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Vice President’s Notes<br />
Jane Duralia<br />
National Office Notes<br />
John Hames<br />
My personal thanks to all who worked d iligently<br />
to make 2011 National Conference in Rochester a<br />
most enjoyable and education event. While in area, we explored<br />
Niagara-on-<strong>the</strong>-Lake and found s everal exceptional<br />
<strong>wine</strong>s and such pleasant people along <strong>the</strong> way. The Culinary<br />
School presents an excellent menu, which we t horoughly<br />
enjoyed.<br />
Redefining <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Vice President<br />
(RVP) has been on “my plate” for <strong>the</strong> past two years.<br />
How can we possibly expect a different outcome when<br />
we keep doing <strong>the</strong> same thing in <strong>the</strong> same way? No<br />
plan = no action = no prog ress! I am read y to move<br />
forward…are you?<br />
The key areas <strong>of</strong> responsibility for our RVPs are:<br />
‣Starting new self-governing chapters<br />
‣Promoting <strong>the</strong> AWS to expand recognition <strong>of</strong> our group<br />
and enhance our image<br />
‣Serving as a resource person for educa tional/specialty<br />
programs for chapter use through local resources and/or<br />
<strong>wine</strong>ry contacts and distributors.<br />
As you can se e, <strong>the</strong>se responsibilities are nei<strong>the</strong>r intimidating<br />
nor undoable. Yet year after year <strong>the</strong> same people take<br />
<strong>the</strong> same job because “no one el se will.” History de monstrates<br />
that, on <strong>the</strong> whole, regional elections have not been<br />
effective in changing this mindset.<br />
I have develo ped a one year pilot progr am that was approved<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Exe cutive Advisory Board at <strong>the</strong>ir 2011 Conference<br />
meeting. The program is scheduled to be in place by<br />
<strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 2012 (March). New regions will<br />
be defined with input from <strong>the</strong> pilot program committee, <strong>the</strong><br />
“volunteer RVPs” and <strong>the</strong> National Office. Every area deserves<br />
representation and a regional support system, so we<br />
will examine <strong>the</strong> population density in all parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
Some regions may span several states and some states<br />
may have multiple regions. The electronic age has br oadened<br />
our horizons and enhanced our communication capabilities.<br />
Each region is unique, so no single formula or agenda<br />
will work in all places.<br />
I have spoken with many current RVPs and <strong>the</strong>y support this<br />
pilot program. Some may t ake this opportunity to resign<br />
after serving faithfully and tirelessly for many years; o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
may decide to join <strong>the</strong> new wave. We have enthusiastic people<br />
coming forward wanting to serve as volunteer RVPs, but<br />
we still need more.<br />
All who are inter ested in becoming a volunteer RVP are<br />
asked to present a “ letter <strong>of</strong> interest.” Current R VPs also<br />
need to submit a “letter <strong>of</strong> interest.” We are evolving into a<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>society</strong> <strong>of</strong> acti on and mer it, and we need to<br />
move forward with decisive direction and suppor tive<br />
strength.<br />
If you want to take a leadership role in <strong>the</strong> exciting wave <strong>of</strong><br />
opportunities for AWS, I want to hear fro m you. S end a<br />
“letter <strong>of</strong> inter est” <strong>of</strong> 5 00 words or less, stating why you<br />
want to be an RVP for your region and what you intend to do<br />
to meet <strong>the</strong> key points <strong>of</strong> responsibility.<br />
Include both personal as well as busin ess<br />
attributes. Each letter will be carefully reviewed<br />
and responded to.<br />
Now that t he 2011 Conference is just a ple asant<br />
memory, <strong>the</strong> N ational Office can r e-focus our efforts<br />
on o<strong>the</strong>r areas to gro w and add value to AWS . Here’s<br />
what we’re working on…<br />
‣Updated website—We started working on this a co uple<br />
months ago b ut had to put it on <strong>the</strong> back burner du e to<br />
conference activity. It’s time to get it done.<br />
‣Go back to quarterly issues <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AWS Wine Journal—This<br />
is our goal for 2012 but it has to be done i n a “budget<br />
neutral” fashion, meaning no additional cost to AWS. In<br />
order to do this, we ne ed to get mo re advertisers. Th is<br />
will be a priority in <strong>the</strong> next couple months.<br />
‣Add more Pro fessional Members—We will be making an<br />
effort to conta ct and add many more Pr<strong>of</strong>essi onal Members<br />
in 2012. AWS has a lot to <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>wine</strong>ries and o <strong>the</strong>r<br />
organizations in <strong>the</strong> wi ne business. W e need to get t he<br />
word out so <strong>the</strong>y know about us and se e <strong>the</strong> ben efits <strong>of</strong><br />
joining AWS as a Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Member.<br />
‣AWS Merchandise for sale t o members—We need to ha ve<br />
shirts, hats, and o<strong>the</strong>r items that members can buy to<br />
proudly show <strong>the</strong>y are part <strong>of</strong> AWS. We used to <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>the</strong>se<br />
in <strong>the</strong> past but got away from it. We will be adding this<br />
back during 2012.<br />
That’s just a sample <strong>of</strong> what’s coming up in 2012.<br />
Happy holidays to all AWS members. Enjoy <strong>the</strong> holidays with<br />
your friends and family, good food and good <strong>wine</strong>, and get<br />
ready for ano<strong>the</strong>r exciting year for <strong>the</strong> American Wine<br />
Society in 2012!<br />
John Hames<br />
ExecutiveDirector@AmericanWineSociety.org<br />
888-297-9070<br />
New Board Members Elected<br />
Congratulations to <strong>the</strong> two new members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AWS Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Directors:<br />
Walt Rachele—Treasurer<br />
David Falcheck—Director <strong>of</strong><br />
Membership Services<br />
They will begin <strong>the</strong>ir terms <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>fice on January 1, 2012. Thanks<br />
to retiring treasurer Sam Streiff<br />
and Director Nick Yankanich.<br />
Email <strong>the</strong> le tters to me at jane.duralia@gmail.com, or mail<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to 6136 Pl antation Pointe Dr., Granite Falls, NC 28630.<br />
Call (828-396-1601) or email me if you have questions or want<br />
more information.<br />
AWS members are a wea lth <strong>of</strong> untapped talent and I am tapping<br />
on your door. Will you answer <strong>the</strong> call?<br />
Jane Duralia<br />
Jane.Duralia@gmail.com<br />
828-386-1601<br />
AWS News—December 2011<br />
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