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E D I T O R ' S N O T E
StateWays ■ www.stateways.com ■ November/December 2015 4
Saluting Control
State Innovators
T
his issue marks the inaugural Control State Best Practices Awards, which we
created to celebrate the agencies and personnel who are advancing the control
state system, making it better for consumers, retailers and the industry at large.
Choosing the Virginia ABC as the overall winner was an easy decision – the
agency has long been a leader in retailing, technology, education and enforcement.
The agency's Premier Stores sealed the win for Virginia – the stores' layout, design,
function and overall concept is something every retailer should emulate.
I hope you'll read about the eight Best Practices Award winners and learn some-
thing from each of them. The survival and evolution of the control state industry
depends on sharing ideas and strategies, so that states separated by thousands of
miles can borrow successful solutions from each other and apply them to their prob-
lems and weaknesses at home. Every agency faces budgetary limitations and under-
staffi ng – which makes collective problem-solving crucial.
While this issue's focus is celebrating the best and most innovative control state
agencies, it's also packed with seasonal information. From brandy and Cognac
(see page 36), to Sparkling Wine and Champagne (see page 39), to the holiday
merchandising guide available at www.StateWays.com, you'll fi nd information on
all the trends and new products that will help strengthen sales this holiday season.
Thanks to all the control states that participated in the inaugural Best Practices
Awards, and I hope to see what new innovations you have in store for 2016!
Jeremy Nedelka, Editor
2015
CONTROL STATE
BEST PRACTICES
AWARDS