Warren Scheidt of Cork Liquors in Columbus, Indiana Elected ABL President
Bethesda, MD –– June 29, 2015 –– At its meeting this June, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Board of Directors elected Warren Scheidt, owner and operator of 12 Cork Liquors stores in and around Columbus, Indiana, as the 7th President of ABL. Scheidt, who will serve a two-year term, will lead the association as it continues to advocate for independent beer, wine and spirits retailers, and strengthen the collective voice of bar, tavern and package store owners.
Other officers elected to two-year terms on the ABL Executive Committee include:
– Vice President J.J. Moran, Jr. of Four Winds Liquor & Lounge in Cheyenne, Wyoming
– Vice President Bob Sprenger of Bubba’s in Marion, Wisconsin
– At-Large Representative Paul Santelle of Garden State Discount Liquors in Perth Amboy, New Jersey
The Board of Directors also appointed Raymond Cox of Elite Beverages in Indianapolis, IN to fill the Treasurer position vacated upon Scheidt’s election.
“Warren is one of our most engaged and passionate Board members whose years of experience in this industry will be an invaluable asset to ABL,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “His integrity and commitment to defending the hardworking men and women of the retail tier of the beverage industry means he is well-suited for the tasks ahead. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to grow ABL’s reach and voice.”
Scheidt has been a member of the ABL Board of Directors since 2006, serving as At-Large representative, Vice President and Treasurer. He has also served as chairman of the Communications and Finance Committees of the ABL Board, and was recognized by his peers as a Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year.
Scheidt, who formerly worked for the USDA and was a law enforcement officer, now operates 12 Cork Liquors stores in south central Indiana providing one of the most extensive selections of beer, wine, spirits, and cigars in the state. A past-President of the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers and true family businessman, his son Travis and daughter Allison now work alongside him, handling day-to-day operations of the three-generation family business which was started in 1982 as a single store by Scheidt’s parents.
“I am honored and excited to serve as President of American Beverage Licensees,” said Scheidt. “I look forward to working with the ABL Board and staff to expand ABL’s impact, increase its role as a conduit for state-to-state association networking and leading our experienced executive committee to best serve our members’ needs now and in the future.”
In addition to the newly-elected officers, ongoing ABL Executive Committee members for 2015/2016 include:
– Vice President Victor Pittman of Silver Leaf Wines & Spirits in Ridgeland, Mississippi
– Vice President Terry Harvath of The Wishing Well Bar & Grill in Appleton, Wisconsin
– At-Large Representative Steve Morris of Jorgenson’s Restaurant & Lounge in Helena, Montana
– Immediate Past-President, Harry Klock of Stockman Bar in Harlowton, Montana
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