128-Year-Old Family Business and Longtime University Partner Designates Largest Classroom in Industry Hub
Rohnert Park and Tustin, California – The Wine Business Institute (WBI) at Sonoma State University (SSU) and Young’s Market Company today announced a generous gift from the Tustin-based distributor of wine and spirits. The donation will be used in support of the future Wine Spectator Learning Center, a 15,000-square-foot education and industry hub at SSU expected to break ground on June 1. The facility will feature advanced technology classrooms, a student commons and gardens, and a collaborative space for faculty and business leaders. In recognition of this generosity, two rooms will be named in the company’s honor, including the Young’s Market Company Classroom and the Underwood Family Board Room.
“There is nothing more important to the future of the wine industry than education. Sonoma State is making a profound impact on the future of the wine business, and we are honored to help the university continue its legacy for learning and innovation. Young’s is pleased to continue its longtime partnership with the university and excited by the collaborative learning environment that the Wine Business Institute will provide to a new generation of students,” Chris Underwood, CEO, Young’s Market Company said.
“For the past decade, Young’s Market Company has been a faithful collaborator in our work as the global leader in wine business research and education. Their core values of integrity, family, quality, and an entrepreneurial spirit align closely with our own, and we’re humbled by their generosity. Together, we’re building leadership for the future of a dynamic and changing industry,” Dr. William S. Silver, Dean of the School of Business and Economics said.
Since 2008, Young’s Market Company has been a corporate partner of the School of Business and Economics (SBE) at SSU. Young’s Market LIVE was launched on campus in 2014, and provides a forum for students to network with members of Young’s Market Company leadership team. Since 2014, nearly 30 SSU students have been hired into positions at Young’s Market Company. Approximately 40 percent of those students received a promotion within their first year. Young’s Market Company operates in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
For more information regarding the Wine Spectator Learning Center, or for information regarding wine business seminars, certificates, and degrees at SSU, please visit www.sonoma.edu/sbe/winebiz, contact (707) 664-3235, or email winebiz@sonoma.edu. For more information regarding Young’s Market Company, please visit www.youngsmarket.com.
About Wine Business Institute
The Wine Business Institute (WBI) is an education and research institute of the School of Business and Economics (SBE) at Sonoma State University (SSU). SSU is the first institution of higher learning in the U.S. to offer seminars, certificates, and degree programs focused on the business of wine, and the first school of business in the world to offer an executive-level wine business degree. With its unique location, outstanding faculty, and deep relationships in the world of wine, SSU and WBI attract current and future professionals from California and around the world. They come to experience first-hand the expertise and wealth of connections among students, alumni, and industry leaders.
About Young’s Market Company
Founded in 1888, Young’s Market Company is the premier distributor of wines, spirits and select beverages in the western United States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Our best-in-class team lives by Young’s longstanding core values: Integrity, Family, Quality, and Entrepreneurial Spirit. Young’s is committed to adding value to our customers, providing exemplary professional representation of our client partners, reaching the highest standards of respect for our employees, and having a positive impact on people’s lives in the communities we serve.
