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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StateWays Q www.stateways.com Q September/October 2014 26 CONTROL STATES EXECUTIVE FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ online. In the past, Virginia restaurants could only adver- tise happy hour inside the establishment or on a 17-by-22- inch sign attached to the outside of the building. This year's changes mark the first time that restaurants have been al- lowed to promote happy hour beyond their premises. Educating College Students Virginia ABC understands the impact alcohol can have on college campuses and re-introduced a program that focuses on these vulnerable communities. ABC's College Tour program partners with colleges and universities to combat alcohol abuse and underage drinking. Additionally, ABC launched its Education and Prevention Grants pro- gram, issuing 11 grants to assist community partners with developing initiatives related to underage drinking, driving under the influence, and other alcohol-related issues. Governor Terry McAuliffe took office in January. In ad- dition to naming me as ABC Chairman, he also appointed Commissioners Judy Napier and Henry Marsh to serve on the ABC Board. In April he appointed Ryant Washington as ABC's Special Policy Advisor for Law Enforcement. In fiscal year 2014, ABC continued to adapt to an ever- changing market. The agency remains committed to the public safety of Virginia's citizens, providing alcohol educa- tion for people of all ages; excellent customer service at each retail location; and generating a consistent source of revenue for some of the Commonwealth's most important programs. WEST VIRGINIA Ronald M. Moats Commissioner, Alcohol Beverage Control Administration T he West Virginia Alco- hol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA) reported record sales for FY 2014. The 178 retail outlet stores purchased $91,572,536.46 in inventory from the WVABCA Distribution Center. The increase of 1.10%, or one million dollars, accounted for 699,802 cases, up 3,297 cases from the previous year. Modernization of operations at the Distribution Center is a driving force behind the continued sales growth. In 2013, retailers were provided 24/7 online access to a self-serve model to allow for will- call orders, add-ons, special orders, returns and claims. Retailers can view historic trends in order to make better decisions regarding their inventory levels to meet consum- er demands. A recent change allows retailers to receive a SPA price at the time of order, even if that product is out of stock. WVABCA will honor the SPA price when the product is received regardless of its current price. At present, the WVABCA has 1,992 regular codes for listing and 969 active special order codes, up from 1,975 and 839, respectively. The increase of the bailment portfo- lio is due in part to the significant increase in distilleries in the state. In 2005, West Virginia had only two distilleries. Currently, in West Virginia we have five distilleries and five mini-distilleries, which accounts for 66 different product codes. A large number of listed products will be available for sampling and ordering at the 23rd Annual Trade Show on September 8 and 9 at the Charleston Civic Center. Upgrading Inventory and Licensing In the next phase of modernization at the Distribution Center, the WVABCA will replace the legacy inventory sys- tem responsible for managing the inventory supply chain with a new in-house system called the Bailment Control System (BCS). The WVABCA plans to implement the BCS in two phases beginning in 2015. Once migration of core functionality from our legacy inventory system has occurred we will move to surface automation. This will provide ven- dors with a self-serve model to interact with the WVABCA and submit pricing and label information electronically. Significant progress occurred this past year with the development of the new eLicensing system. The new system will retire seven legacy systems utilized by eight different departments within the agency and adds func- tionality for case management, educational tracking, workflow automation and document management. Work flow specs were finalized earlier this year and WVABCA staff members were trained in order to use the new sys- tem during the license renewal period. The final phase of implementation is underway and will allow licensees to access a secure website to manage license renewals and even submit new license applications and fees online. Speaking to the Community Progress at the WVABCA also abounds in commu- nity outreach programs. The DUI Simulator Program is entering its 5th school year and has reached over 20,000 high school students. The program is sponsored by State Farm, Governor's Highway Safety Program and the Na- tional Alcohol Beverage Control Association and is an interactive way to reach students to educate them about the negative consequences associated with drinking and driving and engaging in other distracted driving activi- ties. Another program is titled "No School Spirits." This new program received funding from the DUI Simulator sponsors in order to hold a statewide PSA contest for every public and private high school in the state. The WVABCA judged all entries and a winning school was