StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
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all of its information technology (IT) systems. The two-year project, known as the Enterprise Resource Planning/Point of Sale project, is anticipated to begin this summer. It will initially focus on the implementation of new systems for the central office staff before eventually moving on to the state's agency stores. Frank Perricone, IT Systems Manager with the VDLC, says that new Windows-based platform will replace the department's current operating systems, which are outdated dial-up platforms that are unreliable and inefficient. The new systems will speed up many operational functions, such as credit card processing in stores, and will give the VDLC the opportuWe have an economic climate nity to create other innovative technology tools, such as a mobile inventory application that is improving, modernization with up-to-the-minute sales information, which is something that is impossible to do efforts moving forward, and an with the software that is currently in place. "This is a chance for us to completely expanded Liquor Board that is d reinvent our whole business, not just update a forward-thinking and ready to bunch of computers," Perricone says. "And it won't just benefit the people who work here. tackle all the important issues Agencies will have an easier time doing their that present themselves as part e jobs. Customers will receive better service as a result. Everyone across the state who is of a growing industry." involved in the liquor business in any way will — Michael Hogan, be positively affected by this." Commissioner, Vermont Department of Liquor Control Implementing the new systems will require extensive new training for everyone stay current. It's integrated across all channels, and we've involved, from VLDC administrators to agency employadded some new things like creating a social media pres- ees. An additional challenge is that the new system will ence. It's important to stay fresh." be rolled out to stores gradually, meaning that both the The development of the 802 Spirits campaign was existing system and the new system will run simultanespread over much of Fall and Winter 2012. In addition ously for some time. to the marketing team, staff members from across the "It will require some detailed advanced planning on department were asked to give input on the new brand, our part, so that everyone is clear about which system all as were store owners and members of the board. Once the information is located in, " says Jan Ciemiecki, the final phases of the campaign roll out early this sum- Director of Retail Operations. "But the end result, being mer, the department plans to conduct consumer focus timely and faster, will increase the ease of processing and groups in an effort to retool the campaign as necessary accuracy overall." and brainstorm ideas of how to continue to develop the With so many projects currently underway, it's brand over time. notable that the overall mood of the VDLC and its peoThe VLDC has continued investing in additional ple isn't one of stress or anxiety, but rather excitement marketing opportunities outside of its own branding and enthusiasm. materials. Vermont Life Magazine and the Vermont "We have an economic climate that is improving, Vacation Guide are two publications the agency adver- modernization efforts moving forward, and an expanded tises in to provide accurate and responsible information Liquor Board that is forward-thinking and ready to tackto consumers. These advertisements focus on product le all the important issues that present themselves as part specifications, store locations, and licensee information. of a growing industry," Hogan attests. "This is an excitIn addition to a comprehensive new marketing ing time for the department and for the state of SW strategy, the VDLC is also in the process of overhauling Vermont." " 18 StateWays I www.stateways.com I July/August 2013