Beer Distributors Recognized for Outstanding Service to Industry and Local Communities

Awards Presented to Stand-Out Distributors at NBWA Convention & Trade Show

LAS VEGAS, NV – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) honored several talented industry leaders today during the NBWA 74^th Annual Convention and Trade Show, held October 16-19, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The NBWA Life Service Award, NBWA’s highest honor, was presented posthumously to Gary Blinn, former president of Norfolk Beverage Company in Norfolk, Nebraska. He was a beer distributor and humanitarian who dedicated a lifetime of service to the industry, community and fellow distributors. Blinn, who passed away in July of this year, left behind an impressive legacy of accomplishments, including military service as a swift boat captain in the U.S. Navy, international business experience and his work as president of family-owned Norfolk Beverage Company since 1981. Blinn was well-known, well-liked and well-respected as a businessman and civic leader. He positively impacted thousands of people, and his commitment to the beer distribution industry was unparalleled. He remained active in NBWA activities long after his time on its Board of Directors ended. Receiving the award on Blinn’s behalf were Norfolk Beverage President Dick Uhing and General Manager Debra Auen.

The NBWA Industry Service Award was presented to three state association executives for their energy, insight and service to the distribution industry and for making significant decisions that will influence the industry today and for years to come. The first recipient was Kristin Crawford, Executive Director of the Associated Beverage Distributors of Nebraska. Crawford developed a broad and successful coalition of interests to support a proposal by the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to update its alcohol code to close loopholes impacting the three-tier system. With the help of her leadership, Nebraska’s three-tier system is stronger today. The next Industry Service Award recipient was Eric Jensen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association. Wisconsin is a proud beer state, however, some confusion had risen over time about the roles and responsibilities of different tiers in the system. Jensen helped organize a broad coalition of brewers, retailers, distributors and others to help more clearly differentiate the three tiers in Wisconsin through legislation that was recently signed into law by the governor. The final Industry Service Award recipient was Bill Olson, President of the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois. Olson tackled controversial issues in Illinois including ownership, vertical integration by beer suppliers, the rights of small brewers and a state legislature’s proper role in determining the rules of alcohol distribution, rather than federal judges. He built a coalition of large and small brewers, retailers and distributors to help clarify the roles of brewers and distributors through compromise legislation to allow 89% of breweries who produce less than 7,500 barrels of beer per year to distribute, while at the same time providing strong three-tier protections for the state.

The NBWA Public Affairs Award recognizes an individual who stands out for his or her efforts to advocate for and promote the beer distribution industry through effective communications and public affairs initiatives. It was presented to Cheryl Timberlake of the Maine Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, who was instrumental in organizing the association’s monthly e-newsletter – which reaches many industry stakeholders, including state legislators and leadership, retail partners and distribution employees. Timberlake’s efforts also led to a Joint Resolution from the Maine State Legislature recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month and her association’s responsibility initiatives.

The Whitey Littlefield Award was presented in memory of the man who served as the chairman of the NBWA Political Action Committee (PAC) 12 years ago. Whitey Littlefield was instrumental in building the NBWA PAC. He established the Chairman’s Circle recognition group because he believed those who give the maximum contributions need to be recognized for their commitment and belief in the future of the Association. In that spirit, the Whitey Littlefield Award was presented to Boening Brothers, Inc. of North Lindenhurst, New York.

The Kenneth Kerr Award was presented in memory of the man who more than 30 years ago was an instrumental leader in the growth of the NBWA PAC. The award is presented to a distributor member who goes above and beyond in “drilling down” and encouraging more distributor employees to participate in the PAC. This year’s award was presented to Greg Lamantia of L & F Distributors, LLC, in McAllen, Texas, for his tremendous efforts on behalf of the NBWA PAC.

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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of America’s 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution. For more information, visit www.AmericasBeerDistributors.com.