by KRYSTINA SKIBO

Smith, a leader in family-owned Connecticut-based wholesale business, takes the helm as WSWA continues to navigate the economic pressures facing the beverage alcohol marketplace.

Francis Creighton, WSWA

We spoke with Francis Creighton, WSWA president and president and CEO. CEO, about Smith’ s appointment and his future goals for the association.

BW: Why choose Cutter Smith as WSWA ' s new Chairman? FRANCIS CREIGHTON: Cutter is a long-time member of WSWA’ s board

and has been on our executive committee for several years. He is a great strategic thinker and has been involved with every critical WSWA issue for several years. Given the dynamic nature of our industry, having a chairman who is deeply involved in every aspect of the business is very helping in guiding the work of the association. He’ s great to work with, and fights for wholesalers and the entire beverage alcohol market every day.

BW: What projects or initiatives do you plan on working on with the new Chairman in the coming year? FC: As Cutter has said in the past, this market demands resourcefulness and nimbleness. WSWA is committed to proactively supporting our members by addressing market challenges and identifying growth opportunities. Key initiatives currently include fighting tariffs that unfairly burden our member’ s businesses and hurt consumers, and ensuring a strong three-tier system that promotes consumer choice, public safety and economic vitality.

WSWA has implemented a three-year strategic plan aimed at fostering a thriving marketplace that values our members and the three-tier system. We advocate for the critical role of wholesalers and empower them to succeed through targeted actions, including our advocacy efforts, engaging in member events such as Access LIVE, our convention and trade show in Las Vegas in February, and providing the best data available in the market through SipSource.

BW: What is WSWA ' s current top legislative priority at the federal and state level, and how is the organization mobilizing its members to achieve that goal? FC: First and foremost, WSWA will continue fighting to protect the vibrant threetier system that drives innovation, protects public health and safety, and ensures proper tax compliance. We will continue to work with policymakers to highlight the negative impact of tariffs, which hurt consumers and put pressure on an industry that employs so many people across the country.

We also want to ensure that intoxicating hemp beverage products, which are increasingly available in states around the country, are properly regulated. We

WSWA incoming Chairman Cutter Smith.

Cutter Smith is the president of Eder Bros., Inc. and the new incoming Chairman for WSWA. As a leader in family-owned Connecticut-based wholesale business, Smith brings a wealth of knowledge on the beverage alcohol industry to WSWA.

“ As the incoming Chairman of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America( WSWA), I am both humbled and inspired to follow in the footsteps of distinguished leaders such as Dina Opici, Doug Shaw, Tom Cole, Danny Wirtz and so many others,” Smith said in a statement.“ Each left behind a legacy of service built on a simple but enduring truth: WSWA’ s strength has always come from being a resource for its members— in times of need, in moments of change, and in periods of opportunity.”

“ When I reflect on the history of this association dating back to 1943, I see a common thread woven through the words of past Chairs,” Smith continued.“ Whether navigating recessions, regulatory upheaval or cultural shifts, they each emphasized the importance of standing together, speaking with one voice and being a resource that helps members not just survive, but thrive.”

As Smith takes on this role, he vows to do so with deep respect for the generations before him who built this industry with resilience and vision.

“ I look forward with optimism, knowing that the same qualities that made us strong in the past will carry us forward: adaptability, collaboration and service. WSWA must continue to be driven to serve its members. Our job is to ensure that as the industry evolves, we evolve with it by providing the insights, advocacy and resources that help you succeed in real time,” Smith concluded.

12 Beverage Wholesaler • Winter 2025 www. beveragewholesaler. com