Page 2 - NABCA 79th Annual Conference - Registration Brochure (FW)_Neat

Letter From the Chairman

Dear Friends:
With Collaboration, we Create Opportunities. Opportunities to solve problems,
share solutions, reduce misperceptions and better understand the dynamics
of every issue and/or problem and what those mean to each stakeholder. This
requires understanding and respect for each and every perspective. I strongly
believe that, if we engage in respectful collaboration and communication, we
have the opportunity to resolve many of our issues regardless of their degree
of difficulty. Whether it’s licensing in Michigan, listing procedures in Idaho,
refreshing trade practices in Iowa, merchandising in NH, enforcement efforts in
Virginia, supplier scorecards in Mississippi, or education programs in Pennsylvania
we continue to learn from one another and this must continue.
As successful as we’ve been, every day presents us with new developments
seeping into our regulatory and operational environments. “Collaboration” has
become more important than ever. Defining “craft” distilleries to keep a level
playing field; clarification of federal and state trade practice violations; preparing
for and regulating the explosion of new alcohol products such as powdered alcohol; reducing out-of-stocks;
handling a legalized marijuana industry, to name just a few. Today’s customers, whether they are chain accounts,
private liquor stores, individual license holders, community groups, policy makers or our own retail store customers,
expect and demand superior service, especially as technology has given them more information and versatility in
their shopping and business experiences. It is our job to ensure that technology and convenience alone are not
the drivers of change. The true focus must be the wellbeing of our communities. Public health and prosperity must
outweigh the latest technology. How can we succeed in this effort without relying on one another?
We need everyone at the table to discuss and debate these important issues. Collectively, we should take advantage
of the “Opportunities” created by these discussions and make sure any change is thoroughly researched and
understood before any new alcohol regulation or any deregulation of existing alcohol policy is enacted.
I urge you to attend NABCA’s 79th Annual Conference in Orlando. Thank you all for your support.

Stephen E. Larson
NABCA Chairman of the Board

NABCA MEETINGS APP

MEETINGS The NABCA Meetings mobile app is designed to include multiple events, so future NABCA
meetings will be automatically added as they become available. The Annual Conference
app features updated events, speaker biographies, session descriptions and updated
attendee lists! Details will be made available after registering. Accessible for all iPhone,
Android, smartphone and other web-based users.

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