Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/504216
may 2015 / the tasting panel / 91 On-Premise Panel (left to right): Mary Melton, Beverage Director, PF Chang's; Nancy Curry, VP National Accounts Sales–On Premise at Southern Wine & Spirits of America; Marcy Whitman, Sr. VP Marketing, Palm Bay International; Meridith May; Clarice Turner, Senior Vice President, U.S. Retail, Starbucks; Heather Berry, Senior Director of Beverage and Bakery Operations, The Cheesecake Factory; and Michelle Pae Gardner, Vice President, National Accounts & Artisanal Spirits, Terlato Wines. Carrying On Later on, Meridith May explored the Strategies for Successful Marketing & Promotions: On-Premise with a panel comprised of Mary Melton, Beverage Director, PF Chang's; Nancy Curry, VP National Accounts Sales—On Premise at Southern Wine & Spirits of America; Marcy Whitman, Sr. VP Marketing, Palm Bay International; Clarice Turner, Senior Vice President, U.S. Retail, Starbucks; Heather Berry, Senior Director of Beverage and Bakery Operations, The Cheesecake Factory; and Michelle Pae Gardner, Vice President, National Accounts & Artisanal Spirits, Terlato Wines. Over the course of the one-hour discussion, Turner explained Starbucks's transition to wine and beer sales—not- ing the importance of "thinking around the box; when you innovate, you cannot lose sight of your brand"; Berry and Melton agreed that training is the most challenging aspect of the job, but it helps to make it interactive and fun; and Curry reminded the audience that "if you make service a priority when you visit accounts, the sales will follow." Speaking from a woman's point of view, the panel emphasized the importance of setting the bar higher for younger genera- tions, speaking up and mentoring those below you. Keeping the Conversation Going Even though most of the wine industry veterans in attendance were amazed at how far females have come, they were quick to remind their audiences that the work has not finished. Women still have to keep pushing forward and mentoring the younger generations, which is precisely why Women of the Vine and the founding sponsor of the symposium, Southern Wine & Spirits, created the Women of the Vine Scholarship Fund to encourage qualified individuals to further their education in the wine industry. Grants of $500–$2,000 will be awarded; winners will be announced in the December 2015 issue of THE TASTING PANEL. Once the scholarship entry period begins, the application will be available for download online at www.womenofthevine.com. All of the details and criteria will be on the site, so keep your eyes peeled for further information. And for those of you who missed out on this year's symposium, no need to fret; dates are already set for next year's symposium—April 4–6, 2016 at The Meritage Resort and Spa—so mark your calendars and stay tuned. See you there!