Beer Distributors and State Alcohol Regulation Highlighted During Congressman’s Visit to Texas Distributorship
Mike Ferlet, VP Business Relations & Industry Affairs, Del Papa Distributing; Will Jenkins, Sales Manager, Giglio Distributing; Rep. Kevin Brady; Larry Del Papa, President Del Papa Distributing; Bill Falkenhagen, Executive VP & CFO, Del Papa DistributingU.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-08) recently paid a visit to Del Papa Distributing Company’s warehouse in Beaumont, Texas, during Congress’ Independence Day District Work Period. While touring the company’s facilities, Congressman Brady heard about the contributions beer distributors make and the important role state-based alcohol regulation plays in the state of Texas.
“We’re glad that Congressman Brady was able to take some time to visit us during the congressional break,” said Del Papa Distributing Company President Larry Del Papa. “A personal visit to our warehouse is a great way for a member of Congress to interact with some of his constituents and see the work that distributors do on a daily basis.”
The visit provided Del Papa, who serves as Vice Chair of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, with an opportunity to update Congressman Brady on the policy issues of importance to America’s beer distributors, including the importance of strengthening a state’s ability to regulate alcohol. Will Jenkins, Sales Manager for Giglio Distributing Co., another Texas beer distributing company, was also present for the meeting with the Congressman.
While visiting Del Papa Distributing, Congressman Brady witnessed firsthand the critical role that America’s 2,850 independent, licensed beer distributors play in safely, efficiently and responsibly delivering beer through the regulated system of state controls. Beer distribution employees work hard to ensure that every case of beer can be traced at all times – from the moment it leaves a brewer or importer until the time it reaches a store shelf or bar tap. This licensed system provides transparency and accountability, which helps protect consumers.
What has become today’s Del Papa Distributing Company was founded in 1910 as a grocery business in Galveston, Texas, by Omero Del Papa Sr. Omero, an immigrant from Lucca, Italy, later converted his grocery business into O. Del Papa Commission Co., the wholesale establishment that ultimately became today’s beer distributor. Today, Del Papa Distributing Company employs over 350 men and women at distribution centers in Galveston, Beaumont and Victoria; and it services more than 2,500 retail accounts in 17 Texas counties. To celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, the company is commemorating its extensive history and accomplishments with a year-long celebration that chronicles the company’s history and weaves it with the stories of its founding family and employees, the communities they serve and its first major supplier, Anheuser-Busch.
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