It's especially important to celebrate success when times are hard, Wanganui Regional Business Awards chief judge Dr James Lockhart said.
"We've had three years of recessionary environment and now it's spilling onto the balance sheets. It's tough this year.
"But we are celebrating success tonight, and we should particularly do that in tough times."
And celebrate the well-dressed business community did on Saturday night, in a hall draped with black hangings and heraldic shields for the awards night mediaeval theme. There was food, wine and candlelight, dancing and cheers for the winners.
Dignitaries present included Wanganui Mayor Annette Main, Rangitikei Mayor Chalky Leary and Whanganui MP Chester Borrows. The master of ceremonies was Andy MacKenzie, from The Radio Network and prize envelopes were given out by Jade Teki.
The major sponsor this year was Wanganui Security & Electrical. Co-owner Bronwyn Paul said amid all the cutbacks it was a leap of faith to sponsor the awards. It's not the only leap she and husband Mark Simmonds have made recently - they also bought Heritage House in St Hill St and Wanganui Electrical Services.
Wanganui Employers' Chamber of Commerce president Jenny Duncan and many other speakers emphasised the benefits businesses could gain by entering the awards. They attended workshops run by the chamber, and there will also be a debrief this month for this year's entrants and those intending to enter next year.
Ms Duncan praised all those with the courage to step forward and the tenacity to complete their entries.
The guests got a quick look at each of the 15 entrants and their businesses in a video screening.
There were many speeches made as 10 awards were given and received.
Along the way ACC general manager Peter Robertson mentioned that there were 11,000 new ACC claims in the Manawatu/Wanganui region this year. He commended winner Mars Petcare for its employee wellness programme and great improvement in safety results.
Landlords Link was another winner. Tracey Onishenko, who established it, said the recession had made her work harder.
"We have to deal with daily ins and outs and not such good things in the economic times, but at the end of the day we're really, really proud to be here."
Jo Priestley was lost for words when Good Communications won the award for best new business.
"It's not often a comms person doesn't know what to say."
The hospitality and tourism award was given by Annette Main, a former winner, to Anndion Lodge. The Anzac Parade lodge has grown to accommodate 130 guests since 2004, and was judged Wanganui's best accommodation by The Lonely Planet.
Ms Main said it was Wanganui District Council's job to ensure business could flourish within constraints of regulation. She hoped the district's image was improving, but said there was some way to go.
AWARD WINNERS
Supreme award: Gonville Health
Management excellence award: Judith MacDonald
Public sector award: Gonville Health
Hospitality and tourism award: Anndion Lodge
Retail and sales award: Bark & Boulders Landscape Supplies
Manufacturing and exporting award: Mars Petcare
New business award: Good Communications
Professional service award: Landlords Link
Workplace safety award: Mars Petcare
Contribution to the community award: Wanganui Eye Care Centre and Eyes on Victoria