November 13, 2013
WineAmerica Expands its National Network
“State and Regional Association Advisory Council” Launched
Washington, DC – WineAmerica, Inc., the National Association of American Wineries, is expanding its State Associations Council (SAC) to allow both state and regional wine groups better access to policy information, and enhanced networking opportunities nationwide. WineAmerica founded the original SAC in 2003 to provide a forum for grassroots activity on wine industry issues. The new changes take effect January 1, 2014.
The revamp involves a minor name change—to State and Regional Associations Advisory Council (SRAAC)—clarifying that regional wine associations are welcome to join. “The new name makes it clear that all regional wine groups are invited to take their place at the table” explains Mark Chandler, WineAmerica’s Executive Director.
The new council will offer an expanded menu of information sources to serve the grassroots political action needs of winery and grower associations – monthly policy bulletins, action alerts, round-table calls, webinars, Wine Policy Days, and a database of legislative members’ voting records by congressional district. It will also provide a forum for policy recommendations to be advanced to the WineAmerica board of directors for action in Washington, DC.
“These tools will enhance the effectiveness of dozens of winery associations across the country” according to Kevin Atticks, SRAAC Chair, and Executive Director of the Maryland Wineries Association. “Maryland strongly supports this.”
Jim Trezise, President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, and a WineAmerica Board Member adds “New York is in. The SRAAC is a vital nexus of contacts and information for directors of state and regional winery and grower trade associations. The bi-annual face-to-face meetings, monthly telephone conference calls, and frequent electronic communications provide a resource simply not found elsewhere. By bringing people together from all over the country, the SRAAC allows us to share ideas, knowledge and experiences that can make each association stronger and more valuable to its members while unifying the American wine industry.”
“I’m delighted that regional associations are now officially included,” said Steve Bate, Executive Director of the Long Island Wine Council. “Our association and Long Island wineries have benefited from the work of WineAmerica and the former SAC, and we are excited to have a seat at the table.”
“This isn’t just a name change, it’s a structural change,” said Donniella (Donnie) Winchell, Executive Director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association, which hosted the recent WineAmerica/SAC fall meeting where the changes were made. “SAC has been an informal group for years, and the newly structured SRAAC not only expands the membership but also the vital grassroots activities of WineAmerica. We look forward to participating.”
“As a former Chairman of SAC, I strongly endorse this expansion,” said Jim Anderson, Executive Director of the Missouri Wine & Grape Program. “Like any organization, SAC has been evolving over time, and the new, improved SRAAC is a major step forward. We look forward to participating.”
“Michigan wineries benefit greatly from WineAmerica’s activities, and I have learned a great deal by attending SAC meetings over the years,” said Linda Jones, Executive Director of the Michigan Wine & Grape Council. “The inclusion of regional associations will provide even more information and networking possibilities.”
From California, Wine Institute’s Vice-President of State Relations Steve Gross observes “I’ve found Wine Institute’s ongoing participation in the SAC to have greatly enhanced our relationships with local winery associations across the country. All of us are more successful when we have better communication. I am pleased to see the proposed changes outlined for the SRAAC as they should further enhance all of our efforts on behalf of the wine industry.”
To support these activities a nominal dues structure has been designed to help WineAmerica defray the cost of the program.
To learn more about the State and Regional Association Advisory Council contact Mark Chandler at 202.223.5170, or mchandler@nullwineamerica.org.
WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, encourages the dynamic growth and development of American wineries and winegrowing through the advancement and advocacy of sound public policy. With members in 48 states, WineAmerica is the only winery trade association with a nationwide reach.
