Message from the Global Chairman

Zero Inbox; Zero Tasks.  Isn’t that everybody’s dream; to have no emails left to address; to have completed all your tasks.  Wouldn’t that be lovely?

I bring this up in the context of my term as International Chairman of IWFS, and that my term will end this Fall, when I pass the baton to IWFS Europe Africa’s John Nicholas.  Your next Chairman’s letter will come from John.  Once that transition takes place, I will have two years remaining in my term as a Council member appointed by IWFS Americas.

And so, I reminisce, which feels appropriate, because when my final term on Council ends in 2027, I will have had the privilege to serve IWFS for 25 years.  It has been just that, a privilege I will never forget, for a gift that keeps on giving.  I awaken every day, looking forward to whatever awaits me on the IWFS playing field, knowing that in a pinch, I can reach out for help, and it will always be there.

Let me briefly remind you where Council sits in the hierarchy of the IWFS universe.  IWFS Ltd. is the founding company of the society which is the foundation of our allegiance.  For the many decades before the three global areas each incorporated in 2015, it was the “straw that stirs the drink,” as cash and major decisions flowed through Council, which serves as its board of directors.  In 2015, when the three global areas incorporated into IWFS Americas, IWFS Europe Africa, and IWFS Asia Pacific, each of the three companies projected their missions with full accountability for all financial activities and membership services.  Each company was unique to its area of the world and was on its own to see fit how best to prosper.

And yet Council remains; the custodian of the most important obligation of the International Wine & Food Society, which is to nurture and promote the global nature of the society and its brand, with its potential to create lasting bonds within and amongst its members around the world.

You will know that Council is doing its job when there is a broad calendar of events available to all members; when there is dialogue amongst the leadership of the area companies; when there is structured communication to all our global members; when there is a healthy, informative website. Essentially, when there is sharing around the world, there is evolution and growth.

And yes, the three area companies are each holding up their end of the bargain.  Each of them has engaged in development of new leadership teams, which are conjuring up wonderful new programs to delight their members.  A great deal of imagination and hard work goes into creating our standard programs of monographs, festivals, lectures, and magazines.  Yet continued enhancement has taken place over the years, both within and in the spaces between them. They have created wine-tasting videos, virtual tasting programs, catering school competitions, as well as an app containing reference to all the benefits of membership. And much more. 

Think of it like a menu at our IWFS restaurant. When someone comes to enjoy a meal, they come with varying degrees of appetite and wallet size.  So, there should be something for everyone, whether it be appetizers, side dishes, entrées, desserts or cheese courses. I believe that the IWFS menu holds its own, and will continue to do so, if we continue to pour our passion and creativity into it.

Now, here I sit, with a bloated inbox, and a great many tasks yet to complete for this wonderful organization. It delights me so.

All the best,
Mike Donohoe
Global Chairman