ORLANDO, Florida – The National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA) 69th Annual Convention got off to an exciting start this morning. Today’s general session emphasized that the time-tested system for getting beer into the hands of legal drinking age consumers has provided the states, and the country as a whole, a successful and inexpensive means of bringing a wide selection of beer to market.
Outgoing NBWA Board Chair Phillip A. Short, in his remarks, touted the middle tier and called for beer distributors to become stronger advocates for the role they play in the distribution system. He also urged them to do everything in their power to ensure states retain the right to effectively regulate alcohol in the manner most appropriate for their own citizens.
In Short’s words: “The middle tier is the window that allows the alcohol distribution system in this country to be transparent.”
NBWA President Craig A. Purser also focused on the importance of the beer distribution system. “We must be willing to stand up for our system of distribution,” he said, “and advance an agenda that demonstrates the value we add for our suppliers, licensed retail customers and millions of consumers.”
A lively panel discussion, Competition and Regulation: A Delicate Balancing Act, focused on how to balance the competitive and regulatory aspects of the industry within an orderly marketplace. Moderator Mark Brown of Buffalo Trace Distillery asked panelists to comment on issues such as who should decide how to regulate alcohol, the state of the 21st Amendment and the definition of an orderly marketplace and how is it measured. Panelists included Pat Gagliardi of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, Tom Haynes of the Coca Cola Bottlers Association and Harry Schuhmacher of Beer Business Daily.
Heineken USA President and CEO Andy Thomas spoke about common ground in the beer industry noting that brewers and distributors are inherently linked. “We are you. You are us,” he said.
Thomas also remarked on supplier support of the three-tier system and said, “We embrace the three-tier system because it makes sense commercially and from a regulatory standpoint.”
Political Analyst Stuart Rothenberg enlightened beer industry representatives on the upcoming midterm elections where control of the House, and maybe Senate, is undeniably in play. He described many political scenarios across the country with numerous possible outcomes. He also advised attendees to stay active and involved and pointed out that with a potential change in congressional leadership in the future, each race this November is significant.
Awards were presented to outstanding members of the beer industry during the morning’s general session. Awards categories consisted of the President’s Awards for Legislative Excellence, NBWA Industry Service Awards, NBWA Public Affairs Awards, PAC: Kenneth Kerr Award, NBWA Life Service Awards. Recipients included:
President’s Awards for Legislative Excellence
- Sen. Jon Kyl (AZ)
- Sen. Blanche Lincoln (AR)
- Majority Leader John Boehner (OH-8)
- Rep. John Dingell (MI-5)
NBWA Industry Service Awards
- The late Gary Nateman, former beer industry consultant; accepted by Dan Tearno, vice president, corporate affairs, Heineken USA
- The late Mark Rodman, former counsel to NBWA; accepted by Drew Jaglon, trustee of the King-Nateman-Rodman foundation
- Oliver Delaney, president, Oklahoma Beverage Association
- Bob Lachky, vice president, global industry development, Anheuser-Busch
NBWA Public Affairs Awards
- Colorado Beer Distributors Association (CBDA); accepted by Steve Findley, president, CBDA
NBWA Political Activism Awards
- Boening Brothers Inc.; accepted by Boening Brothers President Hap Boening
- Standard Sales Company; accepted by Standard Sales Principal Frank Deaderick
PAC: Kenneth Kerr Award
- Steve Lytle, president, Gold River Distributing; chair, NBWA PAC Committee
NBWA Life Service Awards
- The late Mike Vacek, former president, New York State Beer Wholesalers Association; accepted by Mike Vacek, Jr. and New York State Beer Wholesalers Association Executive Director Steve Harris
- Leona Aranoff, president and CEO, Gate City Beverage
- Rick Hanson, Board Chairman, D.J. Reardon Company