The awards were livestreamed from Cessnock Leagues Club on Friday, with about 40 businesses taking part in the Zoom session on a night that highlighted the resilience and adaptability of businesses in this year's conditions.

Ms Hoad - a Year 3 teacher - received the Chamber Choice award for overall winner, after taking out the education and training sub-category, and the community, education and wellbeing category.

The judges said Ms Hoad was the "standout nominee" of the entire judging night.

"We loved how she identified her students, their parents and carers, and her fellow staff members as clients who deserved her upmost respect, and her approach to customer service that followed," they said.

Ms Hoad said she was "shocked and surprised" to be named as the winner, and said it was a team effort.

"It's representative of the whole school - it could have been any teacher here," she said.

"It's a real honour.

"I have been here for 20 years, and I love Cessnock, I love the community and the relationships I have made with the families at the school.

"It's lovely to be recognised."

About 850 nominations were received for this year's awards. Nominees were invited to complete a questionnaire, which was then judged by a panel of Cessnock Chamber of Commerce representatives - with the nominees' names and businesses redacted for transparency's sake.

Chamber president Allan Davies said all local businesses were champions in the chamber's eyes, especially considering what a tough year it has been.

"The community has been through a lot this year, with drought, fires and COVID," he said.

"It's a testament to the true grit of the Cessnock people. I found it amazing the innovative ways you kept your businesses open.

"Even if you're not up on the board tonight, you're all champions as far as the chamber of commerce is concerned."

The winners were:

RETAIL

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

COMMUNITY, EDUCATION AND WELLBEING

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

TRADES