"I knew it was one out of 12, but I didn't actually expect to win so it was quite a bit of a surprise," Mr Turner said.

Although Whyalla Economic Development Board chief executive officer Steven Arndt was unable to attend the evening, a prepared speech was read out on his behalf.

Chamber president Ron Hay, in his opening address for the award, thanked sponsors Whyalla News, Radio 5AU/105.9FM and Southern Cross Television for their collective advertising package of $4500 for the recipient.

He said Whyalla's small businesses put back a lot into the community through various forms of support and sponsorship.

Mr Turner said the award, presented by Mayor Jim Pollock, gives his staff recognition and confirms that the community is paying attention to what his store does.

"We try and do something different to other supermarkets," he said.

"The biggest thing is probably our fresh (food) component ... trying to get staff to be a lot more friendly and help customers out when they're shopping through the store, and paying attention to the customers.

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