If ever Wagga needed the Golden Crow business awards to be strong, that time is now.

Fortunately Friday's big night was an outstanding success and indeed it needed to be.

There is little doubt local businesses are under threat from ever increasing internet shopping, so they must be in a position to hit back.

The Wagga Crow Awards go some way in assisting that fight.

They reward companies for going that extra mile.

 And indeed local firms need to do that if they are going to survive ... they absolutely have to go that extra mile.

Too many times we walk into local businesses and are just left hanging.

Often we are just left to our own devices and, in many cases, staff members don't approach us at all.

Phone calls aren't followed up, teenagers in particular think work is a place to go between social engagements and when 5 o'clock comes it can be likened to the Stawell Gift.   

It simply isn't good enough.

To make matters worse, earlier this year an independent mystery shopper judged Wagga as poor in her survey of Riverina towns.

However, on the bright side there were many positives to come out of Friday's awards night.

The new International Hotel claimed the top gong.

This is a new business to the city and it shows the owners have a great deal of faith in Wagga as a place to invest.

Well known businesswoman Judy Galloway was also deservedly recognized for her achievements.

Mrs Galloway co-founded Sureway employment in 1989 and the business now boasts up to 350 employees across 90 sites around the country.

Outstanding large firms like Dayco were also rewarded, while high profile musician Dale Allison received the Don Kendell Community Award.

Congratulations must go to all the award winners as they have set the standard that everybody in local business should follow.