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NABCA CHAIRMAN FRED WOOTON
Wooton overaw numerous significant upgrades to the warehouse .
ger after Covid .” Holden , who said it has been an honor to serve as NABCA
Chairman , thinks Wooton is well positioned to take the reins .
“ Fred ’ s qualifications are beyond question ,” Holden says . “ He has more than 30 years of experience in West Virginia , came up through the ranks , and has so much knowledge across many areas of the business . I am glad to pass the torch to him .”
Wooton also received a strong endorsement from J . Neal Insley , President and CEO of NABCA .
“ Fred is a seasoned leader and understands the importance of collaboration and information sharing within our industry ,” Insley said . “ He has a unique perspective on the issues that our stakeholders face . His enforcement background , coupled with his business acumen , strikes that perfect balance between commerce and public health within the alcohol industry .”
Wooton ’ s NABCA theme , “ New Horizons , New Opportunities ,” is timely , as the nation continues moving into the post-Covid era . Despite the many challenges of the past several years , the pandemic has also resulted in a number of positive outcomes that have changed the beverage alcohol industry for the better , from new licensing options to additional consumer trends to innovative modernization opportunities and delivery models .
“ Every control state is going through so many of the same things right now ,” Wooton says . “ At this point in time and always , NABCA allows each of the 18 jurisdictions to learn what works best at other places , discuss the different trends people are seeing , and interact with industry suppliers . Now more than ever , we have an opportunity to learn from one another and help each other move forward .”
Insley agrees , and says that Wooton ’ s theme exemplifies how NABCA is preparing to move into the future .
“ Fred chose this theme because it captures the essence of how change can bring about new opportunities ,” Insley says . “ We all continue to work in the ever-changing landscape of the alcohol industry since the pandemic . Over the next year , NABCA will work diligently to explore and seek out these new opportunities that have now appeared on our horizon .” •
Melissa Sherwin is a freelance writer and marketing communications strategist from Chicago , IL . Her work has appeared in
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Chicago ’ s Daily Herald newspaper , Time Out Chicago , Suburban Life newspapers , and various magazines . She is also the author of several children ’ s books . Follow her @ MelissaNSherwin .
20 StateWays | www . stateways . com | Summer 2023