Along with the Gold Rhino, the company was also awarded the Employer of Choice, Apprentice and Employee of the Year and Excellence in Products and Services.

Mr Stevenson said the awards have given Earlyrise Baking Company great exposure locally and helped grow the recognition of the brand throughout Western New South Wales.

"Earlyrise Baking Company's production growth since claiming numerous awards at the 2013 Rhinos has allowed the company to expand its supply reach and in doing so, gain contracts for major accounts, such as the Perisher Blue group, supplying sliced bread, rolls and their famous Village Premium Pies across the whole resort, as well as the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra," Mr Stevenson said.

He said businesses this year should use their applications to the 2014 Rhinos to review their businesses.

"Taking the time to reflect on our business through the application process allowed us not only to review some operational aspects within, but celebrate and acknowledge achievements our team has accomplished over the past 20 years.

"It has allowed us to look at our business from a different perspective."

The fourth-generation family business employs over 100 locals and will now compete in the NSW Business Chamber's State Annual Awards in the Employer of Choice Category.

"We value each and every one of our employees as a member of our own family. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our people and receiving the Employer of Choice state nomination is a proud moment for my brothers, myself and our families," Mr Stevenson said.

"This is an opportunity to acknowledge our people. Our staff are the back-bone of our operations and allow us to deliver our products daily across Western NSW."

Businesses and individuals can now lodge online entries for the 2014 Orana Mutual Rhino Awards. Submissions can be lodged online via the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce website until the end of July.