Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/455266
40 / the tasting panel / january/february 2015 Cultivating Partnership Cultivating Partnership SOUTHERN WINE & SPIRITS OF AMERICA BECOMES FOUNDING SPONSOR OF WOMEN OF THE VINE Further Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Further sponsorship opportunities are available for the first annual Women of the Vine Global Symposium. Contact Ben Salisbury at ben@salisburycreative.com or (469) 265-2210. A s the nation's leading wine and spirits distribu- tor, Southern Wine & Spirits of America (SWS) understands the importance and power of its current and future employees, which is why Mel Dick, President of the Wine Division and Senior Vice President of SWS, has announced that the company will become the Founding Sponsor of Women of the Vine and its first annual Women of the Vine Global Symposium. "At Southern, we're honored to take the lead in sponsoring this groundbreaking organization and event in the wine world. As leaders in the wine and spirits industry, we are committed to growing diverse leadership teams and investing in talent development throughout the company," commented Dick. The first annual Women of the Vine Global Symposium will be held March 13–15, 2015 at The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa, California. It will focus on the contribution of women across all sectors of the wine industry and across the globe in order to connect, network, mentor, collaborate and provide tangible strategies to create opportunities within the dynamic world of wine. Deborah Brenner, founder of Women of the Vine, added, "We're elated to welcome Southern Wine & Spirits onboard as the Founding Sponsor of this first-of-its-kind conference. Southern's sponsorship signals their commitment to their employees, future talent and the industry as a whole." Expounding on Southern's sponsorship and commitment, Steve Slater, Executive Vice President, General Manager of the Wine Division, added, "It truly is an honor to provide our ongoing support to the organization. In addition to the symposium, Southern is also the Founding Sponsor of the Women of the Vine Tuition Assistance Program. We are proud to be a part of this group that is dedicated to celebrat- ing the achievements and advancement of women in the business." For the Women of the Vine Tuition Assistance Program, grants of $500–$2,000 will be awarded to those qualified and seeking to pursue their education in the wine industry. The Women of the Vine Global Symposium is guided by an advisory board comprised of notable industry professionals across many sectors of the wine world. Southern's Mel Dick, Steve Slater and Nicole Bazzo—Trade Development/Portfolio Manager with the Southern California Division—will join the 19-member advisory board. www.womenofthevine.com