WINE GROWERS BRITISH COLUMBIA WELCOMES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kelowna, British Columbia: Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) hosted its Annual General Meeting virtually on September 6, 2023. The meeting commenced with a keynote address from the Honourable Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food speaking to BC winery proprietors and operators, continued with the presentation of the WGBC fiscal year in review, and culminated with the election of new directors to the Board.
The WGBC Board comprises of nine voting directors representing all Wine Growers British Columbia full member wineries. The election for two seats available nominated by small member wineries resulted in Mike Dowell, Liber Farm and Winery, and Sheila Whittaker, Nostalgia Wines, elected to serve three-year terms. For two seats available nominated by medium member wineries, Chris Turyk, Unsworth Vineyards, and Christa-Lee McWatters, TIME Family of Wines, were elected to serve three- and two-year terms, respectively. Nominated for the one seat available by large member wineries, Greg Berti of Andrew Peller was elected by acclamation.
Continuing their directorships are Paul Sawler of Dirty Laundry Vineyard, Josh Stewart of Arterra Wines Canada, Samantha Collins of Mission Hill Family Estate, and Adam Woodward of Privato Winery & Vineyard. WGBC CEO & President Miles Prodan will continue as an ex officio non-voting member.
The WGBC Board of Directors will provide strategic guidance and effective oversight for the organization and BC wine industry, informed by current opportunities and challenges. “We look forward to working with our new and continuing Board members to execute operational objectives in support of our Wine BC 2030 Long-Term Strategic Plan,” said Miles Prodan, CEO & President of Wine Growers British Columbia. “The plan is a visionary roadmap central to the future growth, vitality, and profitability of the BC wine industry, our organization and Board of Directors continues to keep it top of mind while pivoting as needed to dynamic events impacting the industry.”
WGBC would like to thank outgoing member Charlie Baessler of Corcelettes Estate Winery, for his contributions to the Board and wish all of BC wine country a fruitful harvest season.
The 2023-2024 WGBC Board of Directors are listed on WineBC.com
View the Wine BC 2030 Long-Term Strategic Plan on WineBC.com
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ABOUT WINE GROWERS BRITISH COLUMBIA
Since 1990, WGBC has played a pivotal role in taking BC’s wine industry from a vision to an internationally recognized niche region producing premium wines and providing exceptional wine tourism experiences. WGBC markets the wine and regions of BC; delivers quality trade, media and consumer tastings; and acts as the voice of BC’s wine industry by advocating to government on behalf of industry that contributes $3.75 billion in provincial economic growth annually.
WGBC represents all wineries in British Columbia to grow the premium market share for the Wines of British Columbia, while driving awareness of our world-class wines and tourism product – as of 2019 drawing 1,191,500 visitors with $609 million in tourism and tourism employment related economic impact on an annual basis.
For more information about Wine Growers BC programs and services, please visit WineBC.com.
For details on the Wines of British Columbia, go to WineBC.com.
