Young to Receive 'Industry Award'

WESTFIELD, NY — Senator Catharine Young will be presented the coveted “Industry Award” of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) on August 13 in Westfield, home of National Grape Cooperative in New York State’s largest grape growing region. The Industry Award is presented to an individual who has made major contributions in advancing the interests of the New York grape and wine industry.

“We are delighted to present this award to Senator Young to recognize all that she had done for our industry statewide,” said Jim Trezise, NYWGF President. “It is symbolic that we wanted to present this award at our annual Unity Banquet in late March, but Senator Young stayed in Albany to conclude budget negotiations on behalf of New York agriculture.”

As Chair of the Agriculture Committee, Senator Young has played a vital leadership role in advancing the interests of the grape and wine industry as well as other agricultural sectors. Her support of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s promotion and research programs have benefited grape growers, grape juice producers and wineries in all regions of the State. Among many programs are:

~~ A major promotion of the health benefits of Concord grape juice

~~ “Regional Branding” programs for the industry in various areas of the state

~~ A major promotion program focusing on New York City

~~ A “New York Wine Month” promotion throughout the State

~~ A “Total Quality Focus & Sustainability” research program

Senator Young also secured funding for a new Cornell Lake Erie Viticultural Research Laboratory which is scheduled to open in 2009.

“Above and beyond her support of specific programs, Senator Young has provided vital leadership in Albany,” said Pete Saltonstall, NYWGF Chairman and co-owner of King Ferry Winery in the Finger Lakes. “She created the Legislative Wine & Grape Caucus comprised of Senators and Assembly members with an interest in our industry, even including people from New York City. We appreciate all that she has done.”

The award will be presented at about 9:30 at National Grape Cooperative as part of an Open Forum with the NYWGF Board of Directors and regional industry members.