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
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/173064
TOP CONTROL STATE EXECUTIVES DISCUSS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTIONS. the that StateWays has approached leading officials the This isasked fourteenth consecutive yearthe undeniable fact thatthat have affected theirbeingamong over control states and them to address the key issues and developments operations the past year. Their commentaries continue to reflect the control states are run as modern-day businesses on a variety of fronts. Privatization continues to be a talking point among some state executives and representatives, and some control agencies may ultimately be affected; however, no realistic privatization efforts appear to be serious threats to control systems at this writing. Based on these reports, sales revenues among the control states have one again almost universally increased, and a wide range of responsibility initiatives continue to progress. At the same time, the control states are using best business practices to create more time- and money-saving efficiencies across all elements of their businesses, from backoffice to warehouses to retail outlets. The officials also touch on a variety of modernization initiatives, including the upgrading of POS and security systems, redesigning and enhancing retail merchandising programs, updating online ordering systems for licensees and developing new technologies for increasing compliance with agency regulations. We also learn about the latest legislative changes that several control state agencies have had to put into action, as well as a wide range of ongoing enforcement efforts and newer legal initiatives. These state snapshots also note important personnel changes within the agencies, as well as provide outlines of the overall environment, accomplishments and challenges in these separate control jurisdictions. We'd like to once again thank the control state commissioners, chairpersons, administrators and other officials who took time out from their busy schedules to provide this information for us…and you. ALABAMA spreading southern hospitality throughout the Alabama ABC Stores. The state store employees have been receiving training in the art of using customer service to make people comfortable and to make their shopping experiences more enjoyable. This training has made a huge impact which is evidenced by the positive comment cards being received. The ABC Store Managers are also receiving product knowledge training provided, free of charge, by Gallo. Having a thorough understanding of the products on the shelves allows the sales associates to use different techniques and methods of presenting the product to customers. Knowledge is power and product knowledge can mean more sales and happier customers. The Alabama ABC Board has leased a warehouse annex just down the road from the main warehouse. With this additional warehouse space, holiday items, special orders and bulk items are more adequately stored and it has also opened up a lot of opportunities for product selection expansion. It is also beneficial in supplying national accounts. In order to fund the cost of the additional warehouse space and to maintain and add to the conveyor and IT system in the main warehouse, the Board approved the increase in bailment fees from 60 cents per case to 72 cents per case. The additional funds are also needed to upgrade the Point of Sale system and to modernize stores to include security monitors at cashier counters, innovation centers and end cap shelving. Alabama has not had a raise in bailment fees since 1995, when if first instituted a bailment fee. The Distiller's League in Alabama is currently hosting its fourth trade show and they continue to get better and better with more licensees attending and reaping the benefits! Trade shows are one of the best ways to get in front of the customers and prospects launching and demonstrating new products and talk face-to-face with many potential customers in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The last trade, which was held in Montgomery, generated over $940,000.00. The Alabama Legislature introduced and passed a bill which will consolidate and streamline law enforcement activities throughout the state. Lt. Scottie Chandler, ABC Enforcement Division, sits on the Integrated State Law Enforcement Task Force which has been charged with looking at ways to cut duplication in the state's law enforcement agencies and to cut spending by 10 percent. The bill reorganizes Alabama's many law enforcement programs into a Cabinet-level agency called the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency. It will have two units. One unit, called the Department of Public Safety, will include major portions of the existing Department of Public Safety, the Marine Police, law enforcement units from the Public Service Commission and the Revenue 8 StateWays I www.stateways.com I September/October 2013 H. Mac Gipson Administrator Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board here is a steady pace to TAlabama— a slow but vibrant pulse that is