Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Pouring for a Cause WOMEN IN WINE PULL TOGETHER FOR A LOCAL CHARITY, THROUGH THE AUSPICES OF SOUTHERN WINE & SPIRITS by Breanne DeMore T Jisethe Donovan, Ralphs Field Compliance Manager for SWS, and Erin Krug, National Accounts Manager OffPremise for Banfi Vintners. Left to right: Katie Tripp, Regional Chain Manager for Treasury Wine Estates; Michelle Mittlestaedt, Director of Innovation for Pacific Wine & Spirits, and Jennifer Jeffery, Director of Trade Development On-Premise for Pacific Wine & Spirits. eamwork is key—no one understands this better than the Long Beach (CA) State University Women's Athletic Department, the beneficiaries of money raised at the September 19th Wine Tasting, supported by Southern Wine & Spirits. Helping to run the event were SWS's Women in Wine—another group of strong women who know how important teamwork truly is. The SWS Women in Wine started with a few ladies taking a trip to Napa in March, but since then has grown and evolved into something really important. "This group started as a way to get to know each other, but it quickly evolved," explains Nikki Bazzo, Portfolio Manager. "We now focus on mentorship, networking and building key relationships. Even more so, it's a way to be there for one another. Everything we do is teamwork." Featuring raffles and a student art auction, the wine tasting was a fun and exciting way to raise money for a really encouraging cause—which is exactly why SWS was drawn to the event. "SWS is so involved in the local community and we thought this was such a great cause, especially for our goals as a group," explains Bazzo. "We had encouragement from our managers and we wanted to pass along our support for one another to other groups of women." Women in Wine may be just for the ladies, but it comes with full backing from the entire SWS team. Jisethe Donovan, Ralphs Left to right: Lexie Carnes, Area Manager of Sales Field Compliance Manager for SWS; Nikki Bazzo, Portfolio Manager for SWS; for SWS explains, "We Kelli Carnes, CVS Account Manager for SWS; have such a big support Maricar Cruz, Portfolio Manager for SWS. system from the gentlemen at Southern, and it means so much." Jennifer Jeffery, Director of Trade Development On-Premise for Pacific Wine & Spirits adds, "This group is just such a good way to boost confidence and make our impact. The group is growing and growing and it's really encouraging for everyone." november 2013 / the tasting panel / 1 13 TP1113_109-156.indd 113 10/24/13 9:16 AM