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New York Wine & Grape Foundation Sponsors
Industry Training and Education
Canandaigua, NY (February 8, 2008) – The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is sponsoring a comprehensive Industry Training and Education program as part of its “Total Quality Focus” initiative, which also includes a large research component undertaken by Cornell University. The Foundation’s strategic goal is “to have the New York grape and wine industry recognized as a world leader in quality, productivity, and social responsibility.”
The Foundation has contracted with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to develop and conduct the two-day series of seminars on Long Island, in the Hudson Valley, and in the Finger Lakes which will include the Niagara, Lake Erie and Thousand Islands regions as well. Some staff members of the New York Wine & Culinary Center (NYWCC) will also be part of the team of experts traveling to the various regions.
“A major reason for the phenomenal success of the Australian wine industry is comprehensive training and education in all areas,” said Foundation President Jim Trezise. “Many of the people working in Australian tasting rooms have masters’ degrees in wine studies, and this program is a first step in providing some basic but important information to members of the New York industry.”
The Foundation’s comprehensive “Total Quality Focus” program is to instill awareness of and commitment to quality in every aspect of the industry and at all levels from grape growers and winery owners to winemakers and tasting room staff. The New York wine industry will never be the biggest, but it can strive to be the best, and quality is the key.
A team of instructors from RIT and NYWCC will cover topics including tasting room operations, electronic marketing, trade relations, media relations, wine competitions, and label design. Discussion in all areas will focus on how wineries can increase quality and project a quality image.
“RIT and the NYWCC have assembled a group of experts who are prepared to address a broad range of issues,” said James Myers, director of RIT’s Center for Multidisciplinary Studies. “We envision a highly dynamic instructional experience that will have immediate impact on the business performance of the attending wineries.”
The team of instructors includes:
- Shannon Brock, B.S., M.Ed., Wine Coordinator, NYWCC, Advanced Certificate in Wine & Spirits, WSET, Certified Wine Judge, American Wine Society
- Lorraine Hems, B.S., Faculty, RIT School of Hospitality & Service Management, Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers; Certified Specialist of Wine, Society of Wine Educators; Advanced Certificate in Wine & Spirits, WSET
- Richard “Rick” M. Lagiewski, M.S., Faculty, RIT School of Hospitality & Service Management
- James Myers, Ph.D., Director, RIT Center for Multidisciplinary Studies
- Paul Stella, MBA, Director, RIT University News, award-winning television news producer
Training sessions for wineries will take place on February 27 & 28 in the Finger Lakes, March 10 & 11 on Long Island, and March 12 & 13 in the Hudson Valley. The cost will be $65 per person (which includes a light breakfast and lunch on both days), and registration is on a first response basis through the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (JenniferCooper@nywgf.org).
The program will eventually include a “distance learning” component so those unable to attend, as well as future employees, may access the same basic material on line. In addition to this program, the Foundation sponsors “TIPS” training on responsible service for tasting room employees as part of its “social responsibility” initiative.
“Industry training and education are vital to the future of our industry,” said Trezise. “This program is made possible through our partnership with the State of New York, with leadership from Senator Agriculture Committee Chair Catharine Young, support from Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Bill Magee, and approval by Governor Eliot Spitzer. We are grateful for their support.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Trezise, jimtrezise@nywgf.org, 585-394-3620, ext. 203
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