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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13 StateWays ■ www.stateways.com ■ January/February 2016 [ PROFILE ] StateWays ■ www.stateways.com ■ January/February 2016 MELISSA NIKSIC is a freelance writer and marketing communications strategist from Chicago, IL. Her work has appeared in Chicago's Daily Herald newspaper, Time Out Chicago, Suburban Life newspapers, and various magazines. She is also the author of several children's books. Follow her @MelissaNiksic. Warehouse Improvements Technology isn't the only operational area of the agency that's been improved. Several major renova- tions have taken place in the WVABCA's warehouse. The 150,000-square-foot structure is located in Nitro, about 12 miles from the agency's headquarters. Housing more than 2,200 active SKUs, the warehouse received some much- needed enhancements beginning in June 2012, when the building's original overhead fl uorescent lighting system was replaced with new, energy-effi cient fi xtures. The project took fi ve weeks to complete, and the agency structured the process to avoid operational shut downs. Additionally, the renovation replaced 400 light fi xtures with just 245 energy-effi cient bulbs, resulting in electricity cost-savings, increased effi ciency and improved visibility throughout the warehouse. "Our effi ciency more than doubled the amount of light in the warehouse," says Ed Hart, Warehouse Manager with the WVABCA. "The staff noticed it right away, and it was a big morale boost for the team. Better visibility also means improved safety for our team, which is an important benefi t." Another improvement that enhanced visibility in the warehouse was the replacement of 74 skylights located throughout the structure. The skylights were replaced in 2015, and a 250-kW diesel generator was installed to keep the warehouse functioning in the event of a power outage. This is especially important because the build- ing houses a server back-up for agency headquarters. The warehouse was also completely repainted, and minor fl ood control issues were fi xed. The total cost of all recent warehouse improvements was $400,000. Both warehouse and technology improve- ments are now on a preventative maintenance program, meaning that Haynes and Hart work closely with Moats to predict and plan for additional improve- ments they anticipate for the coming years. "Everything in IT is on an updated renewal cycle," Moats says. "We also have identifi ed future needs for our warehouse, such as new dock-levelers within the next couple of years. Everything is carefully budgeted for, so there shouldn't be any big surprises down the line." EMPOWER EMPLOYEES. Create an atmo- sphere that makes all employees feel empowered by encouraging new and innovative ways in which to serve your customers. PAY ATTENTION TO CUSTOMERS. Connect with customers on a regular basis and solicit their feedback, truly listening to what they have to say. Their feedback is crucial to the success of any good business operation. TIPS FOR OTHER CONTROL STATES What advice does the WVABCA have to offer other control states that are working to improve their organizational structures? Here are some tips from Moats: www.stateways.com www.stateways.com LEARN FROM EACH OTHER. At the WVABCA, Moats strongly values the wealth of experience that exists within the internal staff as well as with external agency partners. Regular com- munication with these key stakeholders results in a much stronger organization. " The simulator is effective because it capitalizes on the pop- ularity of video games among young people" — Commissioner Ronald Moats