Carie Jones
Following another successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) that brought together winery owners and representatives from across BC, the BC Wine Institute (BCWI) is happy to announce its new Board of Directors.
At the AGM, held July 9 in Kelowna, Dapinder Gill (Kismet Estate Winery) was newly elected as a member of the Board of Directors, while Leo Gebert (St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery) and David Wilson (Mark Anthony Group) were re-elected as Board members.
Continuing their directorships are Chair Christa-Lee McWatters (Encore Vineyards), Vice Chair Ezra Cipes (Summerhill Pyramid Winery), Charlie Baessler (Corcelettes Estate Winery), Greg Berti (Andrew Peller), Erik Fisher (Monte Creek Ranch Winery) and Josie Tyabji (Arterra Wines Canada). BC Grapegrowers’ Association representative David Kozuki and BCWI President & CEO Miles Prodan continue as ex officio non-voting members.
“It has been a busy year in the BC wine industry, and we appreciate the time commitment and dedication of our volunteer Board of Directors and committee members,” notes Prodan. “We look forward to working with our newly appointed Board member Dapinder Gill and continuing Board members, including BCWI Chair Christa-Lee McWatters, to evolve the BC wine industry and take the vision of our member wineries and the BC wine industry’s WineBC2030 Long-Term Strategic Plan to the next level.”
The BCWI would also like to thank outgoing Director Tony Holler (Poplar Grove Winery) and Independent Director Douglas Friend for their contributions to the Board during their terms.
Following the official meeting in July, the BCWI welcomed keynote speaker Provincial Agriculture Minister Lana Popham to the 2019 BC Wine Industry Awards, which recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to support and enhance British Columbia’s grape wine industry.
BCWI Chair Christa-Lee McWatters presented the BCWI Industry Recognition Award to two recipients in gratitude of their respective many years of outstanding contribution to the British Columbia wine industry. Jeffrey Thomas, Chair of the BC Wine Authority for 10 years, and Darrell Jones, President of Save-On-Foods were each honoured with the BCWI Industry Recognition Award.
The BCWI Award of Distinction was presented to Richard Cleave and Robert Goltz of R & R Management, in recognition of their outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry.
“Richard and Robert have been fundamental in planting and farming most of the premium vineyard sites and production methods for grape farmers post free trade agreement in 1990,” said BCWI President & CEO Miles Prodan. “Together they have more than 45 years of grapegrowing experience and are two of the most knowledgeable viticulturists in the province.”
To learn more visit WineBC.com.
Comings & Goings at the BCWI
In addition to welcoming new Board members in July, the BCWI is also pleased to announce some changes and new additions to the team.
Candice Tipton joined the organization in April 2019 as the new Marketing Manager. Candice brings 19 years of project management experience to her new role ̶ working as an award-winning producer in the television production industry, responsible for overseeing documentary and lifestyle television productions from the early stages of development to final delivery.
Carie Jones also joined the organization in August 2019 as the new Communications Manager. Carie brings 14 years of communications, marketing and broadcast experience to her new role. Carie most recently held the position of Associate Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Great-West Life in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Laura Kittmer recently moved into her new role as Communications Director. Prior to moving into her role, Laura held the position of Media Relations Manager with the BCWI for four years.