UPCOMING NEW PRODUCT SALONS

BRITISH COLUMBIA Victoria - Fairmont Empress Hotel Tuesday, May 8/12 Industry Guests 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Vancouver - Four Seasons Hotel Monday, May 14/12 Qualified buyers & media 1 - 2 p.m. Industry Guests 2 - 4:30 p.m.

ALBERTA CALGARY - Hotel Arts Tuesday, September 25/12 Industry Guests 2 - 5 p.m. EDMONTON - Sutton Place Hotel Wednesday, September 26/12 Industry Guests 2 - 5 p.m.

MEMBERSHIP FACTS

In existence for more than a quarter century, the Import Vintners & Spirits Association (IVSA) is the largest representative body of beverage alcohol import agents in Canada. This distinction was earned in 2010 with the official merger with the Beverage Alcohol Importers Council of Alberta. As of October 2011, Alberta membership includes 54 agent businesses and 4 associates. In British Columbia 93 agent businesses, 9 Consulates or Country of Origin Wine Promotion Agency, as well as 8 Associates make up our Association.  Together, this group represents 90% of all beverage alcohol brought into BC and Alberta. Membership is open to import agents presently doing business in the region.

THE IVSA BOARD

The IVSA is a registered not for profit society in British Columbia and Alberta. The Board is comprised of 20 persons, 10 from each province, with a presiding Administrative Council of 2 persons from each province. The office is staffed by Executive Secretary, Jeannie Crane ivsa@shaw.ca , who manages day to day affairs of the IVSA. Executive Director, Richard Loewen richard@ivsa.ca , is responsible for bringing forward the issues of the industry as determined by the Alberta & BC Board of Directors, liaison with other Industry groups, Provincial Government leaders, Liquor Boards, Liquor Licensing and the industry membership. He is also responsible for arranging the renowned "New Product Salons" in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and Edmonton.

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

Current Executive Members:

BRITISH COLUMBIA Scott Adair, Chair scott@ivsa.ca  (The Wine Syndicate) Ted Latimer, Vice Chair (Free House Wine & Spirits) Paul Martin, Director (Peacock & Martin) Vicky Ainley, Director (Vino Allegro Wine Imports)  Art Kendall, Director (Charton - Hobbs) Carmen D'Onofrio, Past President (Stile Enterprises) David Smyth, Director (Direct Wines) Jack Segal, Director (Icon Fine Wine & Spirits) Natino Bellantoni, Director (Enoteca Bacco) Jim Marion, Director (Bacchus Group) ALBERTA Dave Gordon, Chair (Saverio Schiralli - Lifford Agencies) Mark Kuspira, Vice Chair (Crush Imports) Paul Lymer, Treasurer (Treasury Wine Estates) Chris Stewart, Director (Harvest Vintage Imports) Paul Charabin, Director (PB Beverages) Todd Ramsay, Director (Marram Fine Wines) Tony Perry, Director (Select Wines & Spirits) Susan Giacomin, Director (WineQuest Wine & Spirit Brokers) Jason Sanwell, Director (Fluid Imports) Sandi Hollas, Director (Grady Wine Marketing)

BC HOSPITALITY FOUNDATION

IVSA CHARITY OF CHOICE

The BC Hospitality Foundation supports and inspires those whose livelihoods depend on BC's hospitality industry. The Foundation assists those coping with financial hardship arising from a serious health related condition and provides scholarships to the industry's next generation. IVSA support this foundation 100% recognizing that participating is putting back to our own industry.