2023 December - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: December 12, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: The Thornhill Companies
In Attendance:
Tim Snider, Pierre LaBarge, Chase Carhartt, David Djang, Steven Gerbac, Kevin Gleason, Dan Glaeser, John H. Haan Jr., Nicholas Miller, Denise Shurtleff (Zoom)
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 10:00am.
Item 2: Approve Minutes
Approve November 2023 Meeting Minutes.
Motion: Dan.
Second: Chase.
Unanimous approval.
Item 3: Events
Emily discussed upcoming programming.
Emily working 50/50 across SBV & SBVF.
Proposing 2024 Vintners Festival on October 19, 2024.
Phil to assist with membership-related educational tastings and leadership-focused programming.
Mission SB planning underway:
– Focus on ~20 California-based wine buyers
– Free for Leadership tier
– $1,200 for Community tier
SBVF Updates:
– Holiday of Hope benefited 60 families
– Golf Tournament scheduled for June 2024
– Wellness event in August 2024
– Wine Auction in November 2024
Item 4: CEO Update
Board Seats & By-Laws
Two Community seats currently open.
By-Laws being amended.
Key change: Seats will belong to individuals, not wineries.
Replacements appointed by the Board.
Business Members eligible to hold seats.
Wine Institute / BID Context
Wine Institute meeting reaffirmed regional alignment and collaboration support for BID strategy.
Paso Wine Alliance discussion showed no resistance to BID concept.
Ag Enterprise Ordinance
Alison advocating on feasibility of setback requirements; presented illustration at Planning Commission.
Item 5: Guest Discussion – Grape Commission
Guest: Mark Chandler, former Executive Director of Lodi Grape Commission.
Key points:
– Commission formed by industry majority vote
– Funds can support marketing, education, research
– No multi-county commissions currently exist
– Success requires strong leadership and transparency
Next Steps:
Research feasibility of district boundary configuration.
Gauge support among major growers.
Explore interest from neighboring counties.
Item 6: BID Update
Communication plan being developed.
Press release targeted for 01/19/24.
Semi-annual meeting tentatively scheduled for 02/13/24.
Item 7: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 12:01pm.
2023 November - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: November 14, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: The Thornhill Companies
In Attendance:
Tim Snider, Jessica Gasca (Zoom), Pierre LaBarge, Chase Carhartt, Steven Gerbac, Dan Glaeser (Zoom), John H. Haan Jr. (Zoom), Nicholas Miller, Denise Shurtleff
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 10:16am.
Item 2: Approve Minutes
Approve September 2023 Meeting Minutes.
Motion: Steven.
Second: Nicholas.
Unanimous approval.
Item 3: CEO Update
Financial projections and reserves reviewed.
Mission Santa Barbara planning underway.
Board requested 12-, 16-, and 18-month forward projections.
Explored Foundation involvement to increase funding capacity.
Item 4: Events
Vintners Festival 2023
Positive response.
Vega performed well as partner venue.
Transportation identified as key challenge.
Projected ~$35,000 profit.
Behind the Scenes Programming
Series of educational/industry events to be scheduled.
Nicholas to research Bien Nacido Estate panel date.
Item 5: Membership Update
Phil provided membership counts, new member recruitment status, and outstanding dues review.
Item 6: BID Update & Discussion
Pierre provided BID status.
SBV to work with Civitas.
Revenue data may take time from County.
Board supported creation of press release and media talking points.
Website page to be created for BID information and outreach.
Motion to engage Civitas utilizing $40,000 budget allocation.
Motion: Nicholas.
Second: Tim.
Unanimous approval.
SBV will schedule two Zoom sessions for further BID discussion.
Item 7: Foundation Update
Holiday of Hope campaign underway.
New Foundation website launched.
Item 8: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 12:18pm.
2023 July - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: July 20, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Fess Parker Winery
In Attendance:
Tim Snider, Chase Carhartt, Jeff Chaney, Jessica Gasca, Steven Gerbac, Dan Glaeser, Kevin Gleason, John H. Haan Jr., Nicholas Miller, Keith Saarloos
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 10:12am.
Item 2: Approve Minutes
No minutes to approve.
Item 3: Board & Organizational Structure Overview
By-Laws Update
Board voted to allow business members to join the Board.
Motion to appoint:
– John Haan, Attorney
– Dan Glaeser, Accountant
Motion: Tim.
Second: Jeff.
Unanimous approval.
Finance Review
Overview of fiscal year, revenue streams, and SBV structure.
Strategic Plan
Shared outcomes of Board Retreat and organizational strategy.
Committees
Committee leads identified:
– Grape Commission: Nicholas
– Marketing: TBD
– Advocacy: Denise
– Membership: Phil
– Events: Emily
Motion to approve:
– Jessica Gasca as Vice President
– Dan Glaeser as Treasurer
Motion: Tim.
Second: Chase.
Unanimous approval.
Executive Committee:
President: Tim Snider
Vice President: Jessica Gasca
Secretary: Pierre LaBarge
Treasurer: Dan Glaeser
Membership Structure & Responsibility
Phil reviewed tiers and expectations.
Membership growth seen as shared responsibility across Board.
Events Update
Emily reviewed upcoming events and recruitment needs for VF23 restaurant partners.
Item 4: Foundation Update
Foundation programming shared.
Health & Wellness event scheduled August 12.
Backpack drive underway.
Item 5: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 12:02pm.
2023 March - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: March 21, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Grimm’s Bluff
In Attendance:
Pierre LaBarge, Jessica Gasca, Chase Carhartt, Jeff Chaney, Jason Djang, Steven Gerbac
Via Zoom: Riley Wathen Slack
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 10:10am.
Item 2: Approve Minutes
Motion to approve February minutes: Jason.
Second: Jessica.
Unanimous approval.
Item 3: CEO Update & Financials
Budget unchanged.
Draft budget with dues projections to be shared in May.
Alison attended Wine Institute retreat & CAWG advocacy meetings.
Discussion of potential SBC Grape Commission framework.
By-Laws updates needed; four board seats upcoming.
Item 4: Events Update
Behind the Scenes panels nearly set.
Vintners Festival 2023 confirmed at Vega on October 14, 2023.
March 30 CDFA grant wrap-up event scheduled.
Leadership luncheon to take place at Sunstone.
Item 5: Foundation Update
Golf Tournament scheduled for June 5, 2023.
Sponsorship outreach underway.
Recruitment for Foundation Board ongoing.
Item 6: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 11:44am.
2023 February - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: February 14, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: LaBarge Winery
In Attendance:
Wayne Kelterer, Pierre LaBarge, Nicholas Miller, Chase Carhartt, Jeff Chaney, Steven Gerbac
Via Zoom: Jessica Gasca, Jason Djang
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 10:02am.
Item 2: Approve Minutes
Motion to approve December meeting minutes.
Motion: Nicholas.
Second: Wayne.
Unanimous approval.
Item 3: CEO Update & Financials
Alison presented mid-year budget.
CDFA grant will affect cash timing.
Revised Vintners Festival profit reflect updated projections.
Contingency and Wine Militia budget included.
Motion to extend Wine Militia contract for six months.
Motion: Wayne.
Second: Pierre.
Unanimous approval.
Motion to approve revised budget.
Motion: Wayne.
Second: Chase.
Unanimous approval.
Advocacy work underway on Ag Enterprise Ordinance and minimum wage regulation.
By-Laws to be updated to allow board members from broader industries.
Board expansion considerations discussed.
Item 4: Events Update
Vintners Festival 2023 proposed at Vega Vineyard on October 14, 2023.
Motion to confirm date and location: Wayne.
Second: Jeff.
Unanimous approval.
Behind the Scenes event schedule nearly finalized.
Leadership luncheons and lecture series planning ongoing.
Annual Meeting set for June 13, 2023.
Item 5: Foundation Update
Golf Tournament scheduled for June 5, 2023.
Clendenen/Hitching Post wine dinner raised over $100,000.
Board recruitment ongoing.
Item 6: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 12:06pm.
2022 December - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: December 13, 2022
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Brave & Maiden Estate
In Attendance:
Tim Snider, Wayne Kelterer, Nicholas Miller, Jessica Gasca, Jeff Chaney, Jason Djang, Steven Gerbac, Pierre LaBarge
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 11:04am.
Item 2: Approve Minutes
Motion to approve November meeting minutes.
Motion: Jessica.
Second: Jason.
Unanimous approval.
Item 3: CEO Update & Financials
Membership spreadsheet reviewed (paid, overdue, and recurring plans).
Outreach underway to collect outstanding dues.
Some Leadership members downgraded tiers.
Wine Militia tracking engagement and social media outputs.
Proposal to implement automatic recurring card payments next fiscal year.
Expect contract-based annual membership commitments.
Event Structure Updates:
• Emily Byram introduced to Board
• Background: lobbying, nonprofit management, major event planning, wine retail & WSET study
• Emily to lead Leadership Luncheons + new programs
“Behind the Scenes” Event Series:
• Multi-location educational tastings & winery collaboration series
• Motion to set dates: May 19–21, 2023
Motion: Tim.
Second: Wayne.
Unanimous approval.
Mission Santa Barbara:
Motion to set event dates August 20–23.
Motion: Jessica.
Second: Tim.
Unanimous approval.
Item 4: Foundation Update
Foundation Auction successful; press release forthcoming.
Emily to assist with sponsorships and planning going forward.
Item 5: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 12:05pm.
2022 November - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: November 8, 2022
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: FOXEN Vineyard & Winery
In Attendance:
Tim Snider, Riley Slack, Nicholas Miller, Jessica Gasca (Zoom), Chase Carhartt (Zoom), Jason Djang, Steven Gerbac, Pierre LaBarge
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 10:07am.
Item 2: Approve Minutes
Motion to approve September meeting minutes.
Motion: Jason.
Second: Riley.
Unanimous approval.
Item 3: CEO Update & Financials
New SBV logo was tested at Laguna grant event; feedback positive.
Financials:
• EIDL loan payment set at $202.90/month beginning 12/01/22
• Original loan: $500,000 at 2.75% fixed (non-recourse to board/members)
• Accounts Receivable outstanding: ~$70,000
• Membership downgrades occurring due to tier reassessments
• Hard to predict consistent cash flow
• Membership engagement initiative forming
• Leadership Luncheon proposed to gather high-tier feedback
2022 Vintners Festival:
• 1,564 tickets sold (higher than projected)
• $18,500 sponsorship secured
• $5,000 received from Santa Maria Chamber
• Participation fee collection ongoing
• SBV and SBVF jointly hired Emily Byram as Event Director (contract role)
• Post-festival survey shows strong emotional connection to festival
• Majority preference for smaller-scale future events (~250 attendees)
• Exploring “Behind the Scenes” multi-location educational format
Item 4: Foundation Update
Jessica provided update on Foundation Auction and fundraising.
• Instant Cellar Raffle raised ~$4,000
• Positive member and consumer feedback
• Foundation Auction scheduled for this weekend with ~40 winery partners
Item 5: Mission Santa Barbara Presentation
Presented by Stephen Janes and Chad Melville.
Purpose of the event:
• Bring key wine buyers and sommeliers to SBC
• Convert them into long-term ambassadors of the region
Discussion:
• SBV covers travel, lodging, meals
• Ideal participants: CA-based buyers
• Leadership tier receives automatic participation
• Target: 35 participating wineries
• August proposed, despite harvest timing challenges (harvest = education opportunity)
Item 6: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 12:20pm.
2021 June - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: June 9, 2021
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Zoom
In Attendance:
Stephen Janes, Katy Rogers, Wayne Kelterer, Nicholas Miller, Riley Slack, Callie Gleason, Karen Steinwachs, Tim Snider, Tyler Thomas, Jessica Gasca
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 9:05am.
Item 2: Approve Minutes
Motion to approve May meeting minutes.
Motion: Katy.
Second: Tim.
Unanimous approval.
Item 3: CEO Update — Financials
• No PPP loan for 501(c)(6) in first round; EIDL loan in pending status.
• ~$60,000 in bank at time of meeting (highest balance pre-renewal period).
• Membership renewals are primary focus.
• Current marketing communication resonating with non-members.
• Region performing well in tourism recovery.
• Data from Silicon Valley Bank supports visitation growth.
Advocacy
Work underway with committee and partner organizations.
Item 4: Membership Structure
Katy presented updated approach for new dues and membership tiers.
Priorities discussed:
• Clearly communicate value of membership.
• Broaden community messaging to include restaurant and business participation.
• Reinforce marketing visibility and regional storytelling.
• Expand tourism partnerships and direct-flight initiatives.
• Continue work with IMW and develop scalable marketing packages.
• Create board-level recruitment assistance structure.
• Build projected budget scenarios tied to membership growth.
Item 5: Annual Meeting
Proposal for in-person meeting at Roblar (date TBD).
Item 6: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 11:15am.
Special acknowledgement given to Stephen Janes for service as Board President.
2021 May - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: May 28, 2021
Location: Email Vote (Recorded)
Context:
Board discussion and approval of authorization for Second Draw PPP Loan application.
Item 1: PPP Loan Authorization Request
Due to a required change of lender, Board was asked to vote remotely to authorize CEO to apply for Second Draw PPP loan.
Votes Recorded:
Aye:
Tim Snider
Nicholas Miller
Riley Slack
Karen Steinwachs
Stephen Janes
Katy (via proxy)
Callie (via proxy)
Wayne (via proxy)
Jessica (via proxy)
Not Present:
Tyler
Resolution:
Board authorizes CEO to apply for PPP loan under SBA 7(a) program and to sign required documentation.
Loan intended to support payroll and eligible operating costs; forgiveness terms per SBA guidance.
Meeting Adjourned (Vote completed via email; no live session)
2021 April - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: April 14, 2021
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Zoom
In Attendance:
Stephen Janes, Katy Rogers, Wayne Kelterer, Nicholas Miller, Riley Slack, Karen Steinwachs, Tim Snider, Tyler Thomas, Jessica Gasca
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 9:06am.
Item 2: Approve Minutes
Motion to approve minutes from January and March meetings.
Motion: Katy.
Second: Tim.
Unanimous approval.
Item 3: SBV Foundation Update
Foundation organized vineyard vaccination clinics; over 1,000 workers vaccinated.
CHC partnership successful; media assets in production.
Item 4: CEO Update & Financials
• Dues collection strong; CDFA reimbursements received
• Small Business Loan extended
• EIDL loan at ~2.7%
• PPP loan partially forgivable; second draw in process
• Membership count at 88 wineries
Item 5: Board President Transition
Discussion regarding leadership continuity and institutional knowledge retention.
Motion to elect Katy Rogers as new Board President.
Motion: Karen.
Second: Wayne.
Unanimous approval.
Item 6: Agriculture Committee Update
• County ordinance changes moving slowly
• Cannabis appeals pending
• Vintners Festival scheduled for May 2022
Item 7: Annual Meeting & Events
Tabled.
Item 8: Plan A Membership Model
Extensive discussion on tier structure & inclusivity.
Goal: keep structure simple, emphasize participation pathways.
Item 9: Individual Board Member Updates
(Kept as brief statements per original notes.)
Item 10: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 11:58am.
2021 March - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: March 10, 2021
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Zoom
In Attendance:
Stephen Janes, Katy Rogers, Wayne Kelterer, Callie Gleason, Nicholas Miller, Riley Slack, Karen Steinwachs, Tim Snider, Tyler Thomas, Jessica Gasca
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 9:04am.
Item 2: CEO Update — Financials & Membership
• PPP loan: $36,314 received; forgivable.
• EIDL repayment scheduled for May 2021.
• New membership structure development underway.
• Strong engagement in virtual programming.
• Retention prioritized before recruitment.
• Proposed partnerships with tourism and business associations discussed.
Marketing
Virtual wine series engagement strong.
Second grant application submitted; sponsorship development ongoing.
Advocacy
Drafting letter to Board of Supervisors re: continuing temporary outdoor allowances for tasting experiences.
Item 3: Plan A Membership Model
Board discussed value articulation, benefit tiers, pricing logic, and rollout timeline.
Motion to approve proceeding with Plan A and finalizing membership structure.
Motion: Tyler.
Second: Stephen.
Unanimous approval.
Item 4: Vintners Festival
VF21 to be staged on-site; VF22 confirmed to take place May 2022.
Item 5: Agriculture Committee Update
Cannabis appeal activity ongoing; research into impacts on vineyards.
Item 6: May Board Meeting
Next Board Meeting set for May 12, 2021.
Item 7: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 11:57am.
2021 January - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝
Santa Barbara Vintners – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: January 19, 2021
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Location: Zoom
In Attendance:
Stephen Janes, Katy Rogers, Callie Gleason, Riley Slack, Karen Steinwachs, Tim Snider, Tyler Thomas, Jessica Gasca
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 3:35pm.
Item 2: Discussion — New Membership Format
A benefits-based membership model was reviewed.
Proposed tiers:
• Base Tier: $1,500/year ($150/month)
• All-Inclusive Tier: $12,000/year ($1,000/month)
• A la carte upgrades available for events, PR, and marketing engagements.
Additional points:
• Execution must align with staffing capacity.
• Benefits between tiers must remain balanced.
• Board seats reserved for all-inclusive members; allocated seats available for a la carte.
• Payment plans to start annually with upfront commitment; no refunds for mid-year cancellations.
• Move to automated monthly payments, stored card billing, and online payment portal.
• Pricing justification to be supported by real value statements and case studies.
• Marketing approach to include themed content (e.g., seasonal pushes, category spotlights).
• Board involvement expected in outreach and onboarding.
• A small working group will finalize structure and collateral.
Item 3: Meeting Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 4:30pm.