CAPS Manitoba Annual General Meeting Minutes
Date: March 19, 2025
Time: 1:09 PM
Location: Fort Garry Hotel and Online (Zoom)
Attendance (Certified Sommeliers in Blue): Sylvia Jansen, Larry Chornoboy, Bonnie
Greschuk, Andre MacNeil, Germari Magahis, Kevin Shaw, Domer Rafael, Alexandra Trotter,
Sara Johnston, Christopher Sprague, Alex Allardyce, Paige Jesper, Gary Hewitt, Brittany
Monk, Sean Dolenuck, Rosanna Pancotto, Andrea Eby, Seema Pal, Kathy Boultbee (via
Zoom), Hailey Tennant (via Zoom)
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 1:09 PM by President Seema Pal, with confirmation of quorum present.
2. Land Acknowledgement
Seema acknowledged that the meeting took place on Treaty 1 territory, the ancestral land of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis.
3. Adoption of the Agenda
Motion: To adopt the agenda as presented.
Moved by: Sean
Seconded by: Christopher
Motion Carried
4. Approval of Previous AGM Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting.
Moved by: Sean
Seconded by: Christopher
Motion Carried
5. Reports of Officers
a. President’s Report
Presented by Seema. Highlights included:
- Recap of Best Sommelier of the Americas Competition 2025 (Winner: Jorge Garcia of Quebec)
- Announcement of CAPS Manitoba pins for purchase
- Updates on upcoming Master of Port Competition (likely later this summer for Certified Sommeliers only)
- Sean Dolenuck’s selection for ASI Boot Camp in Seville, Spain
Motion: To accept the President’s Report.
Moved by: Brittany
Seconded by: Andre
Motion Carried
6. Events Committee Reports
Presented by Seema. Summary of events:
- Winnipeg Wine Festival
- Rosé event (64 tickets sold)
- Cocktail Competition (400 attendees; winner: Leo Lu Win)
- Wine tastings, vertical tastings, and other educational events
- Best Sommelier of Manitoba slated for 2026 (tentative)
Motion: To accept the Provincial Committee Report.
Moved by: Sean
Seconded by: Andrea
Motion Carried
7. Membership Report
Presented by Sean Dolenuck. Membership as of meeting date:
- 18 Accredited Sommeliers
- 40 Associates
- 10 Corporate (40 members)
- 36 Students
- 16 Complimentary (via promotions/draws)
Motion: To accept the Membership Report.
Moved by: Andrea
Seconded by: Sylvia
Motion Carried
8. Education Committee Report
Presented by Andrea Eby. Summary of evaluation:
- Reviewed feasibility of implementing sommelier education programs
- Recommendation to offer ASI Level 2 Certification as the most viable and cost-effective solution
- Proposed workshops and support initiatives for candidates
Motion: To accept the Education Committee Report.
Moved by: Sean
Seconded by: Christopher and Gary
Motion Carried
9. Treasurer’s Report
Presented by Andre MacNeil. Key financial highlights:
- Total 2024 revenues: $32,250 (rounded to $50)
- Total 2024 expenditures: $33,500
- Net deficit: $1,250
- Completed review engagement with MNP; clean opinion received
- Compiled 6 years of financials, 2017 through 2022, with Proto bookkeeping
- Intention to file tax returns back to 2017
- Decision not to conduct annual audits; periodic reviews planned
Motion: To accept the Treasurer’s Report.
Moved by: Sean
Seconded by: Christopher
Motion Carried
10. National President’s Report – Domer Rafael
- Retirement as CAPS National President
- Updates on CAPS National, upcoming SOMM Week, and Cocktail Competition 2025
- Information on best sommelier events and future competition scheduling
11. New Business
None formally introduced.
12. Announcements
- Next AGM tentatively scheduled for March 2026
- Elections to be held in 2026
13. Adjournment
Motion: To adjourn the meeting.
Time: 2:17 PM
Motion Carried