“ I hope to model my role as chairman after Tim Holden , who has been an outstanding leader and mentor in helping control states continue to modernize and come out stronger after Covid .”
NABCA CHAIRMAN FRED WOOTON
“ I hope to model my role as chairman after Tim Holden , who has been an outstanding leader and mentor in helping control states continue to modernize and come out stronger after Covid .”
– Fred Wooton
came permanent .
The state has also seen successful growth by its resident brewers and distilleries . Recent legislation to ease the sale of beer and liquor in growlers and allow some exceptions for on-premises consumption has helped brewers and distillers expand .
Along with growth and innovation , much of the WVABCA ’ s work remains focused on enforcement , education and licensing — specifically on underage drinking prevention initiatives .
Since 2010 , the DUI Simulator Program has visited high schools and colleges across the state to educate young people about the dangers of driving under the influence . In 2019 , a new simulator was commissioned , featuring state-of-the-art graphics and a moving seat to create a more realistic experience . More than 67,000 students have participated in the DUI Simulator Program to date , which is also offered at county and safety fairs throughout the year .
Another popular prevention initiative is the NO School Spirits public service announcement ( PSA ) contest .
Now in its tenth year , the program encourages middle and high school students to create videos that emphasize the dangers of drinking and driving . Entrants compete for the top prize of $ 5,000 , and a chance for their video to become a televised and radio PSA that runs during prom and graduation season . Second- and third-place prizes are also awarded . All funds go to the schools to be used primarily for programming related to underage drinking and prevention . Both the DUI Simulator Program and the NO School Spirits PSA contest receive funding from State Farm Insurance , NABCA , and the West Virginia Governor ’ s Highway Safety Program .
Across all areas of work at the agency , Wooton attributes much of his success during the years to one thing : relationships .
“ I still work with some of the same people I did 30-some years ago ,” he says . “ You get to know people , and you maintain those relationships throughout your career . Staying in contact with people across many different areas of this industry helps me learn about things that are going on , and also gives me great insight into our business from many different angles .”
EXPANDING TO THE NATIONAL STAGE Wooton looks forward to contributing to the work of NABCA in his upcoming role as chairman . As the first West Virginian to hold the position , he will succeed Tim Holden , Chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board , who has been in the role since last spring . Having been involved with NABCA for many years , Wooton reflected on seeing many chairmen come and go , and said that he has learned a lot from all of them .
“ NABCA is a truly wonderful organization , and I am proud to be a part of it ,” he says . “ I hope to model my role as chairman after Tim Holden , who has been an outstanding leader and mentor in helping control states continue to modernize and come out stron-
18 StateWays | www . stateways . com | Summer 2023