WALLA WALLA, WA (Jan. 5, 2018)— The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance (WWVWA), the non-profit marketing and promotion membership organization representing vintners and vineyard owners in the Walla Walla Valley AVA, is pleased to announce the hire of Liz Knapke to oversee the organization’s marketing programs, including its robust event schedule.
Knapke most recently worked for Tyson Foods as Sponsorships & Event Manager. Prior to Knapke’s time at Tyson Foods, she was the Director of Sales and Business Development for the American Culinary Federation. Knapke has her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from The Ohio State University.
Knapke replaces and joins Ashley Riggs who recently accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer for the WWVWA. The pair will soon be joined by an Administrative Assistant and the trio will be the organization’s full staff—drawing upon the guidance of the board of directors and other local industry leaders. The Administrative Assistant is a newly-created, open position.
“Liz brings to the Wine Alliance extensive experience in integrated marketing campaigns, special events, fundraisers, tradeshows, community participation and corporate sponsorships,” said Riggs. “Additionally, she has a proven record in managing cross functional teams and partnerships as well as meeting deadlines within budget; we believe this combination of skills will allow us to raise the bar on Wine Alliance marketing programs.”
Knapke is excited to move to Walla Walla and dive into her new role, beginning the 22nd of January, and participate in the WWVWA’s February events: Walla Walla Wines @ Seattle, Walla Walla Wines @ Portland.
“I am honored to join the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and look forward to working with this collaborative and creative community,” said Knapke. “As a newcomer to the area, I’ve long admired the unique attributes of the wine growing region and am excited to get to work celebrating its bounties.”
About the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance
The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a non-profit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is the marketing of the Walla Walla Valley’s American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media and trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.
