Senate Resolution No. 618

BY: Senator MAYER

HONORING Adam, Sybil, Erika, and Jacqueline Strum
of Wine Enthusiast Companies upon the occasion of
their designation for special recognition by UJA
Westchester at its Business and Professional
Division Annual Spring Dinner

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals and organizations it wishes to
recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of
society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the
basic humanity among us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Adam, Sybil,
Erika, and Jacqueline Strum of Wine Enthusiast Companies upon the
occasion of their designation for special recognition by UJA Westchester
at its Business and Professional Division Annual Spring Dinner, to be
celebrated at Brae Burn Country Club on Tuesday, April 29, 2025; and

WHEREAS, UJA Westchester operates as part of the UJA-Federation of
New York, which is dedicated to caring for Jews everywhere and New
Yorkers of all backgrounds, responding to crises both locally and
globally, and shaping the Jewish future; in Westchester County, UJA
supports a network of nonprofits that play significant roles in the
Jewish community and the broader social service landscape; and

WHEREAS, By funding and collaborating with such nonprofit
organizations, UJA Westchester works to strengthen Jewish life, provide
essential services to those in need, and foster a vibrant, inclusive
community within Westchester County; and

WHEREAS, Adam Strum, together with his wife, Sybil, demonstrated
remarkable innovation and entrepreneurial spirit by founding Wine
Enthusiast Companies in 1979, inspired by the simple yet impactful idea
of marketing a corkscrew through direct mail, which led to the
successful launch of the Wine Enthusiast mail-order catalog; and

WHEREAS, Adam and Sybil Strum's dedication to the wine industry and
commitment to excellence led to the establishment of the "Wine
Enthusiast" magazine in 1988, which has since evolved into an
award-winning print publication and comprehensive online resource,
providing essential information, insightful wine news, emerging food
trends, and over 25,000 expert ratings and reviews annually; and

WHEREAS, Sybil Strum, a trailblazing entrepreneur and dedicated
philanthropist, has served as Chief Brand Officer since co-founding Wine
Enthusiast Companies, guiding the company's vision while also leading
its charitable arm, the Wine Enthusiast Foundation, which supports vital
causes including health, the environment, gender equality, the arts, and
crisis relief for the wine and food industries; and

WHEREAS, Sybil Strum's unwavering commitment to community
empowerment and leadership is demonstrated through her long-standing
membership of over 15 years in the Committee of 200, her involvement

with The Women's Forum of New York, and her role as a founding member of
the Jacob Burns Film Center, where she advocates for underserved
children to explore the power of visual storytelling through educational
classes and community sponsorships, reflecting her passion for both
social impact and artistic expression; and

WHEREAS, Erika Strum Silberstein, a dynamic and innovative leader,
serves as president of the Commerce division at Wine Enthusiast
Companies, a Certified B Corporation founded by her parents in 1979,
where she has dedicated 16 years to driving revenue growth and fostering
positive change through a customer-centric approach rooted in empathy
and data-driven strategies, including expertise in Search Engine
Optimization, email marketing, user experience, and social media; and

WHEREAS, Further, Erika Strum Silberstein exemplifies a commitment
to community and social responsibility by volunteering through UJA
women-in-business functions and food drives, and supporting impactful
local initiatives alongside the Wine Enthusiast team, such as Feeding
Westchester and the SPCA of Westchester; with her passion for both
professional and personal growth, this committed honoree holds a Master
of Business Administration degree from New York University Stern, a WSET
Level 3 wine certification, and maintains a strong connection to her
faith by keeping a kosher home while raising her children, who attend
SAR Academy in Riverdale; and

WHEREAS, Jacqueline Strum, a visionary leader and accomplished
entrepreneur, serves as president of the Media division at Wine
Enthusiast Companies, where she has made significant contributions by
managing corporate public relations strategy and revitalizing consumer
and industry events, including the premier Wine Star Awards gala, an
annual event that selects a charity partner to receive a portion of net
proceeds, demonstrating her commitment to philanthropy and community
impact; and

WHEREAS, Jacqueline Strum's dedication to innovation and growth is
evidenced by her experience outside the family business, where she
gained valuable expertise in publishing and digital media before
returning to found ThirstyNest, the first registry of wine and spirits
tailored for the modern couple, and subsequently taking on the role of
associate publisher of Wine Enthusiast Media, where she spearheaded
digital product development, multi-channel media initiatives, and the
label sales division while fostering a dynamic and inclusive team
culture; and

WHEREAS, This family of dedicated individuals who hold the shared
values of community service, philanthropy, and excellence in business
and career endeavors, has justly earned the recognition of this great
State and UJA Westchester, meriting endless wishes of success for all
their future endeavors; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Adam, Sybil, Erika, and Jacqueline Strum of Wine Enthusiast
Companies upon the occasion of their designation for special recognition

by UJA Westchester at its Business and Professional Division Annual
Spring Dinner; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Adam, Sybil, Erika, and Jacqueline Strum.