Winebow, Inc., a leading importer and distributor of fine wine and spirits from around the world, announced today the appointment of Jon Moramarco to the position of President. Effective March 30th, 2010, Moramarco will report to Leonardo LoCascio, Chairman and CEO of Winebow, who founded the company in 1980.

"Jon's wealth of knowledge and experience, his commitment to high standards, and his passionate leadership make him an ideal choice to guide our company as we continue to refine our organizational structure and maximize our growth potential," said LoCascio. "Jon's impressive background managing import and distribution-based businesses, and his proven success with both super-premium and boutique brands will make him a great asset to Winebow."

Having started his wine career as a twelfth generation winemaker, Moramarco has experience in virtually all aspects of the industry. His most recent position was Managing Partner of BW 166 LLC, an advisory service focused on the wine and beverage industry. Previously, Moramarco spent eighteen years as President and CEO at a variety of companies, including Allied Domecq Wines USA, Canandaigua Wine Company, Icon Estates, Constellation Europe and Constellation International.

"I have long admired Winebow for its unique business model, its impressive portfolio of wines and spirits, and its dedication to customer service," said Moramarco. "I am very excited to join this dynamic organization, and look forward to working with Leonardo and the outstanding team he has put together as we continue to seek opportunities to become a more valuable organization to all of our stakeholders."

Reporting to Jon will be Group Presidents Peter Click of Imports, Frank Shobe of Distribution, and Scott Ades of Finance and Operations.

Moramarco joins Winebow as the company achieves significant growth. Over the past twenty months, Winebow acquired Click Wine Group, became the exclusive importer of leading South American wineries Bodega Catena Zapata from Argentina and Cousino-Macul from Chile, formed new portfolios of Japanese sake and fine estates from Austria and Portugal, and expanded its distribution network into Illinois. In 2010 Winebow anticipates revenues to be $240 million from its combined import and distribution operations. The company currently employs 470 individuals throughout the United States.

"I am very excited to have Jon on board as I believe it is the final lynchpin in creating a world class senior management team that will successfully lead this company into the future," said LoCascio. "As Jon assumes the day-to-day management of Winebow, I will be able to focus more on the company's long-term strategic vision and spend more time with our suppliers as we work together to build their brands."

About Winebow, Inc.

Winebow, Inc. (www.winebow.com), founded in 1980 by Leonardo LoCascio, is a major importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits from around the world. Winebow is a leading importer of premium Italian wines under the Leonardo LoCascio Selections label, the de facto seal of approval for Italian wine enthusiasts. The Winebow Brands International (WBI) and Winebow Global (WG) divisions offer a wide range of acclaimed wine and spirits from the world's most prominent growing regions.

Winebow is headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey with additional distribution offices in New York, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; Wallingford, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; and Seattle, Washington.

SOURCE Winebow, Inc.

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.winebow.com

Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company, has been named to the NAFE Top 50 Companies and 10 Nonprofits for Executive Women by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE).  The list recognizes organizations that have policies and practices in place to encourage women's advancement, and that demonstrate this commitment by having a significant number of women in leadership roles.

"Diageo believes diversity is a key element to the success of its business today and in the future," said Eliana Zem, Senior Vice President Human Resources, Diageo North America.  "Gender is one component of this larger diversity initiative, and we value the important contributions of all of Diageo's female employees."

NAFE's list serves as an annual benchmark for Corporate America.  The number of women responsible for running operations (profit-and-loss, or P&L positions) at the NAFE Top Companies has reached 26 percent.  At 13 of the NAFE Top Companies, women run one-third or more of their employers' billion dollar-plus operations.  When it comes to board membership, women at the NAFE Top Companies occupy 23 percent of seats.

While Diageo aims to create programs that will reach multiple audiences, and not exclusively single out women, Diageo has implemented numerous initiatives to promote gender equality in the workplace.  These include:

  • Mentor program for top level female executives
  • Employee Resource Group for women called the "Spirited Women's Network"
  • Focused recruitment of female employees and active seeking of diverse suppliers, including women-owned businesses
  • Internal panel discussions for employees with female leaders on gender issues in the workplace
  • Employee workshops on creating an inclusive environment in the workplace
  • Lactation rooms at multiple sites
  • Global Talent database enabling in-depth succession planning for Diageo's female leaders

"NAFE welcomes Diageo to our list of Top Companies for Executive Women this year," says Dr. Betty Spence, NAFE President. "Half of the people running their major billion dollar and above operations are women, which is extraordinary."

To be declared a NAFE winner, companies must have at least two women on the board and track gender in P&L jobs, something many have not done before. NAFE will honor the Top Companies at a luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on March 25.  That morning, senior women executives from the NAFE Top Companies will meet at the closed door NAFE Roundtable to discuss critical business issues, including how to ensure an increase in women-run operations.

Methodology: In addition to assessing corporate programs and policies dedicated to advancing women, NAFE measured results, examining the number of women in each company overall, in senior management, and on its board of directors. They drew particular attention to the number of women with profit-and-loss responsibility. To be named to the NAFE Top Companies for Executive Women, companies with a minimum of two women on the board completed a comprehensive application that focused on the number of women in senior ranks (compared to men and to the company population), including questions about the programs and policies which support women's advancement.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

About NAFE

The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), founded in 1972, serves 20,000 members nationwide with networking, tools and solutions to strengthen and grow their careers and businesses. NAFE magazine publishes the annual Top Companies issue and the annual Women of Excellence issue. NAFE.com provides up-to-date information, community for women in business and access to member benefits. NAFE is a division of Working Mother Media and Bonnier Corporation.  

SOURCE Diageo

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.diageo.com

The following is a statement from Harry Alford, President and CEO, National Black Chamber of Commerce:

The National Black Chamber of Commerce is outraged at Senator George LeMieux's amendment filed today related to the rum cover-over program. This assault on the people and livelihood of the U.S. Virgin Islands overturns more than 90 years of policy toward the U.S. territories.  It completely changes the nature of the rum cover-over program. It is a naked and reprehensible money grab by Puerto Rico – a cynical nod to special interests that would put the U.S. Virgin Islands into receivership.  

Mr. LeMieux is an American senator, whose duty is to represent the residents of his state of Florida and all Americans, not special interests in Puerto Rico. His amendment would make Virgin Islanders produce rum but let Puerto Rico reap the benefits of those Virgin Islanders' hard work. All of America should be offended by this plantation-era treatment of the U.S. Virgin Islands – this is, after all, 2010, not 1810.  

Moreover, this irresponsible and unpatriotic amendment would force industry now based in America to leave for foreign shores. We expect more from a United States senator, even one who has not stood before the people for an election.  

The motives behind Puerto Rico and its allies are now clear. We should all be outraged.  

SOURCE National Black Chamber of Commerce

Back to top
Winebow, Inc., a leading importer and distributor of fine wine and spirits from around the world, announced today the appointment of Jon Moramarco to the position of President. Effective March 30th, 2010, Moramarco will report to Leonardo LoCascio, Chairman and CEO of Winebow, who founded the company in 1980.

"Jon's wealth of knowledge and experience, his commitment to high standards, and his passionate leadership make him an ideal choice to guide our company as we continue to refine our organizational structure and maximize our growth potential," said LoCascio. "Jon's impressive background managing import and distribution-based businesses, and his proven success with both super-premium and boutique brands will make him a great asset to Winebow."

Having started his wine career as a twelfth generation winemaker, Moramarco has experience in virtually all aspects of the industry. His most recent position was Managing Partner of BW 166 LLC, an advisory service focused on the wine and beverage industry. Previously, Moramarco spent eighteen years as President and CEO at a variety of companies, including Allied Domecq Wines USA, Canandaigua Wine Company, Icon Estates, Constellation Europe and Constellation International.

"I have long admired Winebow for its unique business model, its impressive portfolio of wines and spirits, and its dedication to customer service," said Moramarco. "I am very excited to join this dynamic organization, and look forward to working with Leonardo and the outstanding team he has put together as we continue to seek opportunities to become a more valuable organization to all of our stakeholders."

Reporting to Jon will be Group Presidents Peter Click of Imports, Frank Shobe of Distribution, and Scott Ades of Finance and Operations.

Moramarco joins Winebow as the company achieves significant growth. Over the past twenty months, Winebow acquired Click Wine Group, became the exclusive importer of leading South American wineries Bodega Catena Zapata from Argentina and Cousino-Macul from Chile, formed new portfolios of Japanese sake and fine estates from Austria and Portugal, and expanded its distribution network into Illinois. In 2010 Winebow anticipates revenues to be $240 million from its combined import and distribution operations. The company currently employs 470 individuals throughout the United States.

"I am very excited to have Jon on board as I believe it is the final lynchpin in creating a world class senior management team that will successfully lead this company into the future," said LoCascio. "As Jon assumes the day-to-day management of Winebow, I will be able to focus more on the company's long-term strategic vision and spend more time with our suppliers as we work together to build their brands."

About Winebow, Inc.

Winebow, Inc. (www.winebow.com), founded in 1980 by Leonardo LoCascio, is a major importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits from around the world. Winebow is a leading importer of premium Italian wines under the Leonardo LoCascio Selections label, the de facto seal of approval for Italian wine enthusiasts. The Winebow Brands International (WBI) and Winebow Global (WG) divisions offer a wide range of acclaimed wine and spirits from the world's most prominent growing regions.

Winebow is headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey with additional distribution offices in New York, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; Wallingford, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; and Seattle, Washington.

SOURCE Winebow, Inc.

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.winebow.com

Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. (Other OTC: GDHI) http://www.gdfbhk.com an international food and beverage distributor specializing in the distribution of US and International food & beverage brands to the Chinese market, today announces that it will be an exhibitor in the Wine China Exhibition 2010 Beijing.  This event will be held on April 23rd to 25th in the National Agriculture Exhibition Center in Beijing.  The Company will have a 3X3 meter booth where it will be showcasing the Company's wines from Spain and Italy.  At present, Beijing is one of the major cities for wine consumption. Average growth rate is more than 35%. Beijing has becomes a core market for wine consumption in inland China; the 2008 Olympic Games were successfully held in Beijing and have attracted a large number of foreigners and have enhanced culture exchange between Chinese culture and foreigners, including the wine culture. In Beijing there are about 2000 restaurants where wine is consumed and over 700 3 to 5 star rating hotels.

Mr. Cesar Cuenca President stated, "This is an excellent opportunity to unveil our Centvm Vitis wine and our fine brandies from Spain.  We will also be aggressively marketing our 100RMB retail priced wine to potential retailers, F&B managers and 2nd tier distributors.  With our 1st 40ft container of wine headed to China this event could have not come at a better time."

About Wine China Exhibition http://www.wineculturechina.com

China International Wine & Spirits Exhibition will be held from April 23rd to 25th 2010 in National Agricultural Exhibition Center, Beijing, will offer one favorable and professional business site to spread wine culture and knowledge, to taste different wine, to train more and more importers and lovers and to handle some wine marketing activities in the Chinese wine market. Wine China Exhibition is the great appointment for meeting and doing business with importers, wholesalers, dealers, agents and consumers. In step with the above topical concepts, Wine China Exhibition will fully help wine companies and exporters to achieve their goals and share the huge potential market – China, in the same time, will also insist in promoting the influence of wine producing countries.

Safe Harbor Statement

Information in this press release may contain 'forward-looking statements.' Statements describing objectives or goals or the Company's future plans are also forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the financial performance of the Company and market valuations of its stock, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the 'Safe Harbor' provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

SOURCE Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc.

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.gdfbhk.com

1 2 3 4 5

Sponsors