Southern Wine and Spirits

COMPANY TAKES LEAD IN CULTIVATING

WOMEN LEADERS IN THE WINE INDUSTRY

Miami, Fla., January 5, 2015 — Mel Dick, President of the Wine Division, and Senior Vice President of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (Southern)—the nation’s leading wine and spirits distributor with operations in 35 states—announced today the company’s commitment and sponsorship of Women of the Vine. Southern is the Founding Sponsor of the organization and its first annual Women of the Vine Global Symposium—dedicated to the contribution of women across all sectors of the wine industry and across the globe to connect, network, mentor, collaborate and provide tangible strategies to create opportunities within the dynamic world of wine. As the Founding Sponsor, Southern has committed to the Women of the Vine organization, the symposium and its mission in perpetuity. 

“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 in Napa, California. 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. As the leading wine and spirits distributor in the U.S., 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 celebrating 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.

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About the Women of the Vine Global Symposium

The ‘Women of the Vine’ Global Symposium, the first of its kind conference enabling women across all sectors of the wine industry and the world to connect, network, mentor and collaborate, will be held March 13–15, 2015 at The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa, CA. The two-day Symposium will feature diverse seminars and panel discussions focused on the personal, family and business dynamics of today’s women in wine. Educational programs include such topics as life/work balance, being confident in a male-dominated industry, honing your leadership skills, communication tactics to be seen and heard, negotiation tips, succession plans, and success stories/case studies by women in wine. Networking events and a Grand Tasting Gala Event also will be held. For more information, visit: http://www.womenofthevine.com/

Women of the Vine Press Contact:

Deborah Brenner, 845-365-2838, Brenner@womenofthevine.com

Founder, Women of the Vine Global Symposium

About Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. is the nation’s largest wine and spirits distributor and broker with operations in 35 markets. The multi-state distributor currently operates in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. Southern also holds operating licenses and permits in Nebraska and Texas. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs more than 14,000 team members. Southern urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information about Southern and its responsible consumption program, visit: http://www.southernwine.com.

Southern Press Contact:

Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.                                                                                  

Lee Brian Schrager, 305-625-4171 x 1040

Vice President, Corporate Communications