Stateways

StateWays Sept/Oct 2015

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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E D I T O R ' S N O T E Editor Jeremy Nedelka Tel: 203-855-8499 x213 jnedelka@epgmediallc.com Associate Editor Kyle Swartz Tel: 203-855-8499 x225 kswartz@epgmediallc.com Art Director Jean Blackmer Contributing Editors Melissa Dowling, Jonathan Newman, Melissa Niksic, Marnie Old, Robert Plotkin, Jack Robertiello, Thomas Henry Strenk and Nicholas Upton Sr. Regional Sales Managers Bruce Kostic Tel: 203-855-8499, ext. 215 bkostic@epgmediallc.com Mark Marcon Tel: 248-761-6231 mmarcon@epgmediallc.com Debbie Rittenberg Tel: 215-431-8787 drittenberg@epgmediallc.com Senior Research Analyst Adam Rogers Vice President, Beverage Amy Collins acollins@epgmediallc.com Production Director Cherri Perschmann Tel: 763-383-4425 cperschmann@epgmediallc.com Reprints Circulation and Audience Development Manager Debra Welter Tel: 763-383-4439 dwelter@epgmediallc.com List Rental Jim Scova Tel: 914-368-1012 jscova@MeritDirect.com StateWays is published by by Beverage Information Group, a division of EPG Media & Specialty Information Editorial offices 17 High St., 2nd Fl., Norwalk, CT 06851 Tel: 203-855-8499 Fax: 203-855-9446 Executive offices 10405 Sixth Ave. N., Suite 210, Minneapolis, MN 55441 Tel: 763-383-4400 Fax: 763-383-4499 StateWays Goes to Washington ABL (American Beverage Licensees): www.ablusa.org DISCUS (The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.): www.discus.org NABCA (National Alcohol Beverage Control Association): www.nabca.org WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America): www.wswa.org T his issue has an American theme, as we celebrate spirits that reflect the culture, craftsmanship and spirit of the U.S. (See "A Global Phenomenon," page 34, and "Bourbon Isn't Having All the Fun," page 30). September is Bourbon month, and the category continues to grow beyond anyone's expectation — especially the suppliers who are running low on stockpiles. Beyond Kentucky, the overall American Whiskey category is riding the Bourbon bandwagon. Tennessee whiskey, moonshine, blends and especially rye are all finding renewed interest as Millennials continue to experiment. As more distilleries open, and companies continue to innovate, questions about labeling requirements, production methods, origin restrictions and preferences toward local products abound. Local, state and federal regulatory agencies are creating a patchwork of rules to govern these start-ups, but that process is still in the early stages. Speaking of regulations, last month I took a trip to the nation's capital to meet with a number of industry associations and organizations to learn more about the people who are fighting on behalf of the beverage alcohol industry. I spoke to groups representing retailers, on-premise licensees, distributors, control a gencies and suppliers about the biggest challenges facing the industry. What I learned is that each of those organizations wants what's best for the industry in the long-term: sensible regu- lation and responsible consumption. Get Involved in the Future of Our Industry The biggest threat facing the beverage alcohol industry is apathy among stakeholders. Generations of retailers, wholesalers and brand managers have spent decades creating and defending our industry. Many of the most active members will soon retire, and it's up to the next generation to fill the void. I encourage all readers to take an interest in the local, state and federal laws and regula- tions that impact your business or organization, if you haven't already. Join a trade group, learn more about the industry and get involved. Don't know where to start? Below are some of the best national resources – register as a member, join a mailing list or just use them to keep up on the biggest issues facing beverage alcohol. There's no excuse for apathy. Jeremy Nedelka, Editor StateWays n www.stateways.com n September/October 2015 4

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