NBWA is the national trade association representing nearly 1,900 independent beer distributors throughout the nation before government and the public. The Association, founded in 1938, ranked 8^th on Fortune magazine’s most recent Power 25, a list of Washington’s most powerful lobbying groups.

Beer distributors serve as the critical link in the American distribution system which allows smaller, more unique beers a vehicle to market and provides consumers with the choice they desire at a great value. Distributors source beer from a wide variety of brewers, unlocking the market for new beer brands and innovative beverages.

Short led the group’s efforts over the past year as NBWA worked to strengthen the 21^st Amendment and the American system of beer distribution, successfully increase visibility of beer distributors in the public affairs arena and reinforce the overall strength and influence of the organization on Capitol Hill.

Short has served on NBWA’s Board of Directors since 1999. Prior to serving as chairman of the board, he served as NBWA’s vice chair, fostering and strengthening positive working relationships among NBWA beer distributor members and state beer distributor associations, and coordinating beer distributor and industry representation before national organizations of state officials. Short has served as the Association’s secretary and treasurer as well as chair of the Legal Review Subcommittee.

In 1996, Short became the sole owner of a beer distributorship originally founded in 1951. In 2001, he officially changed the company’s name to P.A. Short Distributing. The company is an exclusive Anheuser-Busch distributorship serving the counties of Roanoke, Craig, Botetourt, Floyd and parts of Bedford, Franklin and Montgomery, as well as the cities of Roanoke, Salem, Christiansburg and Radford.

P.A. Short Distributing and its 60 employees work tirelessly with the local community to eliminate illegal underage drinking and drunk driving, and support organizations that can positively influence youth, such as the Roanoke Valley YMCA.

Short is actively involved in the community and serves as president of the Roanoke Valley YMCA Corporate Board. He is also a member of the Alumni Council of Hampden-Sydney College, the Virginia State and Roanoke Bar Associations and a deacon of the Salem Presbyterian Church.