SHENANDOAH VALLEY WINE GROWERS ASSOCATION to promote SHENANDOAH WINE COUNTRY (SWX)

Incoming Shenandoah Valley Wine Growers Association (SVWGA) President Jim Bogaty announced the organization's 2006 & 2007 Board of Directors.

SVWGA Board Officers include:

President and Chairman James Bogaty- Veramar Vineyard, Berryville
Vice President Brad Foster - North Mountain Vineyard, Mauertown
Secretary Marvin Bond - Shenandoah Caverns and American Celebration on Parade
Treasurer Lisa Turner - Deer Meadow Vineyard, Winchester

The SVWGA elected a new slate of officers at its December meeting at the Hotel Strasburg. The SVWGA board directs the only Shenandoah Valley wide group to focus exclusively on issues that impact wine and tourism. Member terms run for two years, and individuals are eligible to serve for a total of four years in any one position.

"It's an honor to be elected president and chairman of the SVWGA board of directors which has so many talented folks serving in a leadership role for the Virginia wine and tourism community," said Bogaty. "I look forward to working with the board to address the many issues we face and to aggressively expand the membership. The need for a strong, unified Shenandoah Valley voice has never been greater."

The SVWGA advocates for the Shenandoah Valley wine and tourism industry by educating, promoting, representing, and unifying. SVWGA is a committed group of businesses and individuals that share a common goal. That goal is to give everyone the chance to experience the warmth, taste and breadth of the Shenandoah Wine Country (SWX).

ABOUT SVWGA
The SVWGA is a nonprofit regional trade association with an active membership of not only wineries and vineyards but also affiliate members across all industries. The SVWGA promotes and helps to expand the Shenandoah Valley as one of the finest winegrowing regions in the world.

We are a forward thinking group that is committed to the growth of the Shenandoah Wine Country (SWX) through the preservation and enhancement of its land, wine and the local community. We are a single voice of many that advocates the common interests of our members. We are constantly developing new ideas to promote activities and offerings for our local members. We develop, set and meet goals designed to enhance the Shenandoah Wine Country (SWX) experience for visitors and residents of the area alike. We expect to meet the challenges of the Global market with innovation and integrity.

Shenandoah Valley businesses that produce or sell Shenandoah Valley wine as well as any interested individual or organization are encouraged to join the SVWGA.

As president of the SVWGA, Bogaty's said that "Today, the Association is dedicated to showcasing Shenandoah Wine Country by highlighting the talent, energy, fine wine and visitor amenities of this region via the (SWX) tour guide and events programs."

The Shenandoah Valley wide association provides industry leadership to advocate for public policies, research and education programs, and trade positions to enhance the business of Virginia wine and tourism. For more information about SVWGA, the SWX tour route or information about becoming a member, contact Veramar Vineyard at 540-955-5510.