Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/670981
80 WINES&VINES May 2016 WINE INDUSTRY NEWS WINE EAST C anandaigua, N.Y.—Samuel Filler, director of industry development for Empire State Development Corp., will as- sume the role of executive director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation effective Jan. 1, 2017. Filler will take over for Jim Trez- ise, who has been president of the NYWGF since it was established in 1985 and will continue in that role until March 31, 2017. In his role as director of Empire State Development Corp. (ESD), Filler has overseen the "One Stop Shop" program that was an- nounced by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo at the first Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit held in Albany, N.Y., in 2012. Under that program, the alcoholic beverage industry can contact ESD for assistance with the Wine East Covering Eastern North America Incoming Leader Outlines Plan for New York Wine Industry numerous state agencies that com- panies must deal with to go into business and stay in compliance. In an interview with Wines & Vines, Filler noted that in his cur- rent job, "I'm an ombudsman and an advocate for the craft beverage industries. I help these industries get clear answers about state li- quor rules and regulations. I'm the liaison between the state and the beverage industries." Another as- pect of his position is to adminis- ter the $9 million in state funding approved for advertising, market- ing and tourism projects for the craft beverage industry. Filler has served on the board of the NYWGF as representative for the ESD. As a result, he has had the opportunity to get to know the wine industry—not just on Long Island and in the Finger Lakes, but across the en- tire state. He stated, "I'm very excited about this opportunity, and I see lots of potential for the foundation to move forward and build on what Jim and the foun- dation have accomplished." A graduate of Vassar College with a degree in economics and political science, Filler also holds a master degree's in urban plan- ning from New York University's Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service. He has held a number of positions in economic develop- ment and public service in Cali- fornia, Washington, D.C., and New York City. —Linda Jones McKee "I see lots of potential for the foundation to move forward and build on what Jim and the foundation have accomplished." —Samuel Filler Samuel Filler 251 Gambee Road, Geneva, NY 14456 Phone: 315-759-2118 Toll free: 888-234-6752 Fax: 315-789-1848 Email: cjennings@vancemetal.com Website: www.vancemetal.com Quality Rugged 12 gauge, Custom & Stock Stainless Tanks Catwalk Systems • Pump Over Carts • Custom Hoppers, Chutes & Bins PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA