhl, who renovated the original shop on the site.
Its stated goal is to "create a base and heart for the small community where locals can meet and treat themselves to an espresso or boutique beer, kids can play and essential groceries bought".
The store plays host to events such as music festivals and the popular Beerfest, coming up later this month.
As a founding member of the Rotorua Sustainable Business Charter, the store is committed to sustainability and has an onsite worm farm and composting toilet.
Mr Steiner has been in the Rotorua retail industry for more than 40 years, during which he has been committed to the city's growth.
In recent months he formed the Inner City Focus Group, a group of local businesses who aim revitalise the Rotorua CBD.
Mr Steiner was presented with the Phil Verry Memorial Trophy and will be inducted into the Rotorua Business Hall of Fame.
See Monday's Rotorua Daily Post for more coverage from the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards.
