programs , but can struggle in educating consumers about this positive impact . If more people understood how much the control model aids states from a financial and social standpoint , calls for privatization would likely decline .
Powers urged attendees to be proactive in the area . For instance : the NHLC publicized how its annual Pappy Van Winkle whiskey raffle raised money for Best Buddies , as well as people affected by the Napa / Sonoma fires and pandemic-related on-premise closures .
Naturally , this kind of work is about more than just positive publicity . “ It ’ s great to sell a product and hit a quote , but it ’ s also great to give back and feel good about what you do ,” Powers said .
Similarly , The Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services ( ABS ) worked with Brown-Forman on a recent campaign , “ Pause .” This encouraged responsible behavior among consumers through moderation , focused on reducing drunk driving .
“ We owe it to our communities to do these programs ,” said ABS Director Kathie Durbin . “ The reality is that in order for us to sustain ourselves , people need positive experiences with brands and accounts .”
Mirroring New Hampshire ’ s efforts to educate consumers on the social benefits of control states , ABC highlighted a campaign , with Winebow , that raised money for cancer research . Durbin pointed to programs like these as representing the crucial difference between authentic versus inauthentic . Programs trying to make a difference for the right reasons , versus empty marketing tying into a trendy cause . Today ’ s consumers can easily tell the difference , everyone on the panel agreed .
The key is to find companies and programs looking to make an authentic , positive impact .
“ It ’ s about what kind of work are these organizations doing on their own , and how can we elevate that work alongside our own ?” Durbin said .
Elsewhere at NABCA 2022 , the panel “ Being In Control of Your Success ” explored strategic advantages of the control model . Topics included how state organizations have handled Covid-19 , as the challenges mounted along with the emergency needs of licensees and consumers .
“ We ’ re going to get people back into business , and bolster their businesses ” said Gregg Mineo , Director of the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations in Maine . “ We ’ ve waived fees and extended application deadlines . We ’ ve done a lot of things and it ’ s working . Just look at where we are as an industry . It ’ s robust .”
“ There ’ s so many stakeholders , so many people we work with in this industry ,” he added . “ This industry is built on relationships , and we will continue to build and foster those relationships . That ’ s what ’ s really going to get us through this .”
Mineo also pointed to how control states swiftly and efficiently offered support for craft producers , and cocktails to go , as other achievements during Covid .
“ The control state model was and is at its best during difficult times ,” he said . “ The control systems answered the calls for help and responded . We were more progressive in our practices .” One of the common sources of frustration throughout the pandemic has been products out of stock . Especially when they are trendy items like high-end tequila or Scotch . Covid-related material shortages and supply chain issues have dented the availability certain SKUs .
“ It ’ s something we ’ re living with now and dealing with ,” said Mineo . “ It goes back to communication . Hats off to our suppliers for this . What they know , we know . We ’ re doing everything we can to maintain a qual-
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