Media releases

  • Brock viticulture lecture series back for 12th year

    MEDIA RELEASE: 8 January 2019 – R00002

    The Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) Lecture Series is back for its 12th year, giving people from around the world access to Brock University’s leading grape and wine research.

    Ten speakers from across CCOVI’s network of researchers, scientists, fellows and professional affiliates are participating in this year’s series.

    Topics will span a wide range, from the latest research on grapevine hardiness to climate change in Canadian vineyards and the consumer psychology behind wine. The series will also bring in two Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers from British Columbia to share their latest findings.

    The CCOVI Lecture Series began in 2007 and has become a highly anticipated event both locally and for those tuning in remotely through livestreaming.

    “We are pleased to once again bring the latest in grape and wine research into the hands of grape growers and winemakers,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis. “Sharing knowledge and providing outreach opportunities like the lecture series is an important part of CCOVI’s mandate and is of tremendous benefit to our industry and our students.”

    The free lectures, which are open to the public, begin Monday, Jan. 14 and take place in room H313 of the Mackenzie Chown Complex at Brock University. The lectures are open to the public and typically begin at 2 p.m., aside from the opening lecture Jan. 14, which will begin at 2:30.

    The lectures can be viewed live online and can be downloaded following each event by visiting the by visiting the CCOVI Lecture Series website.

    2019 CCOVI Lecture Series

    Jan. 14: Don Cyr, Professor of Finance, Goodman School of Business, Brock University — “Who is the natural heir to Robert Parker in the en primeur wine market?”
    *Special time of 2:30 p.m.

    Jan. 21: Ronald Jackson, Wine Writer and Author — “Carbonic maceration: Modern version of a Neolithic wine?”

    Jan. 28: Jim Willwerth, CCOVI Senior Viticulturist, Brock University — “Evaluation of plant material as an adaptation strategy to climate change in Canadian vineyards.”

    Feb. 4: Andy Reynolds, Professor of Biological Sciences/Viticulture, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University — “Frozen materials other than grapes — explaining the aroma chemistry behind unwanted floral characteristics in red wines.”

    Feb. 11: Pat Bowen, Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland Research and Development Centre — “Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3: Effects on Cabernet Franc vine performance and wine quality.”

    And Carl Bogdanoff, Viticulture Biologist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland Research and Development Centre — “Varietal differences in grapevine hardiness — buds, canes and roots.”

    Feb. 25: Sudarsana Poojari, CCOVI Senior Virologist, Brock University — “Current advances in understanding grapevine virus diseases.”

    Mar. 4: TBA

    Mar. 11: Belinda Kemp, CCOVI Senior Oenologist, Brock University — “Communicating scientific research to grape growers and winemakers.”

    Mar. 18: Antonia Mantonakis, Associate Professor of Marketing, Goodman School of Business, Brock University — The consumer psychology behind wine choices.”

    For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

    * Britt Dixon, Communications Officer, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University bdixon@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x4471

    * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

    – 30 –

    Categories: Media releases

  • Goodman School of Business team defends prestigious case competition title

    MEDIA RELEASE: 7 January 2019 – R00001

    After an intense weekend of competition, one of the most sought-after trophies in Canadian business school competitions is returning to Brock University’s Goodman School of Business, marking back-to-back top titles for the School.

    The Goodman team successfully defended its School of the Year title in Guelph Sunday, Jan. 6 at the JDCC case competition. The largest undergraduate business school competition in central Canada, the event brought together more than 700 student delegates from Ontario, Québec and the Maritimes.

    JDCC, often dubbed the “business school Olympics,” is three days of exhaustive competitions encompassing academic cases in eight fields of business, parliamentary style debates, sports tournaments, social competitions and charity contributions.

    In addition to the School of the Year title, the 47-person team placed second in overall participation and third in the all-encompassing Academic Cup.

    “We’re incredibly proud of our students’ success at JDC Central,” said Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes. “To bring home the School of the Year title twice in a row is an incredible feat at this intense competition.

    Goodman last won the title in 2017. Last year’s event was cancelled due to inclement weather.

    “We prepare students to think critically as well as respond to challenges in real-time, demonstrating their confidence and competence while preparing them to enter the workplace when they graduate,” Gaudes said. “These students are excellent representatives of the Goodman School.”

    Goodman students also placed second in debate, digital strategy, business strategy, finance and the wildcard case competition. They rounded out the podium by placing third in human resources and the dodgeball sports competition.

    Although the team had no first-place finishes, it was the consistency of the results from across all areas that helped Goodman defend its title, said student co-captains Summer Gullage and Steven Simons.

    “Everybody on the team came to compete and did well. It was a true team effort,” Gullage said.

    The School of the Year award takes into consideration all aspects of the competition, including funds raised for charity and the 1,500 volunteer hours the team completed between September and December 2018.

    The team extends its thanks to their faculty advisor Lewis Stevenson, alumna Dayna Stephenson (BBA ’16) and the JDCC alumni group, Goodman Student Leadership Co-ordinator Lauren Smith and the St. Catharines Business Club for their support.

    A celebration to honour the winning team on campus will be announced soon.

    For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

    * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

     – 30 –

    Categories: Media releases