Sonoma County, CA – Sonoma County Vintners, the major advocacy and trade marketing association for Sonoma County wineries, marks the beginning of a new era in 2015 with the announcement of Carolyn Stark stepping into the role of Executive Director on February 1. In her previous position as Executive Director of Sonoma County BEST, Stark led an economic development initiative promoting the expansion of business in Sonoma County. She worked closely with industry and community leaders across many different sectors and developed programs that provided direct value to participants. On the heels of record-breaking achievements in 2014, Sonoma County Vintners ushers in an exciting year of change ahead while recognizing the tremendous growth of the organization.
“I am thrilled to take over as executive director of Sonoma County Vintners,” said Stark. “I look forward to leveraging the momentum generated by the success of 2014, and reaching even more consumer, media and trade around the world to promote Sonoma County wine.”
Sonoma County Vintners Board President Corey Beck stated, “After an extensive search process, the Board selected Carolyn based on her leadership skills and track record of success. She brings years of professional marketing and non-profit management skills to our organization. While she will be transitioning into a new industry, she has a strong understanding of this community and the important role that the wine industry plays in it.”
Carolyn will be introduced to the wine industry at the first-ever Sonoma County Wine & Tourism Marketing Meeting to be held on January 23, 2015, at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa. Sonoma County Vintners will join forces with Sonoma County Winegrowers and Sonoma County Tourism to host a joint annual meeting to recap results from 2014 programs and present strategic initiatives for 2015. Other regional wine marketing organizations will also present their plans for 2015 including Alexander Valley Winegrowers, Russian River Valley Winegrowers, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, West Sonoma Coast Vintners, and Wine Road of Northern Sonoma County. This unprecedented event marks the first time that the industry has collaborated to present a unified marketing approach to promote Sonoma County wine and tourism.
Eager to kick off an exciting year with this new initiative, Sonoma County Vintners leadership anticipates a well-attended meeting with an audience of more than 600 people. The meeting is expected to be a fitting close to Honore Comfort’s successful nine-year tenure as Executive Director. “Today Sonoma County is a different place than it was in 2006, thanks in part to Honore’s contributions,” stated Sonoma Corey Beck, President of Sonoma County Vintners. “She developed strategic partnerships countywide and built a cohesive marketing platform for Sonoma County wines. We look forward to Carolyn continuing along this path while finding new opportunities for growth.”
Several new initiatives are expected to be unveiled at the meeting, including both national and international marketing programs, and a major partnership program to be shared by the Sonoma County Trio, made up of the Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Sonoma County Tourism. The meeting will also include the introduction of the new Trio Award, recognizing an individual for outstanding leadership and innovation in promoting Sonoma County wine and tourism. For more information on the Sonoma County Wine & Tourism Annual Meeting or to register please click here [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-sonoma-county-annual-meeting-awards-registration-14951174365].
About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness and building understanding of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions, noted for its heritage of artisan winemaking, distinct growing regions, and extraordinary quality. Founded in 1944, SCV represents more than 250 wineries and affiliates of all sizes throughout the county. Learn more about SCV at www.SonomaWine.com.
