Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year Recognized for Commitment to the Beverage Industry
Bethesda, MD – June 24, 2016 – Sixteen retail beverage licensees were recognized asBrown-Forman Retailers of the Year for their success and dedication to the beverage alcohol industry at the ABL’s 14th Annual Meeting on June 13, 2016. The Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year awards recognize independent beverage business owners who engage in responsible sales and service of beverage alcohol, and who are committed to their state beverage associations. ABL congratulates all of the honored businesses and licensees for their outstanding contributions to the industry and their communities.
This year marks the 14th consecutive year that Brown-Forman, one of the world’s leading distilled spirits producers, has sponsored the awards, continuing their support of those who are the last to handle beverage products before they reach the hands of consumers.
Pictured Left-to-Right: Warren Scheidt (ABL President) | Fredric Leighton | Judy Vordenbaum | Herb Chereck | Pete Jordan | Nancy Moran | Frank Gregory Phillips II | Don Bombace | Omar Malik | Kim Lawson | Stephen Abrams | Pete Gwizdala | Jim Ruffcorn (Brown-Forman)
Not Pictured: George Knightly | Carol Casey | Ralph Kaplan | Laura Fix | Doug Hinson
“Our continued work with Brown-Forman to recognize leading beverage retailers embodies the spirit of responsibility and partnership that is a hallmark of the beverage alcohol industry,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “Independent beverage licensees, both on- and off-premise, foster a vibrant beverage marketplace while also upholding their responsibilities as licensed retailers. They understand the importance of safety and accountability when it comes to selling and serving beer, wine and spirits.”
The 2016 Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year include:
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Pete Jordan
Pete’s Package
Troy, AL
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Omar Malik The Grape Leaf Denver, CO |
George Knightly Knightly Liquors Orlando, FL |
| Herb Chereck Decatur Package Store Decatur, GA |
Pete Gwizdala Crazy Time Pub & Grub Machesney Park, IL |
Carol Casey Bar Barry Liquors Lafayette, IN |
| Kim Lawson Fishpaws Marketplace Arnold, MD |
Frank Gregory Phillips II Frank’s Den Glen Burnie, MD |
Ralph Kaplan Kappy’s Fine Wine & Spirits Everett, MA |
| Laura Fix Gold Island Casino/Island Liquor & Wine Helena, MT |
Fredric Leighton Bayway World of Liquor Elizabeth, NJ |
Don Bombace Bombace Wine & Spirits Framington, NY |
| Doug Hinson O’Darby’s Fine Wine & Spirits Rock Hill, SC |
Judy Vordenbaum Judy’s Liquor Fredericksburg, TX |
Nancy Moran Moran’s Landing Tomahawk, WI |
| Stephan Abrams The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole Jackson, WY |
American Beverage Licensees is the preeminent national trade association for beverage alcohol retailers. Direct retail beverage alcohol sales in the United States generate as many as 1.77 million well-paying jobs. ABL’s thousands of on-premise and off-premise licensee members are independent and often family-owned establishments. The beverage retailing industry pays over $19.3 billion in federal taxes and $16.9 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.