ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) is pleased to announce Mitch Watkins as its 2007-2008 treasurer. Watkins is the president of Watkins Distributing, Sales and Service in Twin Falls, Idaho.

NBWA is the national trade association representing the interests of more than 2,750 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. They operate within a network of state regulations that provide transparency and accountability in the sale of malt beverage products to ensure the safe and efficient sale of beer.

As NBWA’s treasurer, Watkins will be responsible for overseeing the Association’s budget ensuring financial integrity and providing investment strategies for its long- and short-term investments.

Watkins has served on NBWA’s Board of Directors since 2002, serving most recently as the Association’s secretary.

Watkins Distributing, Sales and Service is a family-owned and -operated Anheuser-Busch distributor. Watkins has served as president and owner of the company since 1988. He graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1982, afterward becoming sales manager and route supervisor at Zip Beverage, Inc. in Missoula, Montana.

As an active member of the community, Watkins serves on the Board of the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization and Business Plus, Inc. and is a past member of the Anheuser-Busch Wholesaler Advisory Board. He is vice chairman of the Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Board and past president of the Magic Valley Youth Basketball Organization. He also serves as president of the Idaho Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association Political Action Committee.

Watkins and his wife Linda have four children and reside in Twin Falls.