Around 360 of Stratford's best in business packed the War Memorial Hall on Friday dressed in their finest for the announcement of this year's Stratford Press Romeo Awards winners.
Jichelles Health & Beauty took the spotlight, clinching not only the coveted non-retail best business of the year, but also the award for best presented business.
Taranaki Motorcyles was named best retail service. Best male service person was Paul Digby (Z Stratford) and best female service person Joyce Orr (Stratford New World). The Stratford District Council's Karla Lawrence was named best service person youth and Maree Collins (SealesWinslow) best service rural.
Altogether 241 nominations covering 95 businesses were received.
"I am rapt about the response received and overwhelming positive feedback on the evening," says Stratford Business Association secretary Erin Self.