Washington Wine Institute Responds to Industry Growth
The
Washington Wine Institute (WWI), the advocacy arm of
the Washington wine industry, today announced organizational changes
that will serve to maximize its effectiveness on behalf of a rapidly
growing and increasingly important state industry. WWI will become
administratively independent from the Washington Wine Commission.
A new Executive Director has been named, and the base of operations
will move from the Washington Wine Center in Seattle to the Wine
Institute's new home in the State Capitol of Olympia, WA.
The Board of Directors of
the Wine Institute makes this decision at an exciting time for
the Washington wine industry. The number of wineries has grown
from less than 20 when the Institute was created over 20 years
ago to over 500 producers today. Washington wines are distributed
to all 50 states and to over 40 countries. As the industry continues
its growth, the need for effective, focused advocacy becomes even
more essential.
Olympia insider Jean Leonard
will serve as Executive Director of the Washington Wine Institute.
Prior to reorganization, Robin Pollard served as Executive Director
of both the Washington Wine Commission and Wine Institute. Leonard
brings to the position almost a decade of experience advocating
on behalf of the wine industry on the state level. She has worked
strategically to influence the process and tenor of discussion
over regulatory, policy and funding issues. During her time in
Olympia, Leonard has represented a broad range of clients, from
the arts to insurance interests.
Martin Clubb, owner of L'Ecole
N°41 and President of the Board of the Washington Wine Institute,
expressed his optimism about the moves. "We are excited about
the organizational changes and know that they will help the Washington
Wine Institute to keep pace with the needs of an evolving Washington
wine industry."
Washington Wine Commission
Executive Director Robin Pollard added that the separation will
help distinguish the purposes of the two organizations. "The
Washington Wine Commission is dedicated to positioning and promoting
the state as one of the most outstanding wine regions in the world.
The separation will enable us to devote even greater focus to
our efforts, while entrusting industry advocacy to an experienced
and proven professional."
The Washington Wine Institute
will continue to lobby on behalf of the industry, keep its membership
informed of pertinent legislative activities and serve as regulatory
liaison to the Washington State Liquor Control Board. In addition,
WWI will take on administrative responsibilities previously undertaken
by the WWC, and it will work collaboratively with the Washington
Wine Commission, when appropriate, on industry activities.
About
the Washington Wine Institute
The Washington Wine Institute, a 501(C) (6) membership organization,
is comprised predominantly of wine producers, with associate memberships
extended to wine grape growers and wine associations. WWI advocates
on regulatory and legislative issues affecting the wine industry
in Washington State. It was formed in 1984 as a grassroots effort
to ensure that state legislators and policymakers consider industry
needs. It is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership
at its annual meeting. For more information, visit www.washingtonwineinstitute.com
About
the Washington Wine Commission
The Washington Wine Commission, a state agency created in 1987,
is responsible for the promotion and development of the Washington
wine industry, representing over 500 wineries, 350 wine grape
growers and 31,000 vineyard acres. For more information, visit
www.washingtonwine.org
or e-mail info@washingtonwine.org. |