StateWays | www.stateways.com | January/February 2017
12
W
hen any organization experiences
massive growth, additional re-
sources are generally required in
order to maintain it. The Mississippi
Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
agency has struggled to keep up with
the steady growth it's experienced for
years, without seeing much in terms of additional fi nancial
support from the state.
The Madison-based ABC is a division located within Mis-
sissippi's Department of Revenue. During the 2015 - 2016 fi scal
year, the state's net operating profi t amounted to $58 million,
but the ABC contributed a total of $106 million, accounting for
nearly 3% of the state general fund's overall revenue.
Total ABC sales for the last fi scal year were $354
million. All stores within Mississippi are privately
owned, but the ABC manages the warehouse and
acts as the wholesaler for the state.
Currently, the ABC is led by Commissioner Herb
Frierson, who was appointed by Mississippi Governor
Phil Bryant in July 2016. Prior to his appointment to the
ABC, Frierson served in the state legislature for more than 25
years and also worked as a real estate appraiser, high school
teacher and coach. His most recent position prior to being
named Commissioner was Appropriations Chair, which gave
him a great deal of experience working with the Department of
by
MELISSA
NIKSIC
agency agency
profile
Mississippi ABC
DESPITE MINIMAL RESOURCES
MAKING GREAT STRIDES