WITS LOGO 2006.JPGI thought I’d post the announcement regarding WITS

Napa, California, June 13, 2006 Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) [www.wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com] announced today that Enzo Micali, CIO of 1-800 FLOWERS.COM, will give a keynote address at the 2006 WITS Conference, slated for July 18, 2006 at the Meritage Resort, Napa, California. Mr. Micali will join Mike Adams, CIO of Glazer’s and Bob Barnes, CIO of Korbel Champagne Cellars in the opening general session. Mr. Micali leads all technology efforts that support 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, a critical component in the support of the company’s business initiatives. He was named Chief Information Officer in 2004. Prior to joining 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Mr. Micali served as Chief Technology Officer for InsLogic, a business-to-business infrastructure player supporting financial institutions and Internet portals serving the insurance industry. Prior to joining InsLogic, Mr. Micali spent approximately 12 years with Chase Manhattan Bank, where he played a key role in the technology transition during Chase’s merger with Chemical Bank. While at Chase, he also helped launch that company’s online banking capabilities and guided other consumer outreach projects. Additionally, WITS announced a number of key executives as panelists on the program. These include: Mike Adams, CIO of Glazers, Alan Thomas and Phyllis Klees of Deloitte, Greg Ralston, Managing Director of Chateau Montelana, Dan Wilkinson and Robert Signore of 1SYNC, John Gillespie of Wine Opinions, Lesley Keffer Russell, the Director of Consumer Sales & Marketing at St. Supery Vineyards & Winery, Scott Taylor, EVP GM TDLinx, Ann Dozier, VP Business Development of Coca-Cola Customer Business Solutions, Joanne Mitchell, National Accounts Systems, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Charlie Hossum of Stags Leap Wine Cellars Dr. Steve Lindow of UC Berkeley, Randy Meyer a Senior Winemaker at Korbel Champagne Cellars. Other speakers previously announced include leadership from: Constellation Brands, Diageo, Foster’s Wine Estates, J Wine Company, Sonoma State University Wine Business Program, Trinchero Family Estates and more. Registration for WITS 2006 is limited. To learn more about the Symposium and request an invitation, please visit www.wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com.

Wine Business Monthly, one of the 2006 WITS media sponsors, will focus on the information technology of the wine industry in the July issue in concert with the event. The 2006 WITS is a must attend event for anyone in a leadership position in the wine industry. It is no longer adequate to abdicate technology strategy to technologists. In today’s competitive business environment, it is critical for business leaders to play a direct and active role in the strategic choices their company makes in the technology arena. This applies to the publicly traded wine giants as well as the independent family owned winery. The best run companies in the world are doing this now and the wine industry is paying attention.” Said J. Smoke Wallin, WITS Event Co-Chair and Chairman & CEO of eSkye Solutions, Inc. the presenting sponsor. The Event is also Co-Chaired by Lesley P. Berglund who also serves as head of the Specialty Wine Retailers Association.

The WITS Technology Showcase will allow attendees to closely interact with more than 20 technology vendors and service providers, displaying available products and services to the industry. The Wine Industry Technology Symposium was created by a group of wine industry and technology professionals. WITS is dedicated to bringing the world’s leading wineries, distributors and retailers together with some of the world’s leading technology experts to foster learning and discussion. The agenda now includes four main tracks on technology and business issues. These are: Channel Sales & Marketing Direct Sales & Marketing Financial Management Operations, Production and Vineyard Management