On Friday, 28 October over 130 members and invited guests attended the annual McLaren Vale Business Awards. The McLaren Vale Business Awards have been running since 2003 to celebrate the quiet achievers in our beautiful region. With excellent support from the local business community, the volunteer committee co-ordinate the Awards program annually. Businesses are nominated by the community and businesses with a minimum of 5 nominations are invited to submit a submission for their relevant category. Submissions are then reviewed by an independent judging panel who select 3 finalists and an overall winner in each category. The People’s Choice Award is by public vote and all finalists were eligible to receive this award.
We had an overwhelming response to the People’s Choice voting – all finalists (excluding the employee category) were eligible for People’s Choice. Double the amount of votes were received for the People’s Choice compared to 2020 – thanks to QR codes being back in vogue! People’s Choice Winner, Dance Xtreme received a holiday to Kangaroo Island from Sealink South Australia.
The overall Business of Year Winner was awarded to Willunga Farmer’s Market – also winner of the Retail category. A standout application which impressed all of the judges. The Business of the Year, Willunga Farmer’s Market, received a $500 print and design voucher from long term supporter of the Business Awards, Ink on Paper and a cash prize of $500 from Bendigo Bank.
Two businesses were inducted into the Hall of Fame – winning their category for the 3rd time.
Congratulations to Biodiversity McLaren Vale and Chook’s Little Winery Tours…a pair of local legends!
All winners;
Retail Award – Willunga Farmer’s Market
Hospitality – Bellevue B&B
Tourism & Experiences – Chook’s Little Winery Tours
Home Based Business – Fleurieu App
New Business – Pink Tulip Flowers
Trades – Sign Boys
Business & Professional Services – Tothill Finance
Employee – Renee Haskett from She Sews
People’s Choice – Dance Xtreme
Business of the Year – Willunga Farmer’s Market
The Association has continued to work hard supporting local businesses over the past 20 months with communications, networking events and advice. Many of our local businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, having to pivot their operations, manage lockdowns and restrictions. As an association we are extremely proud of the collaborative approach taken by our Members which we feel will hold our Members and the broader business community in good stead for the future. With a strong membership of over 180 local businesses, the McLaren Vale Business & Tourism Association is committed to working hard for our community and encouraged by the investment of new business operations starting up in McLaren Vale over the past 12 months.
