The awards recognise excellence in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, business growth and employment practices across the Central West, Orana and Far West regions.

MCC will have to beat out its Cowra and Bathurst counterparts to claim the title of Local Chamber of Commerce of the Year when the winners are announced on May 11.

MCC president Greg Dowker said the nod was just recognition for the organisation’s growth since its inception three years ago.

“Since we started we’ve gone from 22 members to 189, and it’s been a real team effort,” Mr Dowker said.

“We've got a great team together and we all pitch in.”

Mr Dowker emphasised the success of the Chamber’s ‘business breakfasts’ and ‘business after hours’ concepts, forums which offer members the opportunity to showcase their business before and after the traditional 9am-5pm hours of operation.

He added that the honour was a result of three years of hard work.

“We’ve been nominated because we've been proactive throughout,” Mr Dowker said.

“We’re obviously communicating quite well and are very transparent.”

Stanley Finance, Mudgee Region Tourism and Blue Wren Wines are also in the running for major honours.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Friday, May 11 at Rydges Mount Panorama.

They will then represent the region at the NSW Business Chamber’s State Business Awards in November in Sydney.

“I expect that our regional winners will again do very well at the NSW Business Chamber State Awards," Western NSW Business Chamber regional manager Vicki Seccombe said.