The program, which recognises stores that excel in business excellence, community involvement and business performance, attracted more than 1,000 entries from around the country.

According to Rob Healy, Parmalat Australia's Channel Development Manager, Non Grocery, Fishers IGA Stawell should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.

``The interest in the awards program has been extremely high and for Fishers IGA Stawell to be named in the top 200 is testament to its business acumen and ongoing commitment to provide quality customer service to the local community,'' Mr Healy said.

Fishers IGA Stawell is now eligible to proceed through to the third stage of judging where it will be mystery shopped against a range of criteria.

Independent mystery shopping representatives have been visiting each of the top 200 stores during the months of June and July to secretly score them in a range of categories including involvement in the local community, environmental responsibility, store appearance, product ranging and the levels of customer service being offered.

``Stores which rank in the top 50 will proceed through to the fourth and final round of judging, which involves a one-on-one interview with a program representative about their business,'' Mr Healy said.

The 50 finalist stores will also attend a Celebration Weekend at Alice Springs in October where the regional, category and overall winner will be announced.

The 150 runner-up stores will each win $400 worth of marketing support to help grow their business.

``The stores are entering the final stages of judging and we wish them all the very best of luck over the coming few months,'' Mr Healy said.