American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Honors Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year

The American Beverage Licensees (ABL) congratulated the recipients of the Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year Award at the recent ABL Convention in Las Vegas, NV. Sponsored by Brown-Foreman Beverages Worldwide, the awards are presented annually to recognize and honor dedicated members of ABLs state and regional affiliates.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) March 16, 2005 --The American Beverage Licensees (ABL) congratulated the recipients of the Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year Award at the recent ABL Convention in Las Vegas, NV. Sponsored by Brown-Foreman Beverages Worldwide, the awards are presented annually to recognize and honor dedicated members of ABLs state and regional affiliates.

Ralph Ageura, of Brown-Foreman Beverages Worldwide, announced the winners and thanked them for their contributions to the beverage alcohol industry on February 28. Retailers are a crucial link in the three-tier beverage alcohol industry as they are the face of the industry. They are the last ones to handle products before they reach the hands of consumers. They are also leading members of their communities who work long hours and place a strong emphasis on responsible retailing.

ABL congratulates the Retailers of the Year on their continuing efforts to reflect the positive impact that the beverage alcohol industry has in this country," said ABL executive director Harry G. Wiles.

The Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year are:

Don Diserens    Alton Sports Tap Alton, IL

Chuck Ferrar    Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits            Annapolis, MD

Ralph Ferraro    Rocking R Bar                    Bozeman, MT

Loren Fifer    Peanuts & Peanuts II                Fort Wayne, IN

Clyte Franklin    Angle Inn                    Baltimore, MD

Jerry Gasber    Gasbers Fine Day                St. Clairsville, OH

Richard Kari    Powerhouse Bar                    Proctor, MN

Austin Keith    Pinkies, Inc.                    Odessa, TX

John Kelsey    Rollers                        Hilton Head, SC

Peter Kessel    The Winexpress                    Northwood, MA

Larry Knackstedt Knockys Liquors LLC                Overland Park, KS

Don Livesay    Kongo Klub                    Mitchell, SD

Craig Matthews    St. Lucie Inn                    Fort Pierce, FL

Jim Milner    Stanleys Liquor & Wine, Inc.            Jackson, MS

Matthew Molahan    Turtle Bay Liquors, Inc.            New York, NY

PeterNebreklievski Channel Islands Wines & Spirits Oxnard, CA

Jerry Neverve    Red Lyon Tavern                    Lawrence, KS

Brian OReilly    Rice Creek Liquor                Shoreview, MN

Michael Pasulka        Players Sports Bar                San Diego, CA

Patty Petras    92nd Avenue Tavern                Westminster, CO

Marc Rosen    Valencia Discount Liquor & Wine Shop Meriden, CT

Sharon Ward    Wardskis                    Milwaukee, WI

Dave Westfall    The Wine Experience                Broomfield, CO

About American Beverage Licensees (ABL)

The American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is the nation's largest trade association dedicated to representing the interests of America's Beer, Wine and Spirits Retailers". ABL represents nearly 20,000 bars, restaurants, taverns, and liquor stores, including off-premise licensees in the "open" or "license" states and on-premise proprietors in markets across the country. Today, ABL has members in 348 of the 435 Congressional Districts across the nation. For more information about ABL, please visit www.ablusa.org.

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