MISSION
The mission of the Washington State Grape Society is to promote overall advancement of the grape industry in Washington State. Its duties include collecting and distributing valuable data and information to our members and stimulating the grape interest in the state. WSGS also serves our members by protecting their legislative interests. Members are growers and industry personnel who have an interest in and lend their assistance to promoting the organization’s purpose.
The Washington State Grape Society was organized in the fall of 1971. At that time, there were 9,700 acres of concord grapes which produced 75,000 tons. The wine grape industry was very small; about 200 acres. Today, the Grape Society’s memberships topple over 400, with wine grape grower, juice growers and grape industry participating. Our board of directors is made up of elected grower members and educators, each for a three-year term. The board of directors meet on the first or second Friday of the month. If you would like to participate in the organization, please contact WSGS at 509-786-7888 or e-mail at WSGS.
Current Board (2011-2012):
| President Art den Hoed | denhoed@bentonrea.com |
| Vice President Heath Cleveringa | heathcleveringa@hotmail.com |
| Treasurer Ken Lewis, Jr. | kiilew@aol.com |
| Executive Director Deb Heintz | deb@grapesociety.org |
| Ex-officioDennis Pleasant | dennispleasant@msn.com |
| Board Member Keith Oliver | keitho@bentonrea.com |
| Board Member Joan Davenport | jdavenp@wsu.edu |
| Board Member Joan Johnson | fieldmam@bentonrea.com |
| Board Member Bill Riley | bill.riley@ste-michelle.com |
| Board Member Ryan Schilperoort | rschilperoort@embarqmail.com |
Washington State Grape Society Activities:
- Organizes annual Grape Seminar and Trade Show every November.
- Publishes annual Proceedings on website.
- Publishes Grapevine Notes, a biannual newsletter.
- Serves as a unified voice on important issues.
- Supports legislative activities.
- Sponsors annual pruning strategies & demonstrations.
- Awards annual Memorial Scholarship.
- Organizes Summer Tour relating to current trends, issues in the grape industry.
- Recognizes Grower of the Year and Walter J. Clore Award
- Free subscription to the Good Fruit Grower magazine.
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