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/83486
intelligence gathering and participation in operations concerning criminal street and outlaw motorcycle gangs. ABC special agents are committed to working with the more than 17,000 licensees and providing compli- ance training through responsible sellers and servers and manager's alcohol responsibility training. In addition to tips on recognizing fake IDs and avoiding sales to under- age and intoxicated patrons, a module is being developed to train licensees on vigilance against gangs attempting to infiltrate licensed entities. The bureau began centralizing the retail license application process to reduce processing time and make the initial phase consistent for all applicants statewide. Centralization is scheduled to launch early next fiscal year. and ongoing enhancements to our "government to business" web portal. The 2011 Trade Show provided the perfect opportunity for distillers and brokers to connect with retailers to introduce new products and reinforce existing product lines. During the Trade Show, the 178 West Virginia retail outlets were given discounts and allowed to order Value Added Packs (VAPs) for the holidays. This two day event resulted in $8,371,840.92 in total net sales and $566,165.26 in retail outlet discounts. ABC's alcohol education team launched the first ever College Tour, partnering with universities across the state to host a series of one-day regional forums. The Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP) attracted hundreds of high school leaders dedicated to making a difference in their schools, and Alcohol and Aging Awareness Group (AAAG) continues to provide solutions to substance misuse problems facing older Americans. Development and implementation of the Leadership and Management Program (LAMP) was a highlight of this fiscal year. The program is designed to build leadership skills and to capture and retain institu- tional knowledge through its mentoring piece. Commissioner Bryan M. Rhode was appointed by Governor Robert F. McDonnell in April 2012. He joins Commissioner Sandra C. Canada and me, lead- ing ABC in fulfilling its control, service and revenue mission. Ron Moats Commissioner West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration WEST VIRGINIA The West Virginia year 2012 ended on June 30th, sales totaled $88,838,278.00, up 4.6% over the previous fiscal year. This accounted for 692,170 cases shipped, up 22,762 cases or 3.4%. The upward trend in sales is attributed to main- taining a vibrant portfolio of our products which meets consumer demands, hosting a successful Trade Show 22 Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA) reported another prosperous year for spirit sales in West Virginia. When fiscal Modernization of the Distribution Center is a pri- ority project for the WVABCA and is a contributing reason for the increased volume and sales. The agency has purchased a generator to ensure that products can be shipped and received during inclement weather and has made repairs to the docking area. Further modern- ization plans are underway to replace the lighting which will reduce operating expenses and allow the Center to operate more efficiently. The new lighting system will yield at 100% Return on Investment (ROI) in three years. Additionally, processing orders electronically via the web promotes greater accuracy and flexibility. Internal improvement and modernization is not limited to the Distribution Center. Recent updates to the web portal include improvements in inventory tracking and bailment reports. The agency is in the process of integrating a new licensing software system and E-licensing will be available soon. The new E- licensing system will allow on-line license renewals. This process will promote greater efficiency within several departments at the new ABCA Headquarters and will allow the Enforcement Unit field staff greater access to licensing files. Communication with the field staff will also be enhanced with new iPhones and two- way radio service which will enable direct connection to 911 services. Two bills impacting the WVABCA have recently passed. House Bill 3174 took effect on June 8, 2012 and allows for sampling to occur at Class A (free standing) retail liquor outlets. Upon approval from the WVACBA, a retail liquor outlet may hold a tasting event. Patrons are limited to one sample of distilled spirits not to exceed one ounce and three samples of beer (assorted brands) not to exceed two ounces per sample. The sec- ond bill, House Bill 4376 took effect on March 8, 2012 and allows wine consumption at specified professional league affiliated baseball parks. The WVABCA remains committed to better serv- ing our customers and employees. Success starts with our people and over the course of the last year key positions have been filled. Since the last update, the agency has hired a new Deputy Commissioner; Erin Brewster joined the WVABCA in January 2012 and will focus much of her attention on the operations at the Distribution Center. The 79 employees at the WVABCA look forward to another successful year. StateWays s www.stateways.com s September/October 2012