April 27, 2004

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently announced the following appointments to the Grape & Wine Industry Council:

Elizabeth Berger of Traverse City, general manager of Chanteau Chantal Winery on Old Mission Peninsula. Ms. Berger is appointed to represent wine makers for a term expiring October 9, 2005. She succeeds Roberta Kurtz whose term has expired.

David Miller of Lawton, vice president of Winemaking & Viticulture for St. Julian Wine Company. Mr. Miller is appointed to represent wine makers for a term expiring October 9, 2005. He succeeds Sean O'Keefe whose term has expired.

Kristin Jonna of Dearborn, manager of Merchant's Fine Wine. Ms. Jonna is appointed to represent retail food establishments that hold a specifically designated merchant license and sell Michigan wines for a term expiring October 9, 2005. She succeeds Rosalind Mayberry whose term has expired.

Louis Gostinger of Port Huron, president and owner of Lakeside Beverage Company. Mr. Gostinger is reappointed to represent beer and wine wholesalers marketing Michigan wines for a term expiring October 9, 2005.

Joseph Herman of Benton Harbor, owner of Herman Farms. Mr. Herman is reappointed to represent grape growers for a term expiring October 9, 2005.

Donald Coe of Traverse City, managing partner of Black Star Farms. Mr. Coe is reappointed to represent wine makers for a term expiring October 9, 2005.

The Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998 charges the council with the promotion of Michigan's wine and wine grape growing industries. Priorities of the council are encouraging growth of the industry, promotion of Michigan wines, funding research to support wine grape growing in Michigan, and sponsoring training opportunities for industry development. The council is funded through non-retail liquor license fees.

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.