The McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association has unveiled the finalists for the 2024 Business & Tourism Awards, recognising excellence across a diverse range of industries.

From hospitality and tourism to health and retail, these awards showcase the dedication and innovation driving the local economy. Winners will be announced at the gala on Friday 1 November at McLaren Vale Motel and Apartments.

This year’s finalists include:

• Employee of the Year: Jo Rescke, Joel Mergler, Philip Tume.
• Environment: Southern Koala & Echidna Rescue (SKER), Peats Soil, She Sews.
• Health & Wellbeing: Dance Xtreme, Donna Adams Consulting, The Meeting Place.
• Home-Based Business: She Sews, Fleurieu App, Heidi Who Photography.
• Hospitality: Kicco, Ekhidna Kitchen, Bees Knees Catering.
• New Business: Vale 194, Hey Juj, Evolving Pathways.
• Professional & Business Services: Finesse Advisory, Eckermann Group, Deb Lilley Celebrant.
• Retail: McLaren Vale Gardening Centre, Country Life Fashion, The Bloke Shop.
• Tourism & Experiences: Great Southern Runs, Adelaide Biplanes, Willunga Farmers Market.
• Trades: McLaren Flat Mechanical, Main Street Barber, Sign Boys.

In a particularly exciting category for the Home-Based Business, the Fleurieu App is once again a finalist, continuing a strong tradition since its launch in 2019. Having won the award in 2022, Fleurieu App’s owner and creator Susie Williams has expressed her excitement about being a finalist once more.

“I love connecting our community and supporting local businesses, so it’s truly an honour to be recognised for this,” she says. "The Fleurieu App has always aimed to highlight and promote local talent and businesses, and to be acknowledged in this way means so much to me and our small team."

The gala promises to be a night of celebration for the local business community, with sponsors, dignitaries, and committee members all gathering to honour the outstanding achievements of McLaren Vale businesses.

The association encourages the community to come together and support the finalists, who are leading the charge in making McLaren Vale a vibrant and thriving destination for both business and leisure.

For more information about the finalists and the upcoming awards gala, visit the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association website.