Need a reason to register for the 2015 ABL Annual Conference in June? Here are 5 great ones!

1. Payment card liability is shifting in October.  Is your business prepared?

Whether its swipe fees, new security standards, preventing data breaches, liability shifts or various legal cases, there’s plenty to talk about when it comes to payments cards. Join David Matthews, General Counsel at the National Restaurant Association for an insightful session on what the new EMV shifts mean for small businesses.

2. Have you ever received a negative review on Yelp? Chances are you have. How do you address that?

Word-of-mouth is moving online, and user generated content websites like Yelp.com are becoming increasingly powerful as consumer guides. Darnell Holloway, Senior Manager of Community Outreach, will address the power of Yelp and how use your business tools to manage your online reputation.

3. The beer business is as exciting as it’s ever been.  Record numbers of breweries and interest in a multitude of brands and styles – big and small – is all over the news and social media.

While federal and state policies are being debated, the underlying beer business is full of interesting issues including commercial trends, marketing campaigns, packaging and general approaches to meeting the needs of consumers. Simply put: there’s a lot to talk about. Learn about the latest trends in marketing, products, and the beer industry’s future. This great panel will give you plenty to think about.

4. What’s next in marijuana legalization?

As of 2014, four states and the District of Columbia have passed ballot referendums legalizing recreational marijuana.  2016 could see as many as 15 states with ballot iniatives. Legal cannabis remains a hot topic in the media, at cocktail parties and in state houses across the country. Join ABL as we discuss the future of legalized marijuana.

5. Network with fellow retailers & industry

Celebrate with your fellow retailers and industry partners at the Annual Top Shelf Awards ceremony, Monday night, honoring Dr. Peter Cressy, President & CEO of DISCUS. Other networking opportunities including coffee breaks and an opening reception, will provide ample time to meet new friends and say hello to old ones.

Bipartisan bill passes House 240-179; ABL urges action on Senate Legislation

April 16, 2015 – Bethesda, MD – America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers applauded the passage today of the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 (H.R. 1105) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which was introduced by Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX) in March, will fully repeal the federal Estate Tax, also known as the Death Tax. The legislation passed by a margin of 240 – 179, with 7 Democratic members voting in favor, three Republicans voting against, and 12 members not voting. This marks the first time in ten years that the full House has voted on repealing the Estate Tax.

“Full repeal of the Estate Tax has been a longstanding objective for ABL and its members, and today’s vote moves us a step closer to that goal,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We thank the House for its strong support of this bill, and urge the Senate to pass legislation to protect American family-owned businesses.”

A Senate companion bill to the Death Tax Repeal Act, S. 860, was introduced on March 25 by Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and currently has 30 co-sponsors. It awaits action in the Senate Finance Committee.

Many of America’s bars, taverns and package stores are multi-generational businesses with strong ties to their communities. The Estate Tax puts these small businesses in jeopardy every year as their value is connected to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. Heirs are often forced to sell these assets to pay the tax, effectively dismantling local small-businesses across the nation. That’s why beer, wine and spirits retailers believe that the best solution to protect these businesses is the full repeal of the Estate Tax.

“A big thank you goes to all the ABL members who took the time to contact members of Congress and share their experiences with the Estate Tax,” said Bodnovich. “Today’s vote was a victory for small, independent businesses, and a testament to the power of beverage alcohol retailers’ grassroots advocacy.”

ABL encourages its members to thank the Representatives who stood up for family-owned beverage businesses. See how your Representative voted here. An “AYE” vote supported American Beverage Licensees’ position.

A pdf of this press release can be found here.

DNC’s Mo Elleithee, RNC’s Sean Spicer to Discuss Political Affairs and 2016 Elections

Bethesda, MD – April 16, 2015 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is excited to announce that Mo Elleithee, Communications Director for the DNC, and Sean Spicer, Chief Strategist & Communications Director for the RNC, will address the ABL Annual Conference on June 8 as keynote speakers.

ABL Conference attendees will have front-row seats to an insightful conversation with the chief spokesmen for Democrats and Republicans. With growing buzz about the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and dozens of pivotal races on tap in the House and Senate, Mo Elleithee and Sean Spicer will share their perspectives and viewpoints on the current and future state of political affairs in Washington and across the country. The discussion will include insights on how the major political issues of the day are shaping the 2016 Election and what it could mean for the White House and Congress.

“As ABL members head to our nation’s capital this June, we’re thrilled that Mr. Elleithee and Mr. Spicer will share some insights into the national political scene and what to expect in 2016,” said John Bodnovich, Executive Director of ABL. “Mr. Spicer and Mr. Elleithee have political experience and expertise at the highest levels, and will engage attendees in a thoughtful discussion about the future of politics in Washington.”

For more information, visit ABL’s conference website or click here to register.

Mr. Sean M. Spicer, Chief Strategist & Communications Director for the RNC
Sean M. Spicer has served as RNC Communications Director since 2011, and in February of 2015 added the duties of Chief Strategist. In his additional role, he leads the negotiations and implementation of the new presidential primary debate structure. He coordinates with broadcast networks and conservative media partners and serves as a liaison to the Republican candidates and their campaigns. In addition, he works with the Counsel’s Office and the Chief of Staff on assisting state parties with delegate selection and planning for state conventions, primaries and caucuses. He also serves as a liaison to the Republican National Convention staff on messaging opportunities and media strategy.

Mr. Mo Elleithee, Communications Director of the DNC
A 17-year veteran of Democratic politics, Mo Elleithee was named Communications Director of the DNC in August, 2013. Throughout his career, he’s worked on four different presidential campaigns, including as senior spokesman and traveling press secretary for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 bid; in senior communications roles for candidates across the country including Tim Kaine (VA), Mark Warner (VA), and Tom Udall (NM); and has advised various Democratic party committees including the DSCC, DCCC and the Democratic Party of Virginia. For the past four years, he’s been on the faculty of the Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy teaching a class in campaign management and strategy. He is a founding partner (and on leave of absence) from two of Washington’s top political consulting firms — Hilltop Public Solutions and Three Point Media.

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