The Prepared Employer: Salary Report, Employment Laws, and Vineyard Steward Resources
In an era of rapid change, employers are facing significant workforce-related challenges pertaining to management, compliance, and sustainability. This seminar will delve into the latest benchmarking data and trends from the Oregon Wine Labor & Salary Survey. It will also explore how upcoming changes to employment laws are reshaping vineyard operations and employment practices, with practical strategies for creating legally compliant and innovative employment contracts. And, as agriculture companies anticipate the impact of new federal policies on their workforce, make sure you have the knowledge and tools to support the people who are critical to your business. Whether you’re a vineyard or winery owner, HR director, or industry professional, this session will provide the strategic insights and practical tools needed to prepare your workplace for what’s to come.
View the Session Recording
Speaker Bios
Jeff Peterson, Consultant / Educator, Vinum Docet LLC
Jeff D. Peterson is President of Vinum Docet, LLC, which focuses on data collection and wine education in the wine industy. He has collected data for the Oregon Wine Labor Survey for the Oregon Wine Board since 2017. As a former professor, he also served the Oregon wine industry by spearheading the creation of the Oregon Wine History Project and the Wine Studies Major at Linfield University.
Christie Totten, Attorney, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Christie Totten is a litigator and employment advice attorney with Davis Wright Tremaine. She represents many clients in the Oregon wine industry, providing advice on Oregon and federal law, employment contracts, severance agreements, farm labor contractor arrangements, pay equity, workplace policies, investigations, wage and hour issues, leaves of absence, terminations, and the full spectrum of employment situations. In her litigation practice, Christie defends clients in state and federal courts, including on claims of wrongful termination, retaliation, and disputes over trade secret and non-solicitation matters. Christie has been with the firm for 16 years and serves as the hiring committee chair for the Portland office. She lives in SW Portland with her family, who share a love of road trips and travel.
Jessica Maravilla, Policy Director, ACLU Oregon
Mike McNally (moderator), Owner, Fairsing Vineyard
Mike and Mary Ann developed and operate Fairsing Vineyard near Yamhill Oregon. Fairsing Vineyard’s character focuses on heritage, sustainability, and smile. The Irish term fairsing translates to “bountiful.” Mike is a Founding Director of the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation, serves on the Children’s Institute Advisory Board, and is a Director and Treasurer of the Yamhill-Carlton Winegrowers Association. He has served as a Director and Chair of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. Mike was an executive in the energy industry from 1981 to 2004. He has a BS degree in Applied Mathematics and Business from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and BA and MA degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Southern Methodist University.
