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SLIMLINE MANUFACTURING LTD. Young guns of Washington's wine industry from left to right, top row: Michelle Moyer, Washington State University; Jason Helm, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; Jim Harbertson, WSU; Jason Schlagel, Ste. Michelle; Victor Palencia, Jones of Washington and J & S Crushing; Derek Way, Sagemoor Vineyards; Dustin Tobin, Milbrandt Vineyards; Joe Cotta, Ste. Michelle; Jim Mills, Hogue Cellars. Bottom row: Catherine Jones, Yakima Valley Community College; and Bryan Weil, Hogue Cellars. attendees learned about the political process, how to lobby industry interests, and the Washington State's viticulture and enology education consortium (who teaches what among the colleges and universities). As a result of the political discussion, nearly ten young industry members planned to participate in a "Capitol Hill" day in Olympia in January. At the end of the sessions, past presidents of the Grape Association attend a network- ing social hour to become acquainted with the young generation. "Young industry mem- bers are often afraid to introduce themselves to the industry giants," Chamberlain said, adding that the past presidents have been committed to help mentor the younger generation. "I have been fortunate to have mentors teach me that long-term success depends on my ability to read and adjust to market conditions," said Chamberlain. "My long-term mission is to see that WAWGG is providing the tools needed to keep wine and grape careers growing." Next leaders Chamberlain said when she first joined the board of directors, she noticed that many of the industry stalwarts—strong, industry statesmen—were retiring from the board. "I started wondering who was going to pick up the slack? When I looked around at the membership ranks, I saw a lot of young people who had not yet gotten involved, not even in the association's committee structure. It just hit me, 'Who's going to take my place?'" At the same time, Chamberlain recalls reading an article by George Ambler about a global leadership forecast study that found leadership skills to be lacking in the young work force. "I thought, 'If we didn't start making the young generation welcome and get them involved, it would be a great travesty.'" In talking to the young members, she found a disconnect between the generations and a young generation that still needed to build job-related confidence. Since the board's decision to develop a formal leadership program more than a year ago, Chamberlain has worked to promote the program she has dubbed the "Young Guns" and has personally attended all of the workshops. In addition the Young Guns program, the Grape Association is also cosponsoring a grape seat in Washington's Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program. Stepping up Dustin Tobin, 29, who joined the wine grape industry in 2005 after attending Washing- ton State University and Walla Walla Community College, is proof that the leadership development program is paying dividends. Tobin, who's been to every one of the leader- ship workshops, will moderate a leadership development session this year during the group's annual convention. Last summer, he served as co-chair of the committee that organized the annual summer tour. The daylong event, with more than 100 participants, focused on the Yakima Valley appellation, with visits to vineyards and wineries. Through his involvement with several wine industry internships and employment at Milbrandt Vineyards as viticulturist and grower relations, Tobin has watched industry leaders in action for the last six years. "I've seen great industry leaders and know that the bar is raised high. I want to make sure my generation meets and exceeds the needs of the industry." Tobin is also a member of the newest class of the Ag Forestry leadership program. • www.goodfruit.com Check out these savings at www.turbomist.com Turbomist technology allows all growers the ability to reduce drift substantially and save 25% to 40% of their annual spray fuel bill at the same time. SLIMLINE MANUFACTURING LTD. 1 800 495 6145 http://www.turbomist.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER FEBRUARY 1, 2012 23 washington association of wine grape growers