Richard (Rich) Smith of Paraiso Vineyards and Smith Family Wines in California's Monterey wine region was first and foremost a family man, and also a successful grape grower and winery owner, and respected colleague. Through his significant and selfless contributions of time, energy and funds to organizations that advance the American grape and wine industry, he came to be known as a highly effective, collegial and tireless leader.

Three of those organizations--the National Grape Research Alliance (NGRA), WineAmerica and Winegrape Growers of America (WGA)--collaborated to create the Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award to honor his spirit and legacy. It recognizes people who demonstrate similar qualities and make a similarly positive impact on the industry.

Criteria
Nominees for the Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award must exemplify leadership qualities on par with those that set Rich apart:

- Fostering an atmosphere of collaboration
- Nurturing a community of grape and grape product experts
- Addressing widespread issues or problems
- Working in harmony, addressing issues which unite us
- Promoting a change in culture to encourage industry-driven priorities
- Working as a change agent: creating systematic, positive change through production, research, public policy, consumer awareness and/or volunteerism
- Displaying leadership in the grape and grape products industry
- Serving as a spokesperson for grapes and/or grape products
- Demonstrating support of diversity and community

Eligibility
To be eligible, nominees must satisfy the following criteria:

- Geography: This award may be presented to any person (including foreign nationals) living and working in the U.S. whose contributions have benefited the American grape and grape products industries.
- Membership Status: The recipient may be, but need not be, a current or former member of any of the three sponsoring organizations: WineAmerica, WGA or NGWI.

Process
Using the form below, please provide a summary of the nominee's background and information about his or her business related to the U.S. grape and wine industry, involvement in various organizations or causes, and accomplishments that have benefited the industry. Please be sure to provide examples of how the nominee's professional career and/or character reflects the criteria outlined above.

Timeline
Nominations are due by October 26, 2018. The Smith Family will present the award at the WGA Leadership Luncheon at the Unified Symposium on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, in Sacramento, CA.

Past Winners 
John Martini
Pete Downs

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* 1. Name of Nominee:

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* 2. Nominee's Business/Organization:

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* 3. Nominee's Business Address & Phone:

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* 4. Nominee's Email Address:

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* 5. Nomination summary, including examples of how/why nominee exemplifies Rich Smith's collaborative spirit:

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* 6. Your Name:

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* 7. Your Business/Organization Name:

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* 8. Your Phone Number:

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* 9. Your Email:

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