Monterey Vintners Honor Top Performing Members
at Annual Awards Ceremony David Muret, American Ag Credit, and Ingraham & Loose
Recognized for Contributions to Monterey’s Wine Industry
Monterey, CA - January 26, 2006 - The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) is pleased to announce its recipients of the Volunteer and Vintner of the Year awards, both of which were given at the 2006 Annual Members' Luncheon at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. This event was attended by both General Members and Associate Members who support Monterey County’s growing wine industry. The Vintner and the Volunteer of the Year awards are voted on annually by the general membership.
The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to a general or associate member, chosen for his or her exceptional service in unconditionally and enthusiastically donating significant time and talent for the benefit of the association.
This year's winner is David Muret. Mr. Muret was recognized for his efforts in helping craft MCVGA marketing initiatives and messaging. As a member of the MCVGA Marketing Committee, he contributed his writing expertise to create several key association outreaches and tools, including an updated Growers Guide, a revised appellation map, and a MCVGA promotional video. Mr. Muret is the first two-time recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award – he was also honored in 2001.
Mr. Muret is Director of Marketing for Paraiso Vineyards. Paraiso is a charter member of the association and is located in the prestigious Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. Mr. Muret comments: “It is a great honor to be recognized by the many talented people working to promote Monterey Wine Country; the wonderful wines and personalities of our region makes my job a very easy one. It is extremely rewarding to have a role in helping tell the “Monterey Story.”
The Vintner Award, which recognizes the Associate Member who best demonstrates his or her commitment and support of the wine industry, was awarded to two outstanding companies. The first recipient was American AgCredit, a company established over 70 years ago that provides credit and credit-related services to qualified borrowers throughout the area. Mr. Bob LaBrier accepted the award on behalf of the organization and noted, “As of January 1, 2006 the vineyard and winery industry is the leading industry that American AgCredit finances, representing 25% of our $2.5billion in assets. However, like many industries that we finance, the wine industry is made up of people. Over my 25 years of lending to agriculture, many of the people that make up MCVGA have also become my friends. I am honored to accept this award.”
The second recipient of the Vintner Award was Ingraham & Loose, CPAs, a full service accounting firm that has been servicing the local wine industry since 1987. Francis Ingraham accepted the award on behalf of the company. Mr. Ingraham first opened his practice in 1974 and is an active member in the community, devoting his talents to numerous charitable organizations. Mr. Ingraham noted, “I was shocked to receive this award. It is truly an honor to even be considered for this recognition with all of the other hard working people that donate their time and effort to this group. It is a pleasure to be affiliated with the wine industry.”
Additional information on General Membership and Associate Membership with MCVGA can be obtained by calling 831-375-9400 or by visiting online at www.montereywines.org.
About MCVGA
The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of members, partners and our community in order to promote and support our leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing over 80 vintners and growers in Monterey County. MCVGA can be reached by calling 831.375.9400 or visiting online at www.montereywines.org.
