Benchmark Consulting Updates Wine Industry

Benchmark Consulting Updates Wine Industry on the State of the Business and Announces Dawn Wofford as Senior Managing Partner

Benchmark Consulting, the wine industry’s leading retained search firm for more than 10 years, today announced information on the state of the business, as well as provided updates on its proven search process. Dawn Wofford, wife of Benchmark Consulting Founder and Senior Managing Partner, Patrick L. Wofford, who passed away in October 2005, has assumed the role of the search firm’s Senior Managing Partner.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061009/SFM147LOGO )

„We here at Benchmark Consulting have gone through considerable change over the past year. On the one-year anniversary of Patrick’s death, it seemed appropriate to say thank you to members of the wine industry who stood by us through this difficult time. Your support has proved invaluable,“ stated Dawn Wofford.

„While undergoing this time of change, I have had the chance to evaluate the business and the company’s service to the wine industry which Patrick created. What he believed in — the search process, knowledge of the wine business, guarantee, quality and trust — is what I believe in. Our business is as strong as ever.“

As Senior Managing Partner, Dawn Wofford leads all searches, serves as client and candidate liaison and is in charge of business development. In the past year, she began outsourcing all research & sourcing calls to make Benchmark more efficient. Since then, the average search time has been dramatically decreased from 90 days to 30-45 days. All outsourcing companies or individuals sign a confidential agreement to continue on with our belief in confidentiality above all.

Benchmark has more than 4,700 wineries and wine related companies in their database with more 8,000 wine or wine related contacts and/or potential candidates.

In the past year, and under Dawn Wofford’s leadership, Benchmark has successfully completed more than 18 high profile searches, including Lambert Bridge, Darioush Winery, Sonoma County Vintners Association, JC Cellars, Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard, Rosenblum Cellars, Chateau Montelena, Chateau Potelle Winery, Oyster Bay Winery, Ridge Vineyards, Shafer Vineyards, Sequin Moreau, Pine Ridge, Kendall Jackson Winery, Artisan & Estates, Napa Valley Vintners Association, Carneros Wine Alliance, and Oregon Wine Board.

Current clients include Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard, Mionetto USA, and Graham Beck Wines.

    ABOUT BENCHMARK CONSULTING

    PROCESS — Our process delivers a comprehensive search resulting in highly
    talented candidate choices that will advance your organization.

    KNOWLEDGE OF THE BUSINESS — No other firm has a better understanding of
    the wine business, both domestic and international. We take the time to
    understand your organization’s goals, objectives and culture.

    GUARANTEE — We stand behind our process and guarantee our work for up to
    three years.

    QUALITY — We use personality assessment tools as part of our vetting
    process.

    TRUST — As a retainer-based firm, we adhere to a strict code of ethics
    that benefits both our clients and candidates.

Benchmark Consulting is the world’s leading search firm dedicated to serving the wine community. With offices in Sonoma, California, we conduct searches domestically and internationally for clients that range from the largest winery in the world to boutique family-owned operations.

Our clients add competitive value to their organizations by retaining us to locate, attract and screen the best talent. We have the unique ability to draw strong, qualified candidates from both within the wine community and from beyond. This enables us to significantly improve our client organizations’ abilities to respond to the challenges of the marketplace.

Changing jobs or hiring a new employee is one of the most important decisions you will ever make for yourself, your family or your organization. By honestly and clearly presenting opportunities to accomplished professionals, we serve our clients’ best interests. For more information, please contact Dawn Wofford at 707-933-1500 or visit www.winecareers.com .

SOURCE Benchmark Consulting