We may not know their names, but the people behind the counter or desk, who make our coffee, fill our prescription or sell us our lotto ticket often play an important part in our everyday lives.
That's because they're often the ones who listen sympathetically if we're having a bad day, share our excitement when we have good news or just get our morning off to a good day with a smile and a coffee made just the way we like it.
Now is the chance for the Sutherland Shire community to recognise the baristas, pharmacists, newsagents and countless others whose outstanding service makes a difference to our daily lives.
Nominations for the 2019 Sutherland Shire Local Business Awards opened last week, and the hundreds of online nominations already received show that businesses in the Sutherland Shire have many loyal and happy customers who appreciate their efforts.
Awards founder and Precedent Productions managing director Steve Loe said numerous awards had also started to pour in by mail.
''It comes as no surprise that this year's Sutherland Shire Business Awards are off to a strong start,'' he said.
''The Sutherland Shire community is always an enthusiastic supporter of the awards, which shows not only the high calibre of the businesses in this area, but the wonderful community spirit of those who live and work in the shire.
''I encourage anyone who hasn't already nominated a business that they feel is deserving of recognition, to fill in an entry form today.
''It is an excellent way to show these people, who often do so much for us, that their efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.''
Nominating is as simple as filling in the coupon in-store or online at the awards' website (see below).
Major sponsor of this year's Sutherland Shire Business Awards is NOVA Employment and support sponsors are Sutherland Shire Council, Service NSW, Kareela Village, Sutherland Shire Environment Centre and BxNetworking.
Nominations close on Tuesday, June 4.
Cast your vote at thebusinessawards.com.au