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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.”

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.

Matthew Evans to Manage Organization’s Communications and Social Media Strategies

May 10, 2016 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to announce the hiring of Matthew Evans as the organization’s Communications Manager, effective May 9, 2016. In this position, Evans is responsible for increasing the position and reach of the organization within the beverage alcohol industry, streamlining communications to affiliates and industry, and implementing improved social media strategies.

Evans comes to ABL with over seven years’ experience in the non-profit and association management industry, focusing on areas including communications, membership and operations. Most recently, Evans served as the Manager of Council Operations with the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). There, he managed a number of programs related to the development and programming of the association’s annual conference Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW).

“We are excited to have Matt join the ABL team, as he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge – as well as an understanding and appreciation of ABL’s mission and goals,” noted ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We look forward to the role he will play in advancing ABL’s communications strategy and providing ABL affiliates with the latest news and information impacting the industry.”

Prior to AGA, Evans worked for America’s Charities coordinating workplace giving campaigns at the federal, state and local level. He also worked at The Coulter Companies coordinating membership and communications for a number of small- and medium sized non-profit organizations.

Evans received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from James Madison University and currently resides with his wife, Samantha, in Fairfax, Virginia.

Award will be presented at the 14^th Annual ABL Meeting in Denver

May 3, 2016 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to announce that Peter Coors, Chairman of the Board of MillerCoors and Vice Chairman of the Board of Molson Coors Brewing Company, is the 2016 ABL Top Shelf Award honoree and will be recognized at the 14th Annual ABL Meeting on June 13, 2016 in Denver, Colorado.

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.

An icon in the brewing industry, Mr. Coors joined Adolph Coors Company in 1971, serving in a number of different executive and management positions. During that time, the company marked a number of historic industry milestones including the introduction of Coors Light, currently the second best-selling beer in the United States, the successful merger with Molson Brewing Company and a merger with SAB Miller to create the joint venture MillerCoors. These significant developments have left an indelible impact on the beer industry.

“When it comes to the beer industry, only a handful of individuals are recognized by occasional consumers and industry enthusiasts alike, and Peter Coors is one of those ambassadors,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich.  “We’re excited to honor a pioneer in the American brewing industry and someone who also sees the bigger picture when it comes to giving back to his community.”

Mr. Coors served as a director of Coors Brewing Company, the company’s US-based subsidiary, beginning in 1973, was Chief Executive Officer from 1992 to 2000, and was named Executive Chairman in 2002. He previously served as chairman of the board of Adolph Coors Company from 2002 to 2005, and was chief executive officer from May 2000 to July 2002.

A strong supporter of civic participation and charitable causes, Mr. Coors serves on numerous community and civic boards, including the University of Colorado Hospital, National Western Stock Show, Castle Rock Foundation, Seeds of Hope Foundation and the Denver Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  He has also been a candidate for statewide political office.

Peter Coors will be honored with the ABL Top Shelf Award at the 14^th Annual ABL Meeting being held in in Denver, Colorado June 12-14, 2016.  For more information about the event, visit the ABL Annual Meeting website or www.ablusa.org.

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Raise a glass to the places that sustain America’s rich tradition of hospitality

BETHESDA, MD – April 29, 2016 – America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers are encouraging their customers, colleagues and communities to join them this May in celebration of National Tavern Month.  Since 1953, Tavern Month has served as an opportunity to support local hospitality businesses, promote the responsible service and enjoyment of beverage alcohol, and educate everyone about the economic engine formed by the tens of thousands of on-premise beverage licensees throughout the United States.

“Every day across the country, American bars and taverns provide food, drink and hospitality to millions of customers in diverse settings and with more beer, wine and spirits options than ever before,” said John Bodnovich, Executive Director of American Beverage Licensees (ABL). “They’re providing unmatched product choice and service while contributing significantly to their national, state and local economies in the form of jobs created, taxes paid and overall economic impact.”

Direct retail alcohol sales in on-premise, licensed establishments account for as many as 1.23 million jobs; $31.7 billion in wages and benefits; and more than $76 billion in economic output according to the 2014 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Retailers.  When including all sales by on-premise, full-service restaurants and drinking places, those numbers climb to 3.94 million jobs; $96.8 billion in wages and benefits; and over $241 billion in economic impact.

For hundreds of years, taverns have worked in their communities – large and small – to provide the best is hospitality and beverage service.  Since the repeal of Prohibition, on-premise licensees have flourished under the three-tier system that has allowed them to focus on customer service and satisfaction, while also working with supplier and distributor partners to create an unsurpassed chain of product accountability and quality that is the envy of countries around the world.

Bars and taverns are proving grounds for new cocktails, beer styles and wines, forums for political debate, bastions for like-minded sports fans and otherwise meeting places for business and pleasure. Bar and tavern owners continue to place a strong emphasis on responsible service by training employees and incorporating programs to promote responsibility.  By utilizing technology and working with enforcement and regulatory groups, licensees are doing their part to continue a tradition of responsibility.

The growth of technology and changing lifestyles mean that hospitality businesses are always adapting to meet the needs of modern customers and their evolving tastes.  In addition to constantly evaluating their business models, many bar and tavern owners must also navigate an opaque music licensing marketplace. They continue to call for an improved music licensing ecosystem that will make rights ownership information, licensing fee distribution and billing practices more transparent.

This May, join ABL in embracing the historic and modern roles of the American tavern, the people who work hard to keep the doors of their businesses open and the good jobs they provide their communities. Celebrate Tavern Month this May by raising a glass to the American tavern – the friendliest place in town!

Why are you stopping by your local tavern?

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