2022 BEST PRACTICES AWARDS
BEST PRACTICES
Congratulations to the Winners
OVERALL
BEST PRACTICES WINNER
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services :
THE 2022 OVERALL BEST PRACTICES AWARD WINNER
Creating a culture of innovation is at the forefront of daily operations at the Maryland , Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services ( ABS ). As one of the state ’ s 25 liquor boards ( and the only control system ), ABS strives to elevate its work across all areas by identifying areas of improvement and collaborating with community partners and other local stakeholders .
“ We have an opportunity to continue growing our programs ,” says Kathie Durbin , Director of ABS . “ Our goal is to constantly reassess what we are doing and identify ways in which we can keep getting better .”
ABS has successfully launched a number of new initiatives during the past
by MELISSA SHERWIN
year , along with revamping existing programs and processes to enhance administrative efficiencies and optimize customer service . While much of this work was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic , ABS turned challenging circumstances into opportunities for improvement , illustrating why it is this year ’ s Overall Best Practices Award winner .
REBRANDING THE RETAIL EXPERIENCE One of the largest ABS accomplishments in the past year is the launch of its new branding concept , Oak Barrel & Vine .
This effort revolutionized the look and feel of the department ’ s 26 retail stores . ABS opened its first Oak Barrel & Vine store in Cabin John in October
BEST STAKEHOLDER
OUTREACH
New Hampshire Liquor Commission
BEST TECHNOLOGY
INNOVATION
New Hampshire Liquor Commission
BEST TRADE
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM :
Ohio Division of Liquor / OHLQ
BEST LICENSEE
EDUCATION PROGRAM :
Ohio Division of Liquor / OHLQ
BEST DISTRIBUTION
INNOVATION
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
BEST RETAIL
INNOVATION
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
StateWays | www . stateways . com | Fall 2022 11