March 31, 2017
Friday, March 31, 2017
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Deborah Burgdorf of Haslett, Richard Lopus of Detroit, and Dustin Stabile of Boyne Falls as well as the reappointment of Richard Rinvelt of Wixom to the Grape and Wine Industry Council.
The 12-member council is housed in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The council provides research on grapes and wine and offers marketing programs for Michigan’s wine industry.
“I thank these individuals for their commitment to this board and I am confident they will contribute greatly to the continued growth of Michigan’s grape and wine industry,” Snyder said.
Appointments:
Burgdorf is the owner and head wine maker for Burgdorf’s Winery. She is a member of the Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail. Burgdorf holds a bachelor’s degree in botany, a teaching certification in biology, and a master’s degree in biology with an emphasis on Microbial Fermentation from Western Illinois University. She will represent wine makers and replaces Jeffrey Lemon.
Lopus is the vice president of sales development for Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, and has more than 35 years of experience in the wine industry. He studied business at Central Michigan University and hotel and restaurant management at Michigan State University. He will represent beer and wine wholesalers and replaces William Fox.
Stabile is the vice president and head wine maker for Mackinaw Trail Winery & Vineyard, and represents the winery in the Straits Area Grape Growers Association. Stabile attended Michigan State University. He will represent wine makers and replaces Martin Lagina.
Reappointment:
Rinvelt retired from his position with Anheuser Busch Inc. in 2004, having spent his entire career in the food distribution industry. He currently manages family investments and has a small oil and gas business. Rinvelt is a United States Army Veteran and holds a bachelor’s degree in food distribution from Western Michigan University. He will represent the general public.
Members will serve three-year terms expiring Feb. 1, 2020. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
###
