1/17/2012 - Rohnert Park, CA--Sonoma State University (SSU) and the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) announced today its partnership in bringing the university's Executive Masters of Business Administration program (EMBA) to the Napa Valley to help wine professionals in the region meet their advanced educational goals in winery management.
SSU is now accepting applications for this program to be held in Napa Valley's town of St. Helena at the association's headquarters. The program provides students with an accredited MBA degree in 17 months, beginning April 12-14, 2012 with an orientation weekend. The executive format is alternating Fridays and Saturdays, from 8am - 5pm, where students attend year-round except for a harvest break from September 1 to November 8, 2012. Courses end on Aug 31, 2013. This is a cohort program with small- and large-group dynamics.
What makes this unique is the emphasis on wine industry issues. Courses include strategic brand management, global wine operations, using social media as a strategic tool in marketing throughout the distribution chain, compliance and government relations, financial statement analysis, talent management, and much more. There is an off-site experience where the attendees travel to San Diego for a team sailing exercise as a metaphor for business operations and leadership. There is also an international travel and business experience associated with the global operations course. Books, materials, travel, and other needs are all included in the program fees. The culminating experience is a strategic plan for a new or existing business, which provides budding wine entrepreneurs a way to have their ideas mentored, shaped, and potentially funded.
Those with at least five years of professional experience are encouraged to apply. Applications and other information can be found at www.sonoma.edu/emba. Please contact Program Director, Robert Eyler at 707-664-4256 or emba@sonoma.edu.
About the NVV
The Napa Valley Vintners is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. From seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents more than 420 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about our region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com
Contact: Terry Hall, Communications Director 707-968-4217 thall@napavintners.com
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