Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/138003
capital, Vineyard & Winery Management asked him about his goals for WineAmerica and the state of the U.S. wine market. Vineyard & Winery Management [ V&WM] What are your priorities and goals as WineAmerica's chief lobbyist in Washington? Are there any national issues facing the wine industry in Congress, or will your attention be focused elsewhere? Mark Chandler [ MC] Our priority is to maintain a positive public policy environment for the continuing success of wineries across the country. At the federal level, the front-burner issues right now are the Farm Bill, in which we hope to maintain funding for specialty crop research and the block grants, the national clean plant network, and the market access program. This bill is being marked up in Congress this spring, so we are focused on maintaining funding for the programs and research that help the wine industry develop. From a longer-term perspective, the other obvious hot button is immigration reform. We are hoping to form coalitions with other interest groups to seize this opportunity and solve a critical need for our industry. And, of course, we are involved in negotiations to open foreign markets and reduce trade barriers for American wine around the globe. [V&WM] Will you be moving to Washington for your new role? [ MC ] I'll be splitting my time between D.C. and Lodi. [ V&WM ] Will WineAmerica's role change from a Washington representative to a national marketing/ promotion agency? [ MC] No, not really. We will be launching programs to help our members sell more wine, such as wine education for sales and tasting room staff. But our main focus will be to maintain a strong presence in D.C. to protect the industry's interests at the federal level, while continuing to break down trade barriers at the state level. [ V&WM ] You spent 20 years as director of the Lodi wine association, a time in which that area became known for quality wines – especially zins – despite being overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma. How will this experience help you in your new job? [ MC ] There are many parallels to my experience in Lodi. WineA- INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER Westec's New Tank Jacket covers the majority of the tank in a 5' total height dimpled cooling jacket for complete temperature control. The tank shell is seamless — making the tank easier to clean and allowing for larger, more effective cooling jackets. Our New Tank Jackets can be used on any size tank: place the dimple jacket anywhere on smaller tanks, to optimize the heating/cooling capabilities. Place fewer, larger jackets on larger tanks, and potentially reduce plumbing costs. You won't find a solution like this anywhere else. Our New Tank Jackets on our Portable Tanks. They are"forkliftable, stackable, with a sloped " tank bottom for easy drainage and cleaning. Westec's New Tank Jackets can be built for any size tank. The 5' total height dimpled cooling jacket provides complete temperature control. Please contact us today for more information, a tour of our manufacturing facility, and an estimate for your next job. Advertise Now Online In Print 800.535.5670 98 V I N E YARD & WINERY MANAGEMENT | July - Aug 2013 Wes_VWM-June1.2012.indd 1 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m 6/4/12 12:56 PM