Intriguing St. Helena Jenn ifer Phill ips was appointed City Manager in St. Helena in early August, filling a much-needed leadership position in the city. The St. Helena City Council searched far and wide to identify the right candidates, and ultimately chose Jennifer from a very strong field because of her extensive experience in various leadership roles over twenty years, including stints as Assistant City Manager in Santa Monica and most recently, as Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer for Santa Rosa. “St. Helena is my first small town,” Jennifer said. “I put a lot of time and thought into the search for my next role, and I chose St. Helena because I see it as an exciting opportunity to engage its passionate community groups and work with the Council to achieve its priorities.” A proven team builder, Jennifer has already filled several key positions and is eager to complete the staff as soon as possible. Because it’s a new team, Jennifer is looking forward to being creative together to identify the Council and community’s goals, which will then inform the core of her team’s programs. “Our top priority is delivering exceptional customer service,” she added. Jennifer and her husband, Wes, live in Santa Rosa and enjoy travel, nature and hiking. As she commutes to work each day through “this spectacular region,” she is accompanied by her Greater Swiss Mountain dog, Montreux. Jennifer Phillips City Manager, St. Helena A good barometer of a successful restaurant in the Napa Valley its loyal, local clientele. Jude Wilmoth’s Cook Restaurant in St. Helena is graced with this community support, mainly because he delivers great Northern Italian-inspired dishes prepared with fresh, high quality ingredients, served with skill in a comfortable atmosphere. Another sign is Jude’s eight consecutive Michelin “Bib Gourmand” designations (good cuisine at a reasonable price). For these reasons, Cook was named St. Helena’s “Business of the Year” by the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce for 2014. Jude celebrates Cook Restaurant’s tenth year by expanding his investment in and commitment to St. Helena with a new concept tavern in the space next door to his restaurant. Cook Tavern, opening in late 2014, will be a casual modern American gastro-pub where guests will savor small plates, artisanal cocktails and microbrews while watching the game or just hanging out. His wife, Meagan Rounds, will be operations director for both locations. “Growing up in St. Helena, I’ve always looked for that place—a comfortable hangout that’s not too fancy where people like to gather, eat and drink and have a good time watching their favorite team play,” Jude explained. “Meagan and I are very excited by the opportunity to offer something different than what we do at the restaurant.” Jude and Meagan also welcomed a new addition to their family recently, with baby Elyse joining the team. So it’s clear there is an exciting future ahead as they continue to shape St. Helena’s wonderful Main Street experience. 28 www.nAPAVA L L E Y L I F E magaz ine. c o m Bob Torres’ legacy is woven into the historic fabric of St. Helena and the Napa Valley as a member of the Trinchero and Torres families who built Trinchero Family Estates, which includes, locally, Sutter Home Winery, Napa Cellars, and Trinchero Napa Valley. Bob was brought up in the business, working in various areas to support its success and learn the nuances of making and marketing fine wine. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, Bob came to work full-time at the family winery, where he has overseen the tremendous physical growth of Sutter Home into the fifth largest winery in the U.S. As Senior Vice President of Operations, Bob’s duties include design and construction of new facilities, including the gorgeous Trinchero Napa Valley estate. A passionate advocate for sustainability and the environment, Bob was a member of the Wine Institute’s sustainable practices subcommittee for six years, and helped shape that organization’s environmental sustainability platform. He has also had key roles on influential committees and boards, including the Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Valley Grape Growers, St. Helena Chamber of Commerce, Winegrowers of Napa County, and the Boys & Girls Club of St. Helena and Calistoga. He was also recently awarded the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star award as the Innovative Executive of the year. Like the previous generation of Trincheros and Torreses, Bob is considered a local hero because of his commitment to the community, providing boundless support (both monetarily and with his time) to continue its high quality of life for families and business. “I’m fortunate to be part of a family and business that believes strongly in giving back to the community, including our employees, trade partners and other local families. Having been born and raised here, I feel that commitment deeply.” Jude Wilmoth Owner/chef Cook Restaurant and future Cook Tavern Bob Torres Trinchero Family Estates/ Sutter Home Winery St. Helena Chamber of Commerce
NVLife_JanFeb_2015
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