Wine Kitz Atlantic

On June 5-7th I was privileged to attend the Wine Kitz National Franchise Conference held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. I had previously attended other Wine Kitz national conferences but this was the first national conference held since the purchase of Wine Kitz by Andrew Peller Limited.

There is no denying there are many advantages to Wine Kitz being owned by a commercial wine manufacturer. Attending a national conference in the heart of Ontario’s wine country happens to be one of the advantages. Our evening social gatherings were gala events to say the least. On several occasions, wine tastings and dinner were served at one of Andrew Peller’s local wineries. The menu was exceptional. The wine…… yes the wine… it was a free flow!

While dining one evening at one of the wineries, we had the honour of meeting John Peller, third generation owner of Andrew Peller Ltd. Getting to meet and greet with the head honcho is always an added bonus.

From a business perspective it was a well organized and well thought-out conference. Many of the presentations, workshops and other activities were interactive, providing everyone with opportunities to participate, learn and contribute to the success of the conference. Additionally, with 72 franchise stores, the conference provided a great opportunity to meet new franchise partners from across the country and to renew acquaintances with some of the more familiar faces in the crowd.

The two well selected guest speakers, Dave Laroque, a long-term winemaker with Andrew Peller Ltd, and Donald Cooper, former owner of Cooper Canada and now a renowned inspirational speaker, each brought their own expertise to the conference. In short, their presentations were both informative and insightful.

I can confidently speak for all who attended the conference that we all came away better entrepreneurs, better winemakers and better equipped to make our businesses a continued success.

In closing, I am proud to mention that Atlantic Wine Kitz stores won 5 awards. Our Moncton, Quispamsis & Fredericton locations won Director’s Club Awards for Sales Achievements. Mike Briggs, owner of our Moncton location, was awarded Franchise Partner of the Year 2011. Darren Holt, owner of our Charlottetown location, and new kid on the block, was awarded New Franchise Partner of the Year 2011. Kudos to the winners. These awards and recognition capped off a very eventful and successful national conference.