I f the past year were summed up into three words, I would choose these: Putting Distributors First. From passage of the landmark Sober Truth On Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act) to aggressively advocating on behalf of beer distributors in the arenas of government, industry and public affairs, NBWA had a banner year. Additionally, major progress was made in accomplishing the stated goals outlined early in the year:
1. Focus on distributor specific issues.
2. Change the way distributors describe what they do
3. Develop a strategy to address the shift in power to big retail
4. Ensure the Association has the resources to continue to be the leading advocate in the beer industry.
    As important as progress on our advocacy goals is, the fact remains that beer distributors lead the way when it comes to meeting industry challenges. Beer distributors work tirelessly to promote responsibility and fight underage drinking and drunk driving. NBWA continues to be the organization that stands up for the American system of alcohol distribution. And beer distributors continue to provide great jobs with high quality wages and benefits. 
    NBWA led industry efforts to help Congress pass landmark legislation to combat underage drinking. That legislation included an important recognition regarding the primary authority of the states to regulate alcohol. This success would not have been possible without the committed leadership and tireless contribution of the Association’s Board of Directors and Management Committee. 
    The past year has also seen a great deal of change in both the industry and political arenas. The 2006 elections resulted in 67 newly-elected members and a shift in party control of both houses of Congress. This change will provide new opportunity as NBWA works to advance our agenda and put distributors first!

Cheers,




Craig A. Purser
President, NBWA