American Beverage Licensees Convention a Success

Beverage Alcohol Retailers Annual Meeting Elicits Approval by Industry

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) March 19, 2005 -- The American Beverage Licensees successfully held their 2005 ABL Convention on February 27 - March 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Incorporating the theme The Challenge of Change...Strengthening Sales Through Inspiration, Insight and Entertainment", nearly 400 attendees met at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino for three days of presentations, seminars, receptions and banquets. Conventioneers were treated to a host of informative speakers and lively social events including a Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament.

This was our most successful convention to date," said ABL executive director Harry G. Wiles. I received nothing but favorable reviews from our guests and we intend to build on this years success."

Following a breakfast sponsored by Beverage Media Group and a Board of Directors meeting, the convention started on Sunday with a reception hosted by the Rums of Puerto Rico. Following the reception, Future Brands sponsored the Knob Creek Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament. The tournament was a hit among attendees as all 100 seats were filled and heated competition took place among the tables. Jim Beam golf shirts and travel bags were also given away. Following the tournament, everyone reconvened at the Heineken USA Welcome Party, which featured hors doeuvres and a vast assortment of Heineken products from around the world.

Mondays events started in earnest with a breakfast sponsored by RJ Reynolds followed by an energizing General Session. Chief Executive Officer of Diageo North America, Ivan Menezes, opened with remarks focused on the significance of retailers in the three-tier system as well as the importance of industry responsibility messages. Dr. Peter Cressy, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States reaffirmed Mr. Menezes beliefs and added that it is imperative that retailers and distillers work together on the issues that affect the industry as a whole, including fighting calls for increased hospitality taxes. Both Menezes and Cressy lauded ABL for its responsibility efforts and initiatives. Pat Haggerty of Haggerty/Schatz Advertising finished the morning session with a stimulating talk about how retailers can brand their businesses to increase profitability.

Following a Miller Brewing Company sponsored luncheon, ABL Convention goers were treated to afternoon seminars featuring two prominent men in the beverage alcohol industry. Dr. David Ryder, head brewmaster for Miller Brewing Company, gave an in-depth presentation on how Miller beer is made and some of the more interesting nuances of the beer making process. Following Dr. Ryder, Jimmy Bedford, only the sixth master distiller ever for Jack Daniels Distillery, put on a presentation and conducted a tasting of Jack Daniels products.

That evening at the DISCUS Banquet, guests were treated to a world-class dinner and the presentation of the Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year awards, which honor outstanding retailers from around the country. The National Association of Beverage Importers supplied an expansive beer bar and McCormick Distilling Co. sponsored the after-dinner musing and crooning of The Rat Pack.

Tuesday picked up where Monday night left off as a great crowd of conventioneers attended breakfast, which was sponsored by Titos Handmade Vodka and featured bloody marys and screwdrivers made with that ultra-smooth vodka. Tito Beveridge, the namesake for Titos Handmade Vodka, was on hand to offer some inspirational remarks about his experiences as a micro-distiller and how he has achieved success.

The Tuesday General Session kicked off with a talk by the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Americas general counsel, Craig Wolf, who delivered remarks about ongoing attacks on the three-tier system and the pending U.S. Supreme Court case dealing with direct interstate beverage alcohol shipments. After Mr. Wolf, ABL Washington Counsel Rick Berman outlined what efforts are being made and steps retailers can take to go on the offensive against those who wish to destroy ABL members businesses. Cole Boehler gave a brief presentation on the state of the ABL Leader, ABLs monthly newspaper, which reaches thousands throughout the country.

David K. Rehr, President of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, concluded the morning session with rousing remarks on the importance of the three-tier system and the strong relationship that wholesalers enjoy with retailers. Just as last year, Mr. Rehr remarks were well received by the attendees and ended the formal General Sessions of the 2005 ABL Convention on a positive note.

Tuesday evenings Final Night Banquet, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, marked the level of dignity with which ABL members carry themselves. Prior to dinner, ABL President Greg Wonsmos presented the inaugural ABL Top Shelf Award to Darrell Ansel of Minnetonka, Minnesota. Ansel, a retailer for over 40 years, received the honor in recognition of all that he has done for the betterment of the beverage alcohol industry and his community. The award represents ABLs highest honor. The evening concluded with the charming melodies of the trio Desert Wind, sponsored by BMI.

For more information about ABL, the 2005 ABL Convention or the ABL Leader, please call 301-656-1494 or email bodnovich@ablusa.org.

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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