Best Stakeholder Outreach Program

n June of 2022 , Utah ’ s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services ( DABS ) gave itself a service-first facelift with a rebranding launch , complete with a new name and new mission . The new working mission statement is a complement to the longstanding mission

by Krystina Skibo statement defined in Utah state statute : “ The department proudly serves all Utahns , whether or not they choose to drink alcohol . It also financially supports crucial government services , local businesses and tourism , and prioritizes alcohol prevention education for the health and safety of all Utahns .”

After the rebranding launch , DABS sought to continue its service-first drumbeat , capitalizing on earned media opportunities to validate a cultural shift in the department . A lack of public trust in the department means that third-party validators ( media , external stakeholders ) are crucial to its message resonating .

Throughout this effort , Utah DABS observers are noting positive change in the department , specifically in its commitment to support local businesses — licensees and manufacturers . DABS tracks the progress with earned media coverage and anecdotal feedback from licensees , manufacturers and other stakeholders .

“ The increased media coverage acts as a third-party verifier that confirms the department ’ s efforts to improve customer service , not only to state store customers , but also to licensees and permittees that depend on the Utah DABS to safely , legally and efficiently run their businesses and events ,” says Michelle Schmitt , Communications Director at DABS . “ We want people to know that our department recognizes the value that these businesses and organizations provide for our state ’ s culture and economy , and we want

DABS generated $ 198.66 million in revenue to pay for statewide services .

to support them in being successful .” DABS gives back to the community directly through government funding , but they also take the time to support those that seek out the agency ’ s resources .

In fiscal year 2022 , the DABS generated $ 198.66 million in revenue to pay for statewide services like transportation and infrastructure , health , education , public safety , school lunches for kids and underage drinking prevention . The department also generated $ 31.23 million in sales taxes split between the state and local communities where DABS retail stores are located , according to a DABS press release .

Due to proper fiscal planning , the DABS increased pay for full-time store and warehouse employees across the board by $ 2 more per hour . The pay raise is in addition to the 3.5 % increase for all state employees in FY 2022 .

“ The news coverage , coupled with more direct outreach to stakeholders , advances overall department goals as we work with state legislators , local governments , industry representatives and the food and beverage hospitality community ,” Schmitt says .

StateWays | www . stateways . com | Fall 2023 11