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Speakers & Sponsors for 2017 ABL Annual Meeting to Provide Legislative and Market Analysis

Posted on by abladmin

January 27, 2017 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced additional speakers and sponsors for the 2017 ABL Annual Meeting, to be held March 26-28 at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.  More announcements are expected in the coming weeks that will build on a program that is already rich with unique perspectives on some of the most important issues facing beverage licensees.

“We are excited to bring our members and meeting attendees together with leaders from across the three-tier system to legislative issues, business ideas and market trends that affect their bars, taverns and package stores,” noted ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich.  “Our goal is for meeting attendees to leave the meeting with more information about their industry that will help them and their businesses.”

Speakers for the 2017 ABL Annual Meeting include:

Vivien Azer | Managing Director & Senior Research Analyst | Cowen & Company

Vivien Azer serves as Managing Director & Senior Research Analyst for Cowen & Company. Specializing in the beverage, tobacco and cannabis sections, Azer is the first senior Wall Street analyst to cover the emerging cannabis sector, resulting in notable press coverage across periodicals such as Barron’s and Forbes. Her coverage of the tobacco sector earned her a spot on Institutional Investor’s All-America Research Team on several occasions. Prior to joining Cowen & Company in 2014, she spent over nine years at Citi covering consumer staples.

Danny Brager | Senior Vice President – Beverage Alcohol Practice | The Nielsen Company

Danny Brager serves as Senior Vice President – Beverage Alcohol Practice for Nielsen, where he supports relationships for the company’s many clients in the beer, wine and spirits industries, as well as with key industry groups and the media. With over 15 years of experience in this role, Brager and his team provides business information, analysis and insights focused on the U.S. retail environment and consumer, as well as supports the differentiated needs of the Beverage Alcohol client base within Nielsen products/services portfolio.

Craig Purser | President & CEO | National Beer Wholesalers Association

Craig Purser is President & CEO of NBWA, where he serves as a leading advocate for America’s 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributors. In this role, Purser is responsible for the strategic development and tactical execution of the association’s mission in the areas of government, public, industry and political affairs. He has led the charge to strengthen the three-tier system of beer distribution and state-based alcohol regulation.

Steve Schmidt | Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Communications | National Alcohol Beverage Control Association

Steve Schmidt serves as Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Communications for NABCA, where he oversees the research and development of policy, best practices, and communication strategies to assist states in managing alcohol control and regulatory systems to prevent alcohol-related harm. Prior to joining NABCA, Schmidt spent 12 years serving as the Director – Bureau of Alcohol Education for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Craig Wolf | President & CEO | Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America

Craig Wolf is President & CEO of WSWA, where for 11 years he has helmed the association and serves as the voice of the wholesale wine and spirits industry, advocating for wholesalers’ interests with state and federal elected officials, the media, regulators and the law enforcement community.  He is also responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the association, whose 375 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia distribute more than 80 percent of all wines and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.

ABL is also excited to announce hospitality sponsors for the 2017 Annual Meeting. These companies and organizations include:

Brown-Forman

Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, Brown-Forman is one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies and among the top 10 largest global spirits companies, to sells its brands in countries around the world.  With more than 25 brands in its portfolio of wine and spirits, including such recognizable labels as Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, Finlandia, Korbel and Sonoma-Cutrer, Brown-Forman employs more than 4,600 people worldwide with 1,300 located in Louisville, Kentucky.

MillerCoors

MillerCoors, the second-largest beer company in the U.S., is responsible for nearly 30% of beer sales in the country annually. A wholly owned subsidiary of Molson Coors, MillerCoors produces Miller Lite, Miller High Life, Miller Genuine Draft, Coors, Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Leinenkugel’s, Crispin Hard Cider Company, Saint Archer Brewing Company, Hop Valley Brewing Company, Hamms and Blue Moon.

National Association of Beverage Importers

Representing the interests of beer, wine and spirits importers at the state and federal levels, NABI is a national trade association whose mission is to help its importer members operate their businesses more efficiently and profitably by providing timely information, aggressive representation, and thoughtful advice on technical and political matters. NABI works on matters such as excise taxes; warning labels; responsible consumption policy and other health and safety issues; and in gaining access to foreign markets.

The Presidents’ Forum of the Distilled Spirits Industry

The Presidents’ Forum is a group of leading companies with common interests in manufacturing, importing, and marketing distilled spirits products in the United States and around the world. The member companies represent about 55% of all distilled spirits sales in the United States.  The Presidents’ Forum brings its member companies together to share collective experiences and capabilities to address common issues; provides self-policing guidelines for appropriate and responsible advertising and promotion of spirits products; and works and coordinates with other beverage alcohol trade associations to ensure our perspective is heard across the industry.

ABL will also honor Tito Beveridge, Founder & Owner of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, as the 2017 ABL Top Shelf Award honoree. The ABL Top Shelf Award, the highest honor presented by America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers, recognizes those who have demonstrated professional excellence in the beverage alcohol industry and have had a positive influence in their community. The award will be presented at the ABL Honors Gala on March 27.

Registration for the annual meeting is currently available online for $299, and includes access to all ABL events and a complimentary 2-Day Expo Hall pass to the Nightclub & Bar Trade Show 2017. This pass will provide attendees with access to the expo hall on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 28-29, which will feature over 600 exhibitors presenting spirits, beer, wine and numerous other products for beverage businesses.

Click here to view 2017 ABL Annual Meeting schedule of events. For more information on ABL or the annual meeting, please visit www.ablusa.org.

 

View PDF Version of Press Release

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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 1.94 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 $25.3 billion in federal taxes and $18.36 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.

 

ABL Launches Redesigned Website

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January 19, 2017 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL), the preeminent national trade association representing America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers, unveiled today its newly redesigned website, www.ablusa.org. Recognizing the continued shift to mobile devices for accessing information, the new site is fully mobilized and offers quick and easy access to a wide range of information – including the latest legislative updates, industry news and events – as well as an updated members-only section.

“With the ever-increasing shift to mobile platforms, we are excited about rolling out the revamped, fully mobilized ABL website to our members, industry partners, and the public at-large,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “The site’s improved user interface, layout and design will enable visitors to easily navigate the site and find the information they’re looking for – whether doing so from their desktop, tablet or smartphone.”

The redesigned website has a clean and uncluttered design, improved mobile functionality and enhanced content focused on ABL’s three-tiered mission to:

Initiate, promote, and support laws, regulations and rules that preserve and protect the right of responsible on and off premise retailers of beverage alcohol to operate legitimate and lawful businesses without burdensome intrusion;

Encourage and promote closer relations among all entities engaged in the responsible sale of beverage alcohol through effective communications, innovative services, and education and training opportunities; and

Educate the public to a higher level of awareness regarding the scope of the licensed beverage alcohol industry.

For more information on ABL and to view the redesigned website, please visit www.ablusa.org.

 

View PDF Version of Press Release

*****

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 1.94 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 $25.3 billion in federal taxes and $18.36 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.

American Beverage Licensees Celebrates Package Liquor Store Month This November

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7th Annual Celebration Recognizes the Role Independent Off-Premise Retailers Have in Job Creation, Product Accessibility and Responsible Policies

BETHESDA, MD – October 31, 2016 – This November, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) and licensed beverage alcohol retailers nationwide will join together to celebrate the 7th Annual Package Liquor Store Month.

This November, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) and licensed beverage alcohol retailers nationwide will join together to celebrate the 7th Annual Package Liquor Store Month.

During the month of November, which kicks off the busy holiday sales season for package stores, ABL is encouraging everyone to recognize the important and vital role that these small businesses play within their local communities. This month-long celebration highlights the hard work, accomplishments and contributions of independent package liquor store owners from across the United States.

By investing in off-premise beverage licenses, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, package liquor stores owners are “buying-in” to their states’ three-tier alcohol systems; agreeing to operate under licensing rules implemented by public officials; and committing to the responsible sale of beverage alcohol.

Package store owners are leading by example when it comes to ensuring the proper sale of age-restricted products through specialized staff training; new product education and tastings; and by ensuring they remain accountable to industry regulators, while also helping to develop and shape industry-wide regulations and policies.

Across the country, off-premise beverage alcohol retailers also play an important and dynamic role within the greater economy – both at the state and federal levels – with an overall economic impact of $87.9 billion last year.  These retailers further account for more than 531,000 jobs and $33.12 billion in wages and benefits (averaging $39,800 annually) – along with $6.22 billion in state taxes and $7.76 billion in federal taxes.

“Local, independently owned and operated off-premise retailers serve and invest in their communities,” said ABL President Warren Scheidt, the owner of 12 package liquor stores in central Indiana.  “They are much more than just sellers of beer, wine and spirits – they also sponsor youth athletics organizations, support various civic endeavors, and tend to be on the frontlines of their communities after natural disasters and in other times of need.”

Some of the last independently-owned businesses on “Main Street,” beverage alcohol retailers also serve as the face of the industry within the framework of the three-tier system.  These stores are where beverage brands are built and sustained by providing consumers with an education about beer, wine and spirits from trusted experts.  This includes knowing where and how items are produced, as well as how best to enjoy and share them responsibly with friends and family.

“As consumers continue to embrace new products and enjoy established brands, independent package store owners create a marketplace that benefits the entire beverage alcohol industry and the millions of consumers that enjoy its products,” said John Bodnovich, ABL Executive Director.  “Superior choice, great value and commitment to first-class customer service make for better informed and more responsible consumers of beverage alcohol.”

This November, ABL encourages you to show your support for Package Liquor Store Month by posting a picture of your favorite package liquor store to Facebook and/or Twitter using the hashtag #PLSMonth. You can also download and share a number of promotional materials from our website by clicking here.

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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 1.94 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 $25.3 billion in federal taxes and $18.36 billion in state and local taxes.  To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.     

American Beverage Licensees Announces Dates for 15th Annual Meeting

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Bethesda, MD – October 4, 2016 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that it will return to Las Vegas, NV for the 2017 ABL Annual Meeting, taking place March 26-28, 2017. The March annual meeting will be held at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, and will include informational sessions, product demonstrations, and various networking opportunities for meeting attendees.

The 2017 annual meeting will mark ABL’s 15th anniversary and bring together beer, wine and spirits retailers from across the country – as well as representatives from the three tiers of the beverage alcohol industry.

“ABL is extremely excited to return to Las Vegas for our 15th Annual Meeting,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “The last time ABL was in Las Vegas was in 2012 for our 10th Annual Meeting, so it is only fitting that we return to the Entertainment Capital of the World to celebrate our 15th anniversary.”

Additional information – including registration and room rates, presenters, schedules, and social events – will be announced in the coming months. For the latest annual meeting updates and information, be sure to visit the ABL website. You can also get the latest updates by following the #ABL2017 hashtag on Facebook and Twitter.

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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.

 

Brewers Unite With Governments, NGOs, Employees and Retailers Worldwide to Promote Responsible Drinking

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gbrd_final-logo

Global Beer Responsibility Day Expands Efforts That Promote Responsible Consumption in 76 Countries

On September 16, brewers, governments, NGOs and retailers in 76 countries around the world will partner on the second annual Global Beer Responsibility Day (GBRD), a worldwide effort to promote the responsible consumption of beer.

Initiated by Anheuser-Busch InBev, Carlsberg and HEINEKEN, together with local brewers and beer associations, Global Beer Responsibility Day 2016 aims to build upon the success and momentum of year one by engaging tens of thousands of brewer employees, more than a hundred governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and half a million retail accounts to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. In addition, brewers, retailers and their partners will aim to directly engage more than 700,000 consumers and reach more than 200,000,000 consumers with responsible drinking messages and activations.

The collaboration, which involves activities to combat drink driving and underage consumption, bartender and server trainings and consumer education, helps to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal to treat and prevent the harmful use of alcohol.

“As brewers, we are not only committed to brewing quality beers, but also to ensuring those beers are enjoyed responsibly. We’re excited to join together as an industry again this year to make an even greater impact on reducing the harmful use of alcohol,” said Carlos Brito, Chief Executive Officer at Anheuser-Busch InBev.

“Global Beer Responsibility Day is a way for us to collectively highlight the importance of responsible drinking, and it complements the activities we and partners do throughout the year to encourage moderation and fight harmful consumption. We are pleased to see more and more countries and partners coming on board, as we can only address this important societal issue if we collaborate,” said Cees ‘t Hart, Chief Executive Officer at Carlsberg.

Among the many efforts taking place across the globe, Anheuser-Busch InBev and HEINEKEN, along with other local brewers through the Mexican Beer Chamber, are partnering with municipal and state authorities from 32 federal entities to communicate a single responsible consumption message to retailers and consumers across Mexico. In Russia, Carlsberg and more than 2,000 employees from the members of the Russian Beer Union – including AB InBev, EFES and HEINEKEN – are promoting responsible sales practices to retailers across the country.

“Attitudes towards responsible consumption are changing. Increasingly we see millennials embracing drinking in moderation to get more from their experiences. This is an opportunity that the industry must capitalize on by working together. By championing responsible choices through our marketing and reinforcing our education programs with stakeholders, we can positively influence behaviour,” said Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chief Executive Officer at HEINEKEN.

“Global Beer Responsibility Day embodies the notion that we are stronger together,” said Simon Spillane, Chairman of the Worldwide Brewing Alliance. “United through local brewers associations across the world, brewers large and small are working together with NGOs and government partners to support and roll out innovative, effective campaigns that both promote responsible beer consumption and support the fight against alcohol misuse.”

For more information on how brewers are helping encourage moderate consumption and reduce the harmful use of alcohol, visit the Worldwide Brewing Alliance website at: http://gsri.worldwidebrewingalliance.org/php/home.php

 

About Global Beer Responsibility Day

Global Beer Responsibility Day is an annual industry-wide initiative that brings together brewing companies, big and small, and beer associations, to highlight and reinforce the responsibility efforts conducted and supported by brewers in partnership with wholesalers, retailers, government and law enforcement officials, NGOs and others. Established in 2015 on the initiative of Anheuser-Busch InBev, Carlsberg and HEINEKEN, Global Beer Responsibility Day is an occasion for brewers, together with many local partners and stakeholders, to launch and showcase a variety of both new and ongoing programs aimed at reducing the harmful use of alcohol, including drink driving and underage drinking. The initiatives include server and seller training, ID-checking programs and consumer education efforts, among others.

 

Contacts:

Anheuser-Busch InBev:

Jessica Adkins, +1-212-573-9288

Jessica.adkins@ab-inbev.com

 

or

 

Carlsberg:

Wouter de Groot, +45 3327 2144

Wouter.JoostdeGroot@carlsberg.com

 

or

 

HEINEKEN:

Holly Bostock, +31 (0)20 5239228

holly.bostock@heineken.com

America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers Create 1.94 Million Jobs and $295 Billion in Economic Impact

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BETHESDA, MD – August 17, 2016 – A new economic impact report released today details the positive effect that America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers have on local, state and national economies, creating 1.94 million jobs and generating more than $295 billion in economic impact.

Released by American Beverage Licensees (ABL), which represents beverage alcohol retailers across the country, the 2016 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers provides an in-depth look at the role that beverage licensees play in the U.S. economy.

“Beverage licensees serve their communities every day by providing good-paying jos and stimulating their local, state and national economies,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich.  “Retail hospitality businesses are economic drivers that, along with their partners in the three-tier beverage alcohol system, make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans.”

The biennial study – which updates the 2014 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers and was conducted by economic research firm John Dunham & Associates – shows that since 2014 tax revenues contributed and jobs supported by beverage licensees have increased significantly.  The results reflect a growing retail hospitality industry and beverage alcohol marketplace that continues to thrive, meeting consumer needs and showcasing an unprecedented variety of beer, wine and spirits products.

“Beverage licensees and their businesses – be it on-premise or off-premise establishments– play a dynamic role in the larger economic portrait of this country,” noted John Dunham, President of John Dunham & Associates, which conducted the economic research.  “As reflected in the report, these businesses generate billions in tax revenues at the local, state and federal levels, and create millions of jobs throughout the larger economy.”

Key findings of the 2016 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers include:

  • $295.4 Billion – Total economic activity the beverage alcohol retail industry is responsible for annually
  • $25.3 Billion – Federal taxes paid by the beverage alcohol retail industry last year*
  • 1.94 Million – Number of jobs direct retail alcohol sales account for in the U.S.
  • 4.27 Million – Number of additional jobs supported by the beverage alcohol retail industry in the U.S.
*Figure includes on- and off-premise retailer, supplier and induced taxes.

The 2016 report provides a detailed picture of the impact of licensed establishments.  The study identifies the economic scope of direct retail alcohol sales, as well as the impact of on-premise, full-service restaurants and drinking places – which, in addition to beverage alcohol, often sell other products.

An Advocacy Tool for ABL Members

ABL members can access the 2016 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers through an interactive portal on the ABL website (www.ablusa.org).  They can download data and generate tailored reports broken out at the national, state, Congressional district and state legislative district levels.  This provides ABL members with the ability to quantify the significant contributions they make to their communities when it comes to jobs, taxes and economic impact.  To access the study, members can contact the ABL office.

“ABL supports its state affiliates and their efforts to promote policies that will allow their members to compete on a level playing field and continue to run successful beverage businesses,” said Bodnovich.  “The information in the economic impact study is a powerful tool for demonstrating the importance of these businesses.”

  • Click here for the summary infographic of the economic impact study (PDF).
  • Click here to view the 2016 national economic output data for on- and off-premise retail beverage alcohol sales (PDF).

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American Beverage Licensees Executive Director John Bodnovich Statement on the DOJ Reaffirmation of Consent Decrees Governing ASCAP and BMI

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BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Executive Director John Bodnovich issued the following statement regarding the Department of Justice Antitrust Division’s review of proposed modifications to antitrust consent decrees governing performing rights organizations ASCAP and BMI.

“Beverage licensees are pleased that the Department of Justice (DOJ), following an exhaustive multi-year review, has arrived at a commonsense conclusion to keep in place the consent decrees that are designed to prevent additional antitrust violations by ASCAP and BMI. It is clear that DOJ has given this issue the utmost consideration and ABL thanks the DOJ staff for their hard work and attention to this important matter.

“ABL also welcomes DOJ’s confirmation of ‘full-work’ licensing, which means that the blanket licenses offered by Performing Rights Organization’s (PRO’s) provide licensees with the right to use all the works in that PRO’s repertoire without risk of copyright infringement.  This reaffirms what licensees have long understood based on the contracts they have entered into with ASCAP and BMI.

“The DOJ review will help beverage licensees better understand how the music marketplace is supposed to work.  Tens of thousands of bars, taverns and other hospitality businesses seek to make informed business decisions about music licensing, just as they do in all other aspects of their business.  They know that fairness and transparency will lead to a music ecosystem that benefits consumers, venues and artists.”

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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.

ABL Announces New Affiliate Member

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Delaware Small Business Leadership Council Becomes Newest ABL State Affiliate Member

Bethesda, MD – July 22, 2016 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) welcomes the recently-formed Delaware Small Business Leadership Council (DSBLC) as the newest state affiliate member.

Bringing its growing membership roster to the national association, Delaware’s beverage licensees now join in the efforts of promoting and supporting the retail tier of the beverage alcohol industry in Washington, DC, just as ABL and its members will lend their collective strength to beverage retailers in the nation’s first state.

“We have had legislation brought up over the years that has been passed without the knowledge or support of the retail community,” said DSBLC President Bob Kreston of Kreston’s Wine & Spirits.  “So this past year we established the DSBLC to establish a voice of the retailers during these sessions.”

When asked what drew the DSBLC to ABL, Kreston noted, “I felt it was equally important for the group to be involved nationally as well, and we appreciate the help and support that ABL can offer to our organization to keep us better informed on issues that affect our members.”

By joining ABL, DSBLC becomes the latest organization recognized as an ABL state affiliate, growing ABL’s member ranks to 33 associations from 29 states. ABL now represents beverage alcohol retail associations in six of eight states in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country, including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

“DSBLC was formed to preserve the rights of beverage business owners in Delaware and ensure fair regulation for beverage licensees,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We are thrilled to add their perspective and clout to our national association and as we work on issues that affect beverage licensees in all fifty states.”

“As DSBLC works to bring the voice of beverage retailers to the leaders in Wilmington, they will now have a voice to represent them in Washington, DC.”

 

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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.

 

ABL Honors 16 Beverage Retailers at Annual Meeting

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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.

2016 ROTY Winners Cropped

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:

Pete Jordan
Pete’s Package
Troy, AL
 
 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
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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.

American Beverage Licensees Annual Meeting Offers Industry Insights & Retailer Recognition

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Beverage Retailers Bring Together Industry in Denver, CO

Members of American Beverage Licensees (ABL) and colleagues from the hospitality industry gathered in the Mile-High City June 12-14 to share ideas, connect with peers, and learn more about the issues facing their businesses at ABL’s 14th Annual Meeting. Attendees heard from speakers who covered a wide array of topics including music licensing, craft beer, recreational marijuana regulation, and federal and state alcohol policies.

During the three-day event, attendees heard from general session speakers including Ron Kammerzell (Senior Director, Marijuana Enforcement Division – Colorado Department of Revenue), Bart Watson (Chief Economist – Brewers Association), Harry Schumacher (Owner/Publisher – Schumacher Publishing Company) and Megan Metcalf (President – Schumacher Publishing Company). ABL President Warren Scheidt welcomed ABL members to Denver, while ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich briefed attendees on federal policy issues facing retailers, as well as a number of local issues that are shared by retailers from state-to-state.

In a program titled “Music Licensing & Your Business”, Jessica Frost (Executive Director, Industry Relations & Licensing – BMI), and John Johnson (Senior Vice President – ASCAP) discussed the perspectives and business approaches of their respective companies and answered attendees’ questions on music licensing.

With an eye toward a local issue that has gained national industry attention, Jeanne McEvoy (President/CEO – Colorado Licensed Beverage Association) and Mat Dinsmore (General Manager – Wilbur’s Total Beverage in Fort Collins, CO) discussed the Keep Colorado Local movement and its successful efforts to reach a compromise on alcohol regulatory reform legislation that was signed into law in Colorado just days earlier. Tom Edwards (President – New York State Liquor Store Association) and Steve Morris (Vice Chairman – Montana Tavern Association) also shared their associations’ approaches to working with industry partners on three-tier issues.

Hospitality was also at the core of the Annual Meeting and included an afternoon of beer, brats and baseball sponsored by MillerCoors at Coors Field. Attendees also sampled imported beers from across the globe at the annual Opening Night Reception sponsored by the National Association of Beverage Importers.

In keeping with the local theme, the annual luncheon sponsored by Proximo Spirits featured a tasting of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey led by Rob Dietrich, Stranahan’s Master Distiller. Additional industry support for independent beverage retailers’ signature event came from E. & J. Gallo Winery, Infinium Spirits, Serrallés USA, Sidney Frank, The Presidents’ Forum of the Distilled Spirits Industry, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Colorado.

The Annual Meeting provided an opportunity for ABL to recognize those who make a difference in the industry. Sixteen beverage licensees from across the country were recognized with the 2016 Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year awards at the ABL Honors Gala. Also recognized was the 2016 ABL Top Shelf Award honoree, Peter Coors (Chairman – MillerCoors; Vice-Chairman – Molson Coors Brewing Company). The ABL Top Shelf Award recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence over their careers in the beverage alcohol industry and represents the highest recognition given by ABL.

The ABL Board of Directors elected four beverage licensees to the ABL Executive Committee during the Annual Meeting. These individuals, each serving two-year terms, will lead the association towards meeting its strategic goals and initiatives. The new officers include:

• Treasurer: Mat Dinsmore, Wilbur’s Total Beverage, Fort Collins, Colorado
• Vice President Off-Premise: Bobby Greenawalt, Cigar & Fine Wine, Auburn, Alabama
• Vice President On-Premise: Steve Morris, Jorgenson’s Restaurant & Lounge, Helena, Montana
• At-Large: Terry Harvath, The Wishing Well Bar & Grill, Appleton, Wisconsin
“The retail tier is where the retail beverage alcohol industry come together, and the ABL Annual Meeting is where beverage licensees come together,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We are proud to provide a forum for independent beverage retailers to share their experiences with their peers while learning more about the trends and issues that will shape their businesses.”

Beverage Alcohol Representatives Participate in Capitol Hill Briefing on Industry Social Responsibility Programs

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Event Hosted by Congressional Responsible Hospitality Caucus

May 10, 2016 – Bethesda, MD – Representatives from the ABL, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) and The Presidents’ Forum of the Distilled Spirits Industry (The Presidents’ Forum) yesterday participated in a panel discussion on industry social responsibility programs hosted by the Congressional Responsible Hospitality Caucus.

The Caucus is a recognized congressional organization co-chaired by Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wisc.) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.).  It promotes the country’s licensed and regulated hospitality industry by educating elected officials and their staff members about the role of licensed businesses in the hospitality industry as well as the importance of an effective framework of state and federal regulations that govern the industry.

The briefing was held in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and was designed to provide elected officials, staff members and media representatives with an overview of the many ways beverage alcohol companies, public agencies, associations and local communities work jointly across all tiers of the industry to promote social responsibility in communities across the country.  Panelists included: Pete Madland, Tavern League of Wisconsin; Mike Rowe, Virginia Imports, Ltd.; and Kathie Durbin, Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control.

Madland discussed the importance of private industries and governments working together in decreasing accidents and DUIs, by highlighting local Safe Ride programs for patrons.  Rowe outlined the behind the scenes role played by wholesalers and their work to support responsible beverage service training and practices.  Durbin provided examples of the many ways industry regulatory bodies work closely with regulated licensees in all tiers.

“As those who are the last to handle beer, wine and spirits before they reach the hands of the consumers, licensed beverage retailers understand the important role they play when it comes to selling beverage alcohol responsibly,” said John Bodnovich, Executive Director of American Beverage Licensees.  “We’re thrilled that the Congressional Responsible Hospitality Caucus is highlighting some of the effective programs that our industry is using to prevent the abuse and misuse of its products.”

“Wine and spirits wholesalers are dedicated to promoting the legal, safe and responsible consumption of beverage alcohol,” said WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf.  “It’s important that we remind elected officials and their staff about the industry’s economic impact as well its commitment to social responsibility in communities around the country.”

“Member companies and associations representing all three tiers of the beverage alcohol industry have long worked to promote social responsibility,” said Vicky McDowell, President and CEO of The Presidents’ Forum of the Distilled Spirits Industry.  “Today’s briefing was a prime opportunity to educate our elected officials and their staff about this work and help them learn first-hand from those in the field, the details of this important work.”

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ABL 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.

WSWA is the national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesalers, distributors and brokers of wine and spirits.  Founded in 1943, WSWA has 379 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.  More information is available at www.wswa.org.

The Presidents’ Forum is the national trade association representing manufacturers, importers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States.  The member companies represent over 50% of all distilled spirits sales in the United States.