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Sixteen Beverage Retailers Honored at ABL Annual Meeting

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Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year Recognized for Their Continued Commitment to the Beverage Alcohol Industry

March 23, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – As part of ABL’s 16th Annual Meeting at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino in New Orleans, Louisiana, sixteen beverage retailers from across the United States were recognized as Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year in a ceremony at the ABL Honors Gala on March 12. Recipients were nominated by their state beverage associations for their success and dedication to the beverage alcohol industry.

“The Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year Awards provide us with an opportunity to recognize and honor our members – those individuals who serve as the face of the beverage alcohol industry to the consumer,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “When selecting these members for their awards, there are numerous aspects of small business ownership that are taken into account; among these are: excellence in advocacy, responsible sales and service practices, community engagement, and their support of their state affiliate.”

For more than two decades, the Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year awards have celebrated and recognized independent retail 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 and continued contributions to the industry and their communities.

“Thanks to the continued support of Brown-Forman and their sponsorship of the Retailer of the Year awards, ABL is able to honor the top on- and off-premise beverage retailers from the nearly 30 state retail beverage associations that ABL represents nationwide,” Bodnovich added.

Brown-Forman, one of the world’s leading distilled spirits producers, has remained a steadfast sponsor of the awards, recognizing the importance of vibrant independent alcohol retailers, and continuing their support of those who are the last to handle beverage products before they reach the hands of consumers. In attendance to present awards to this year’s recipients was Teddy Graziano, Brown-Forman’s Louisiana State Manager, who thanked each of the recipients for their hard work and efforts to positively define the industry.

The 2018 Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year Include:

The Manas Family
Cottage Hill Package
Mobile, AL

 Jennifer Ritter
The Candy Store
Mobile, AL		 Jeff Kreston
Kreston Wine & Spirits
Wilmington, DE
Pat Daniel
Uptown Wine & Spirits
Columbus, GA

 Randy Rehmer
Randy’s Double R Bar
Waterloo, IL		 Charlie Hopf
Holiday Liquors
Jasper, IN
Brian Edwards
Cellar Door Wine & Spirits
Murray, KY

 Chuck Ferrar
Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits
Annapolis, MD		 Jack Milani
Monaghan’s Pub
Baltimore, MD
Ryan Maloney
Julio’s Liquors
Westborough, MA

 James Johnson
Bull N’ Bear Saloon & Casino
Red Lodge, MT		 Donato D’Onofrio
Spirits Unlimited
Toms River, NJ
Joseph J. Pecoraro
Irondequoit Liquor
Rochester, NY		 Charles Leard
M & R Package Store
Amarillo, TX
Dennis Salverson
Salvo’s Coyote Grill
Whitewater, WI		 Island Richards
Kelly’s Convenience Centers
Rock Springs, WY

 

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About American Beverage Licensees: ABL is the preeminent national trade association for beverage alcohol retailers. Direct retail beverage alcohol sales in the United States generate as many as 1.94 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 reminds you to Drink Responsibly – Drive Responsibly.
About Brown-Forman: For more than 145 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s & Cola, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, Chambord, BenRiach, The GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by nearly 4,600 employees and sold in approximately 160 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit www.brown-forman.com. Brown-Forman reminds you to please drink responsibly.

ABL Recognizes Sazerac President & CEO Mark Brown with 2018 Top Shelf Award

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March 22, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) recognized Mark Brown, President & CEO of Sazerac Company, with the 2018 ABL Top Shelf Award at the association’s recent Honors Gala. The Gala took place on March 12 as part of ABL’s 16th Annual Meeting at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The ABL Top Shelf Award is the highest honor presented by America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers, and recognizes those who have demonstrated professional excellence in the beverage alcohol industry and have had a positive influence in their community.

“Independent retailers recognize and appreciate Mark’s steadfast commitment to our industry, the three-tier system and a marketplace where bars, taverns and package stores build brands, service customers and are accountable to their communities,” said ABL President Steve Morris, the owner of Jorgenson’s in Helena, Montana.

From 1981 to 1992, Mark served as Director of New Products, National Sales Manager and, eventually, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Sazerac. Brown left Sazerac and joined Brown-Forman (no relation) as Senior Vice President & COO of the Select Brands Group for two years. He then spent the next three years as President of the Advancing Markets Group, before returning to Sazerac in June 1997 in his current role as President & CEO.

As with all Top Shelf Award recipients, community involvement has played a major role in Mark Brown’s life – both personally and professionally.

“Not only has Mark grown Sazerac’s portfolio, but he has developed one of the most amazing corporate cultures you can find in any company. Mark has made Sazerac accountable to the community and that is part of what this award is about,” said Sazerac Chairman Bill Goldring. “Sazerac also makes significant financial investments and Mark has personally committed his time and treasures to various charities including the Louisville zoo, the humane society, cancer causes, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters just to name a few of the organizations that Mark has taken the initiative to help.”

Mark also established a program to donate rare bottles of whiskey to various charitable causes around the country for auction, helping to raise hundreds-of-thousands of dollars, and is responsible for the annual Halloween trick-or-treat event at the “Trace,” holiday light displays each winter, and Easter egg hunt each spring.

ABL congratulates Mark Brown on his well-deserved award and thanks him for his continued commitment to the beverage alcohol industry and support of noble causes within his community.

Sazerac President & CEO Mark Brown (L) and ABL President Steve Morris (R)

2018 ABL Annual Meeting a Success

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Beverage Retailers from Across the Country Join ABL in New Orleans for Association’s 16th Annual Meeting

March 19, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – Beverage retailers and their hospitality industry partners from across the country joined together in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 11-13 for American Beverage Licensees’ (ABL) 16th Annual Meeting. Speakers addressed a wide range of topics and themes impacting beverage retailers, including: impaired driving; music licensing; technology; the alcohol retail landscape; industry and legal updates; policy, regulation and licensing; and other hot topics in retail.

“The past year has a seen a number of major shifts in areas directly affecting beverage retailers – from mergers and acquisitions in the producer and distributor tiers, to impaired driving and regulatory and policy changes at the state and federal level,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “The breadth and scope of this year’s programming reflects these changing times and ABL’s efforts to position our members for success in navigating the future of the beverage alcohol marketplace.”

Tom Cole, President & CEO of Republic National Distribution Company (RNDC), delivered the keynote address and shared his unique perspective on industry issues, including the recently announced merger of RNDC with Breakthru Beverage Group. The next speaker was Brandy Nannini, Vice President – Government Relations & Traffic Safety for the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, who discussed a range of policy updates and newly-released reports related to traffic safety and impaired driving.

Attendees also heard from Elizabeth Frazee, Co-Chair of the MIC Coalition, who provided an update on the current state of music licensing – including a number of bills currently before Congress. Closing out the morning’s general sessions, Cris Fowler, Vice President – SMB Sales for ECR Software Corp. and Paul Fisher, Vice President – Sales for Intellicheck, provided attendees with overviews on how retailers can best utilize technology in their businesses – from payment processing to age verification systems.

The afternoon sessions began with presentations from Jim McGreevy, President & CEO of the Beer Institute and Kraig R. Naasz, President & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, who shared their thoughts on recent policy developments impacting producers including federal excise tax changes; possible aluminum tariffs; and third-party market research on consumer trends and preferences. They were followed by Rick Garza, Director of the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board, who discussed the regulatory perspective of privatizing the state’s liquor market and how regulators developed a regulatory infrastructure for legal adult-use cannabis.

Danelle Kosmal, Vice President – Beverage Alcohol Practice at Nielsen, and Matthew Crompton, Associate Client Director at Nielsen-CGA, discussed the “new normal of the alcohol retail landscape” in a presentation reviewing the results and trends from a recent survey of more than 15,000 beverage retailers. For the day’s final session, Chris Furnari, Editor of Brewbound, discussed the significant changes in the beer industry that have taken place since 2010 and what is to be expected in the coming years.

Opening the second and final day of the ABL Annual Meeting was Jim Webster, Managing Partner of Webster Powell P.C., who shared his perspective on recent and ongoing legal cases that have a direct impact on beverage retailers, and what alcohol law challenges may be next on the docket. Jim was followed by Jake Hegeman, Vice President – Legal & Regulatory Affairs for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America and Paul Pisano, Senior Vice President & General Counsel for the National Beer Wholesalers Association, who provided attendees with updates on recent developments and trends related to policy, regulation and licensing, and how business owners can work with regulators and legislators to ensure a robust marketplace and level playing field for all.

Bringing all the presentations together and synthesizing what it all means for ABL members, the Retail Hot Topics Panel provided attendees with insights into issues and trends for both on- and off-premise beverage retailers. The session was moderated by ABL President Steve Morris and featured a panel of four retailers who fielded a range of questions from the moderator and audience: Jodi Blakley, Owner of the Mecca Bar in Fairbanks, AK; Terry Harvath, Owner of the Wishing Well Bar & Grill in Appleton, WI; David Jabour, President of Twin Liquors in Austin, TX; and Mac Thurston, President & General Manager of Mac’s Beer & Wine in Atlanta, GA.

In addition to the informational and educational sessions, the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting provided ABL with the opportunity to recognize 16 retail beverage businesses from across the country for their leadership and outstanding examples they set for beverage retail. These businesses and their owners were each recognized as a 2018 Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year and were presented their awards at the 2018 ABL Honors Gala. Also honored at the evening’s gala was Mark Brown, President & CEO of Sazerac, who was presented with the 2018 ABL Top Shelf Award, the highest honor presented by America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers, and which recognizes those who have demonstrated professional excellence in the beverage alcohol industry and have had a positive influence in their community.

The ABL Board of Directors also 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 | Ft. Collins, CO
Vice President Off-Premise: Bob Kreston | Kreston Wine & Spirits | Wilmington, DE
Vice President On-Premise: Terry Harvath | The Wishing Well & Bar & Grill | Appleton, WI
At-Large: Jeff Vogt | JV’s Downtown Bar & Grill | Waterloo, IL

They join the existing members of ABL’s Executive Committee:

President: Steve Morris | Jorgenson’s Inn & Suites | Helena, MT
Immediate Past President: Warren Scheidt | Cork Liquors | Columbus, IN
Vice President – On-Premise | J.J. Moran | Four Winds Liquor & Lounge | Cheyenne, WY
Vice President – Off-Premise | Paul Santelle | Garden State Discount Liquors | Perth Amboy, NJ
At-Large: Robert “Bubba” Sprenger | Bubba’s | Marion, WI

ABL thanks the following 2018 ABL Annual Meeting Event & Honors Gala Sponsors: B4; Bacardi USA; Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye; Bayou Rum; Bluecoat American Dry Gin; Brown-Forman; Bushmills Red Bush Irish Whiskey; Constellation Brands; Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka; Don Q Grand Anejo; Few Spirits; Glenfiddich; Hendrick’s Gin; Koskenkorva Vodka; National Association of Beverage Importers; MillerCoors; Southern Comfort; Presidents’ Forum of the Distilled Spirits Industry; Texas Package Stores Association; Tito’s Handmade Vodka; Wild Turkey Bourbon; and Window Jane Bourbon.

American Beverage Licensees Announces Additional Annual Meeting Speakers

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February 13, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is pleased to announce more featured speakers and panelists for the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting, to be held March 11-13, 2018 at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“As we count down to the ABL Annual Meeting, we are excited to add more impressive beverage alcohol industry leaders, analysts and media to what is already a great program,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “These speakers will provide attendees with insights into beverage alcohol trends, retail market data, and industry association leadership.”

Additional speakers at the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting include:

Jim McGreevy | President & CEO | Beer Institute
A 20-year veteran of policy and political work, Jim McGreevy serves as President and CEO of the Beer Institute, the national trade association that represents America’s brewers, beer importers and supply-chain partners – a $350 billion industry that supports more than 2.2 million American jobs. As the national voice for the industry, Jim advocates on policy matters involving Congress, state legislatures, courts and regulatory agencies.

Kraig R. Naasz | President & CEO | Distilled Spirits Council
Kraig R. Naasz is the President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, the national trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. The Council supports policies that increase adult market access for spirits products, provide greater convenience and choices for adult consumers, and encourage responsible and moderate consumption. Kraig previously served as the chief executive of the American Frozen Food Institute, The Fertilizer Institute and the U.S. Apple Association.

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Chris Furnari Editor | Brewbound
Chris Furnari is the editor of Brewbound, focusing on the beer business. In addition to overseeing daily content, Furnari also plans and executes Brewbound’s business networking events — Brewbound Session and Brew Talks. He is a regular at industry gatherings and has been cited in mainstream media publications such as CNBC, USA Today, The Boston Globe, Mashable and Wired Magazine, among others.

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Matthew Crompton | Client Director | Nielsen CGA
Matthew Crompton is an Client Director for Nielsen CGA and is responsible for the implementation of Nielsen CGA’s On-Premise services in the US. Since joining CGA Strategy in January 2010, Matthew has risen through the CGA ranks becoming an expert in all things On-Premise. Matthew has managed and provided consultancy for some of the largest Bev Al manufacturers across Europe including Diageo, Anheuser Busch and William Grant & Sons. He is now part of the U.S. On-Premise Specialist team, providing first-class insight into that market.

Danelle Kosmal | Vice President – Beverage Alcohol Practice | The Nielsen Companies
As Vice President of Nielsen’s Beverage Alcohol Practice, Danelle provides industry thought leadership and best practice solutions to beer, wine, and spirits clients, industry groups, and the media. She is committed to leveraging Nielsen’s breadth of resources to provide an integrated and holistic understanding of consumer behavior and retail trends across beer, wine, and spirits. Danelle has more than 15 years of marketing experience, and has been with Nielsen for over 10 years, working across various clients in the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries. Prior to joining the Beverage Alcohol Practice, Danelle led Nielsen’s business at MillerCoors in Chicago.

These meeting participants join other industry leaders, brands and organizations at ABL’s signature annual event. ABL will also honor Mark Brown, President & CEO of Sazerac Company, Inc., with the 2018 ABL Top Shelf Award. The ABL Top Shelf Award recognizes those who have demonstrated professional excellence in the beverage alcohol industry and have had a positive influence in their community, and is the highest honor presented by America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers. The award will be presented at the ABL Honors Gala on March 12, 2018.

Registration for the annual meeting is currently available online for $299 and includes access to all general sessions and hospitality-related events. Click here to view 2018 ABL Annual Meeting schedule of events. For more information on ABL or the annual meeting, please visit www.ablusa.org.

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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.

Leading Industry Brands & Organizations Supporting 2018 ABL Annual Meeting

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February 1, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is pleased to announce its slate of event and hospitality sponsors for the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting, to be held March 11-13 at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino in New Orleans, Louisiana.  In addition to a robust education program, the annual meeting will feature hospitality events sponsored by leading beverage products and industry organizations, giving attendees opportunities to learn more about emerging brands.

ABL thanks the following companies and organizations for their sponsorship of events taking place during the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting:

B4 – What to Drink B4 You Drink

B4 was specifically designed to prevent post-drinking symptoms before they happen. By drinking a can of B4 shortly before your night begins, you’re fortifying your body with the electrolytes, amino acids, vitamins, plant extracts, antioxidants and minerals to protect against alcohol’s crash course through your system. Filled to the brim with an army of B Vitamins, glutathione and milk thistle, you’ll also have the metabolic energy to enjoy the night just as much as the morning after. B4 will serve as the official sponsor of the ABL Annual Meeting Attendee Breakfast on Monday, March 12th.

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. Brown-Forman will serve as the official sponsor of the ABL Retailer of the Year Reception on Monday, March 12th.

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. MillerCoors will serve as the official sponsor of the ABL Annual Meeting Luncheon on Monday, March 12th.

National Association of Beverage Importers

Representing the interests of beer, wine and spirits importers at the state and federal levels, the National Association of Beverage Importers (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. NABI will serve as the official sponsor of the ABL Annual Meeting Opening Night Welcome Reception on Sunday, March 11th.

The Presidents’ Forum of the Distilled Spirits Industry

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. The Presidents’ Forum will serve as the official sponsor of the ABL Board of Directors Breakfast on Sunday, March 11th.

ABL also thanks the following companies for their sponsorship of the annual ABL Honors Gala, being held Monday, March 12th, and featuring the following brands:

Bayou Rum

Bushmill’s Red Bush Irish Whiskey

Deep Eddy Vodka

Don Q Gran Anejo

Koskenkorva Vodka

Samson & Surrey

Southern Comfort

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

BOOK TODAY: The room block for the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino is filling fast and is scheduled to close on Friday, February 9.  Please note that room availability at the reduced ABL cost of $229.00 + $14.99 daily resort fee (Fri-Sat) and $179.00 + $14.99 daily resort fee (Sun-Tues) is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the room block is filled, attendees will be responsible for securing their own accommodation outside of the ABL room block. As such, we encourage you to reach out to your members and remind them to book now!

Registration for the annual meeting is currently available online for $299 and includes access to all general sessions and hospitality-related events. Click here to view 2018 ABL Annual Meeting schedule of events. For more information on ABL or the annual meeting, please visit www.ablusa.org.

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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.

Annual Meeting Speakers to Provide Insight into Range of Issues Impacting Beverage Retailers

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January 26, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced additional speakers for the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting, to be held March 11-13, 2018 at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino in New Orleans, Louisiana. Additional announcements are expected in the coming weeks that will build on a program already rich with unique perspectives on a range of issues directly affecting beverage licensees.

“For the past 16 years, ABL has worked diligently to build its annual meeting into the marquee event for independent beverage retailers to learn about new and emerging industry trends, important regulatory and legislative developments, as well as to provide a forum for retailers from across the country to come together to share and network,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We value the opportunity the annual meeting provides to celebrate our industry, relate to one another, and impart valuable information to our members that will help them and their businesses in the years to come.”

Presenters for the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting currently include:

Tom Cole | President & CEO | Republic National Distribution Company | Topic: Keynote Address
Tom Cole has served as the President & CEO of RNDC since its creation in 2006, helping the business grow to be the nation’s second largest distributor of wines and spirits with sales of approximately $6.5 billion. He has been in the wine and spirits industry for over 30 years, having launched his career with Duval Spirits Company in Florida in 1981 and was named President of Magnolia Marketing Company in 1991. He has continued in the chief executive position through several expansions, culminating in the merger of Republic Beverage Company with National Distributing Company. Tom’s Keynote Address will cover the future of wholesale distribution in the evolving marketplace.

Elizabeth Frazee | Co-Chair | MIC Coalition | Topic: Music Licensing
Named a “Top Lobbyist” by The Hill newspaper, Elizabeth has a 30-year career in Washington that encompasses over a decade working in high-level jobs on Capitol Hill, executive experience at leading tech and entertainment companies and years of successful representation of companies, trade associations and non-profits as a policy advocate and political strategist. An expert at managing issue campaigns and running industry coalitions, Elizabeth delivers results for her clients by interweaving a thorough understanding of substantive policy, communications, politics and an impressive network of contacts.

Rick Garza | Director | Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board | Topic: Alcohol & Cannabis Regulation
Rick Garza has been with the Liquor Cannabis Board since 1997. During Rick’s career with WSLCB he has also held the positions of Legislative and Tribal Liaison, Policy Director and Deputy Director. Prior to joining the Liquor and Cannabis Board, Rick served 13 years as a staff member for the Washington State Legislature, including five years with the Washington State Senate and eight years with the state House. His legislative assignments included Policy Analyst in the state Senate, House of Representatives Staff Director, and adviser to House and Senate leadership.

Brandy Nannini | Vice President – Govt. Relations & Traffic Safety | Responsibility.org | Topic: Impaired Driving
As Vice President – Gov. Relations & Traffic Safety, Brandy is responsible for relationships with Members of Congress, State Attorneys General, Federal agencies, governors, state legislators, and agencies, as well as local elected officials. She is also responsible for the organization’s public policy efforts including the development and implementation of policy positions. Ms. Nannini also directs the organization’s traffic safety programs. Brandy began her career at the National Office of MADD, where for more than a decade she managed MADD’s state and national public policy efforts.

Jim Webster | Managing Partner | Webster Powell P.C. | Topic: Alcohol Legal Update
Jim is the founding partner of Chicago based Webster Powell, P.C., a law firm specializing in the alcohol and hospitality industries. With over 35 years of practice in these industries, Jim represents clients in all three tiers of the industry across the United States. Jim served as the co-chairman of the ABA Committee on Alcoholic Beverages. He has assisted the National Center for Alcohol Law Enforcement in training Wisconsin law enforcement agencies regarding alcohol related incidents and arrests. He was active in the founding and governance of the Chicago Hospitality Resource Partnership, a non-profit resource group that assisted Chicago community neighborhoods in planning, managing and policing hospitality and entertainment districts.

ABL will also honor Mark Brown, President & CEO of Sazerac Company, Inc., as the recipient of the 2018 ABL Top Shelf Award. 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 12, 2018.

Registration for the annual meeting is currently available online for $299 and includes access to all general sessions and hospitality-related events. Click here to view 2018 ABL Annual Meeting schedule of events. For more information on ABL or the annual meeting, please visit www.ablusa.org.

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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 State & Local News Archive Now Available to Members

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Wide-Ranging Catalog of State & Local News Includes Licensing & Regulatory Coverage

January 24, 2018 – Bethesda, MD – As part of a growing effort to assist its state affiliate members with information and resources, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that it has launched a new State & Local News Archive.

The archive provides ABL members with a repository of state and local news stories pulled from past issues of the ABL Weekly, ABL’s weekly e-newsletter, and is the most recent addition to the content-rich members-only section of the association’s website, www.ablusa.org.

For more than five years, ABL has brought ABL Weekly subscribers a wide-range of news stories on topics and issues specific to each state, including: licensing initiatives; regulatory developments; direct-to-consumer shipping; three-tier issues; marijuana legalization; Sunday sales; impaired driving; grocery and convenience store sales; mobile alcohol ordering and delivery; and more.

The archive currently contains all ABL Weekly state and local news stories from 2017, and will be updated on a regular basis to provide members with the latest news from their respective states.

“ABL is focused on addressing the needs of our state association members and one of those needs is for reliable news and information from other states where similar policy and regulatory debates are taking place,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “This archive is another resource that will assist ABL members as they interact with members of the media, state and local legislators, government agencies and state regulators.”

In addition to the State & Local News Archive, ABL has released a Policy News & Updates Archive, containing national and regional policy updates on such topics as music licensing, swipe fee reforms, BAC regulations, tax reform, and employment regulations.

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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 Executive Director John Bodnovich: Statement on the NAS Report on Alcohol-Impaired Driving

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BETHESDA, MD – January 17, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Executive Director John Bodnovich issued the following statement regarding the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) study “Getting to Zero Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities: A Comprehensive Approach to a Persistent Problem”.

“Independent beverage business owners, with strong ties to their local communities, have long been engaged in efforts to oppose and stop drunk driving. They view themselves as partners with policymakers, local law enforcement and other stakeholders committed to addressing impaired driving.”

“Therefore, it is disappointing that much of today’s report takes a step back, instead of a step forward, in addressing the complexities involved with impaired driving. The report reflects a battery of recycled recommendations and, more disturbingly, represents a squandered opportunity to be inclusive and forward-looking when it comes to drugged and distracted driving.”

“It also raises serious questions about what the $2 million spent on the report could have funded to more directly address impaired driving.”

“Perhaps most troubling is the study’s unserious suggestion to reject meaningful contributions of the alcohol industry – and any groups that receive funding from the industry – when it comes to fighting impaired driving.”

“To suggest that local bars, taverns and package stores have no role to play in this fight ignores those who are already on the front lines of preventing impaired driving and limits our societal efforts to address this problem.”

“Along with groups focused on public safety who support the strong enforcement of the .08 BAC level, ABL opposes the study’s call to arbitrarily lower the BAC limit to .05. Doing so would effectively criminalize the activities of law-abiding, responsible social drinkers. It would also dilute current efforts to stop repeat offenders and those who drive with a BAC of nearly twice the legal limit, who represent the majority of drunk drivers.”

“Despite the tone and recommendations in this report, beer, wine and spirits retailers will seek to build on the historic decline in alcohol-related traffic fatalities over the past three decades. Beverage licensees will continue to work within their communities and with public officials to support effective drunk driving policies while opposing those that undermine the important steps already taken in this fight.”

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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.

RNDC President & CEO Tom Cole to Deliver Keynote Address at ABL Annual Meeting

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Will Address Beverage Alcohol Retailers on the Future of Distribution

December 20, 2017 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL), is pleased to announce that Tom Cole, President & CEO of Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), will deliver the keynote address at the association’s upcoming annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 11-13, 2018.

“Most ABL members have business relationships with RNDC, Breakthru Beverages or both companies,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We are excited to welcome Tom as this year’s keynote speaker and look forward to his perspective on the recent announcement of the merger between RNDC and Breakthru Beverage Group and the future of the distribution tier of our industry.”

In November 2017, RNDC and Breakthru Beverage Group announced that they would combine their assets and operations to create the nation’s second-largest wholesale distributor, with operations in 27 states. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018.

Tom Cole has served as the President & CEO of RNDC since its creation in 2006, helping the business grow to be the nation’s second largest distributor of wines and spirits with sales of approximately $6.5 billion. He has been in the wine and spirits industry for over 30 years, having launched his career with Duval Spirits Company in Florida in 1981 and was named President of Magnolia Marketing Company in 1991.

He has continued in the chief executive position through several expansions, culminating in the merger of Republic Beverage Company with National Distributing Company. He also serves on the board of directors of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America and its Government Affairs Committee. A New Orleans resident for the last 24 years, Tom is originally from Mt. Vernon, Ohio and a graduate of the University of Miami, Florida.

Registration for the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting is currently available online for $299, and includes access to all general sessions and hospitality-related events. 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.

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ABL to Recognize Sazerac CEO Mark Brown with 2018 Top Shelf Award

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Award Will Be Presented at the 16th ABL Annual Meeting in New Orleans

November 27, 2017 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to announce Mark Brown, President & CEO of Sazerac Company, Inc., will be recognized with the 2018 ABL Top Shelf Award at ABL’s 16th Annual Meeting on March 12, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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.

Brown got his start in the beverage alcohol business at a relatively young age when he began working in his family’s pub business in the United Kingdom in 1971.  In 1976, Brown joined British alcohol cider-maker H.P. Bulmer as a salesperson, and by 1978 was Sales Trainer.  He came to the United States in 1980, operating as the U.S. Field Sales Manager for Bulmer. From 1981 to 1992 he served as Director of New Products, National Sales Manager and, eventually, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Sazerac.

Brown left Sazerac and joined Brown-Forman (no relation) as Senior Vice President and COO of the Select Brands Group for two years.  He then spent the next three years as President of the Advancing Markets Group, before returning to Sazerac in June 1997 in his current role as President & CEO, where the company’s portfolio includes brands such as Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, George T. Stagg, Pappy Van Winkle, Sazerac Rye, and Southern Comfort.

“Mark Brown is synonymous with the beverage alcohol industry – an industry that Mark has been a part of not just professionally for more than 30 years, but really for his entire life,” said ABL President Steve Morris. “ABL is honored to present Mark with the 2018 Top Shelf Award in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the thriving three-tiers of the industry and the community surrounding his adoptive home of New Orleans.”

The ABL Top Shelf Award will be presented at the ABL Honors Gala on March 12, which is part of the 16th ABL Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 11-13, 2018.  For more information about the event or to register, please visit the ABL Annual Meeting website or www.ablusa.org.

 

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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.

2018 ABL Annual Meeting Registration Now Open

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With Theme of “Navigating the Future,” Association’s Signature Event to Feature Presentations from Industry Leaders, Networking Opportunities & Hospitality Events

 

BETHESDA, MD – November 16, 2017 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to announce that registration is now open for the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting, to be held March 11-13, 2018 at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino in New Orleans, Louisiana. ABL’s signature annual event brings together on- and off-premise beverage licensees to celebrate their important role within the three-tier beverage alcohol industry. Registration is available online for $299, which includes access to all general sessions and ABL hospitality events.

As with previous ABL Annual Meetings, general sessions will provide attendees with the latest information on the beverage alcohol industry from on- and off-premise industry experts. Presentations, briefings and interactive panel discussions will address the alcohol policy environment, product trends and strategies for beverage retailers to improve their businesses. Additional information regarding speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

“ABL is excited to host our 16th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, a city synonymous with beer, wine, spirits and hospitality,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “With the theme of ‘Navigating the Future,’ the meeting will provide beverage licensees – both on- and off-premise alike – with informative sessions and take-aways that can be applied directly to their businesses back home.”

In addition to formal education session, the ABL Annual Meeting will include hospitality events designed with networking in mind so that beverage licensees can interact with their peers from across the country, and meet with executives from the distributor and producer tiers of the beverage alcohol industry. As part of the meeting, ABL will host the ABL Honors Gala reception and dinner, celebrating leading beverage retailers with the “Retailer of the Year” awards, and recognizing the 2018 ABL Top Shelf Award honoree.

ABL welcomes a variety of sponsors for the Annual Meeting, which provides brands and companies with a means of maximizing their exposure and sharing their products with leading beverage retailers and state retail trade associations. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels and can be customized to fit sponsor goals. More information is available by contacting the ABL office at 301-656-1494.

Please click here to register today! For more information, please visit www.ablusa.org.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Be sure to follow ABL on Facebook and Twitter, and remember to use the hashtags #ABLMeeting18 and #NavigatingTheFuture when posting!

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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.

 

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Celebrate Package Liquor Store Month This November

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8th Annual Celebration Recognizes the Role Independent Off-Premise Retailers Have in Job Creation, Product Accessibility & Responsible Policies

 

BETHESDA, MD – October 31, 2017 – This November, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) and licensed beverage alcohol retailers nationwide will join together to celebrate the 8th Annual Package Liquor Store Month and the thousands of local beer, wine and spirits retails that form the vibrant American beverage marketplace.

The month of November kicks off the busy holiday sales season for package stores and is the perfect time to recognize the important role that these small businesses play in their local communities. Through hard work and a focus on the needs of their customers, independent package liquor store owners continue to deliver choice and value for adult consumers across the United States.

“We take great pride in celebrating Package Liquor Store Month and recognizing not only the purveyors of distilled spirits, but all off-premise retailers whose focus is selling beer, wine and spirits,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “Whether it’s a traditional package liquor store or a beer-and-wine store, these businesses offer tens of thousands of products; provide hundreds of thousands of jobs; pay millions in taxes and generate billions in economic impact.”

Package stores are some of the last independently-owned businesses on “Main Street” in America’s cities and towns.  They serve as the face of the beverage industry for consumers within the framework of the three-tier system of alcohol suppliers, distributors and retailers. Beverage alcohol brands are built by these businesses, and for many beverage consumers, their local package liquor store introduces them to new styles, flavors and varieties from an ever-evolving beverage industry.  This customer service and education often comes from trusted experts and includes how best to enjoy and share these products responsibly with friends and family.

In many states, legislators and regulators have recognized that the best and safest place to sell distilled spirits is at a licensed package liquor store.  Package store owners appreciate the uniqueness of the products they sell, embracing responsibility and the privileges conferred to them with that license.  Unlike some other industries, brick-and-mortar beverage businesses must abide by their state-specific laws for selling alcohol and are accountable to their state alcohol authorities.  As such, licensees are continuously training themselves and their staff to conduct safe and responsible sales to adult consumers, and are leading the fight to prevent underage access to alcohol.

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.

“Independent package liquor stores are more than just purveyors of beer, wine, and spirits in the neighborhoods where they operate,” said ABL President Steve Morris. “They are also an integral part of their communities providing various forms of support to local events, civic endeavors and charitable organizations and community groups.”

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.

 

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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.