new-wgbc-board-2023
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 B.C. 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 full member wineries. The election for two seats available nominated by small member wineries took place between Erin Korpisto of Terravista Vineyards, Mike Dowell of Liber Farm and Winery, and Sheila Whittaker of Nostalgia Wines. The member winery vote determined Dowell and Whittaker will serve three-year terms representing small member wineries on the Board.
For two seats available, nominated by medium member wineries, the vote took place between Chris Turyk of Unsworth Vineyards, Christa-Lee McWatters of Time Family of Wines, and Angela Lyons of Quails’ Gate Estate Winery. Turyk and McWatters, 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, Samantha Collins of Mission Hill Family Estate, and Adam Woodward of Privato Winery & Vineyard. Miles Prodan, CEO & president 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 B.C. wine industry, informed by current opportunities and challenges including recently released data on the economic impact of B.C. wine, the impacts of climate change on the B.C. wine grape crop yield, and rising inflation pressures.
“The pandemic was tough on B.C. wineries and over this past year we saw inflation and extreme weather events become added barriers to recovery. Despite the challenges, the recently released data measuring the economic impact of BC wine at a substantial $3.75 billion annually demonstrates the potential of the industry,” said Prodan.
“We look forward to working with our new and continuing Board members to grow back stronger and realize the full potential of the BC wine industry on the road to Wine BC 2030.”
The full report on the economic impact of the BC wine industry is available on WineBC.com, as is the Wine BC 2030 Long-Term Strategic Plan, a visionary roadmap central to the future growth, vitality, and profitability of the BC wine 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