Beverage Alcohol Retailers Participate in 8th ABL Convention
Licensees Discuss Industry Issues; Celebrate Heritage in Bourbon Country
Bethesda, MD – June 22, 2010 – America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers, along with
representatives from every tier and segment of the beverage alcohol industry descended on
Louisville, Kentucky on June 13 – 15 to participate in the 8th Annual American Beverage
Licensees Convention. The successful and exciting annual event featured speakers and
presentations from beverage alcohol executives, industry trade association leaders, bourbon
master distillers and social responsibility experts.
This year’s convention marked the first time ABL has held its signature event in Louisville,
which is located in the heart of bourbon country and has a strong beverage alcohol industry
presence. One of the convention’s two General Sessions featured a panel discussion with
eight bourbon master distillers, and was followed by a trip to bourbon country for distillery
tours, tastings, and a reception.
“We wanted to show ABL’s support for a historic and American segment of our great industry
by bringing the retail tier to bourbon country,” said Harry Wiles, ABL’s executive director.
“The new and exciting backdrop for this convention energized those retailers who made their
way to Louisville to take advantage of its attractions and hospitality.”
The convention also focused on industry trends, alcohol‐related legislative issues,
responsibility programs and ways in which to market and succeed in an increasingly digital
world. General Session speakers included Mark Brown, President of Sazerac; Bill Newlands,
President of Beam Global Spirits & Wine; Dr. Peter Cressy, President & CEO of the Distilled
Spirits Council of the United States; Craig Purser, President & CEO of the National Beer
Wholesalers Association; Jim Rowland, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America; Brian Fischer, Vice President of Community Relations
for The Charmer‐Sunbelt Group; Rob Frederick, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility for
Brown‐Forman, and a handful of other participants.
“The convention provided a chance for ABL members to network and meet with alcohol
industry members with whom they might not otherwise be in contact,” said Wiles. “With so
many issues facing our industry, bringing together producers, wholesalers and retailers from
the beer, wine and spirits segments is an invaluable opportunity to build industry unity and
share ideas on how best to protect and promote retail businesses.”

Beverage Alcohol Retailers Participate in 8th ABL Convention 2
Eddie Block, Partner of Republic National Distributing Company, was honored at the
convention’s Final Night Banquet with ABL’s Top Shelf Award. The Top Shelf Award is the
highest honor given by ABL and recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence over
their careers in the beverage alcohol industry and have a successful history of positive
influence in their communities. Mr. Block was joined by his family and more than 200 friends,
business colleagues and convention attendees to celebrate his award.
Also honored at the convention were the Brown‐Forman Retailers of the Year. Nominated by
ABL’s state and regional affiliates, the Retailer of the Year awards recognize dedicated ABL
retailers who are the last to handle beverage alcohol products before they reach consumers,
and are the face of the industry to millions of Americans who responsibly enjoy beer, wine
and spirits.
The ABL Board of Directors met during the three‐day event to conduct association business
and elect new officers. Joining ongoing President David Jabour of Twin Liquors in Austin, TX
and Vice President Skip Boise of The Tavern in Cortland, NY as officers are: Vice President Ray
Cox of Elite Beverages in Indianapolis, IN; Vice President Austin Keith of Pinkie’s in Odessa, TX;
Vice President Harry Klock of Stockman’s Bar in Harlowton, MT; and Treasurer Jonathan
Grimes of the Pennsylvania Tavern Association.
ABL’s 9th Annual Convention will take place June 11‐13, 2011, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is
open to all ABL and beverage alcohol industry members