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WCA calls for applicants for Young Guns and Gurus program

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Wine Communicators of Australia is calling for applications for the third annual Young Guns and Gurus Program.

The program pairs young wine communicators with respected wine industry leaders in the fields of journalism, public relations and sales/marketing, giving them the chance to refine their skills and explore further opportunities by tapping into the experiences and insights from the best in their field.

The program runs over six months and aims to boost personal and professional development in the future generation by:

• Giving a new generation of wine communicators access to a wealth of knowledge from respected industry leaders

• Giving applicants greater career clarity, direction and satisfaction within the wine industry

• Networking with like-minded, ambitious future leaders

• Receiving assistance with setting and achieving personal and professional goals.

The 2009/10 Gurus, who are giving most kindly of their time and support for this project, are:

• Ralph Dunning (sales/marketing) – The Yalumba Wine Company, Marketing Manager, previously National Sales Director S Smith & Sons, outstanding talent developer; WCA member.

• Phil Sexton – (sales/marketing) – Proprietor Innocent Bystander Wines; widely acknowledged for success launching leading liquor brands like Devil’s Lair, Fifth Leg, Giant Steps, Sexton, The Matilda Bay Brewing Company and Little Creatures Brewing Company; WCA member.

• Judy Sarris — (journalism) – Editor and the driving force behind Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine, recently named World’s Best Drink Magazine at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media Awards 2007; WCA member.

• Peter Bourne — (journalism) – Wine consultant, wine educator, judge, retail expert and journalist. Regular contributor to Uncorked Magazine, Qantas Magazine, the(sydney)magazine and Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine; WCA Life Member.

• Angie Bradbury — (public relations) Managing Director DIG Marketing Group; extensive involvement in liquor industry including roles in Winemakers Federation Future Leaders Program, member of Australian Sommeliers Association, Food Media Club of Australia; WCA Committee Member.

• Lesley Ann Grimoldby — (public relations) – Director Intercontact Public Relations whose clients have included Seppelt, Lindemans, Pommery, Corbans, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Great Keppell Island and Electrolux white goods; and Managing Director of Switzer Business Coaching; Past WCA Vice President, Life Member.

WCA Young Guns and Gurus Program Director, Trish Barry noted “There are many talented young professionals in our industry who have a strong vision and ambitions for the future. Many have had careers in other industries or are looking to learn further skills within their current role and will flourish with guidance, added confidence and exposure to experts in their respective fields.”

To find out how the 2008 Young Guns have found the program join them for a presentation in Sydney on Thursday 27 August. They will be sharing their journeys and telling prospective applicants more about the program in Sydney at the Royal Oak Hotel, 36 College Street Balmain, from 6.30–8.30pm.

Bookings must be made through the WCA website www.winecommunicators.com.au

Fully funded by WCA, applications are open throughout Australia. Whilst we are ideally looking for new talent, there is no age limit.

Applications from potential Young Guns close at 5pm on Friday 4 September 2009. The application form and further information is available on the WCA website www.winecommunicators.com.au.

Successful recipients will be advised by end September with the program commencing in October 2009.