Chairwomen Profile
emphasizing the importance of strong relationships , mutual respect and accountability to shared goals .
BW : WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST STRUGGLES THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY IS CURRENTLY FACING ? DO : The beverage industry is dealing
with several challenges – the rising costs of doing business , economic uncertainty , including the potential expiration of critical 199A tax benefits , and changing consumer preferences , just to name a few .
The success of our industry is anchored by products that provide quality and consistency that consumers expect but are driven by innovation . We need to continue to innovate and educate to attract new consumers , whether it ’ s through technology , data-driven insights or new product offer-ings , while embracing the rich traditions that make our businesses unique and valuable to all three tiers . Lastly , we must continue to advocate for the robust regulation of alcohol and states ' rights to regulate alcohol as they see fit under the 21st Amendment .
BW : WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR WSWA AND THE BROADER INDUSTRY ? DO : The future can be bright , but
it will require adaptability , an openminded approach and a focus on flawless execution within our business models . I see WSWA continuing to lead the charge on important industry issues like regulatory fairness and tax policies that support family-owned businesses .
I believe the industry will become more diverse , not just in terms of gender and background , but in the range of products and services we offer . By staying focused on innovation and inclusivity , we can ensure a strong , sustainable future for both WSWA and the broader beverage alcohol industry .
Driving Future Growth for NBWA and its Members
BY KRYSTINA SKIBO
The National Beer Wholesalers Association ( NBWA ) announced a new Chairwoman at its 87th Annual Convention . Senior vice president of Gulf Distributing Holdings , Rebecca Maisel brings a wealth of knowledge on the beverage alcohol industry to NBWA . She also previously served as chair of NBWA ’ s Next Generation Group and the Alabama Wholesale Beer Association .
Beverage Wholesaler caught up with Maisel and discussed her vision for NBWA and the future of the beverage alcohol industry .
BEVERAGE WHOLESALER : HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING APPOINTED THE NEW CHAIRWOMAN OF NBWA ? REBECCA MAISEL : It ’ s still surreal . It feels like just yesterday I was starting
out as a Next Generation board member . I had so much respect and admiration for the officers at the time , and I remember thinking , ‘ I want to do that , and I believe I can get there .’
That was about nine years ago , so it ’ s a cool feeling . I think probably the coolest part about being in this position is that it is an election , so I really feel like I have the support of the industry behind me . I was able to network , build a relationship in my state , get elected to the board , get to know and work with the distributors from other Grand family networks that I wasn ’ t familiar with and earn enough of their confidence to be in this position . I certainly look forward to continuing to justify the confidence that the industry has placed in me .
BW : DO YOU THINK BEING APPOINTED CHAIRWOMAN WILL HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT ON THE INDUSTRY REGARDING INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY ? RM : The fact that I was elected as an officer a few years ago , and now you have
Shannon McQuade-Ely who was elected this year to the Officer Corps , these are signs that the industry is opening and becoming more inclusive . We put an emphasis on programs such as building relationships and empowering women or through the Next Generation initiative to cater to that more inclusive group of ownership and emerging leaders coming through the industry . If my chairmanship encourages or empowers anyone else in the industry to reach for their goals , however lofty , I will consider that a win .
10 Beverage Wholesaler • Winter 2024 www . beveragewholesaler . com