BY KYLE SWARTZ
Dr . Renay Scales presenting about the topic of Diversity Equity and Inclusion .
The retiring Steve Schmidt and the NABCA executive team at the 2022 Annual Conference .
THE 2022 NABCA ADMINISTRATORS CONFERENCE
Pittsburg served as setting for the 2022 NABCA Administrators Conference , bringing together control state leaders from across the country . Between local polish fare and sandwiches filled with French fries , guests attended three days of informative meetings at the 93-year-old Omni William Penn Hotel ( which may or may not have been haunted ).
Discussions touched on numerous pertinent topics . A common refrain from this year ( and years past ) was the need to better communicate to consumers the advantages of control states .
“ Public safety is a valuable way to communicate the value of [ control ] systems ,” said Steve Schmidt , retiring NABCA Sr . Vice President for Public Policy and Communications , during a panel on the subject . “ These systems have a handle on the levers of every way that alcohol is dealt with in the state .”
To best highlight the positive impact of control states on public health , he suggested collaboration with other , key state employees .
“ Public health authorities are an important and authentic voice in what we do , and we need to engage them publicly ,” Schmidt said . Money was another critical point of publicity . “ We should make sure that people know where the money we raise goes in the state ,” Schmidt said . “ Make sure that people know that we are their asset . Make sure that they know that we help fund education , law enforcement and public safety . It ’ s not enough to just talk about the money . We have to talk about where the money goes .”
He also recommended emphasizing the flaws of control ’ s alternative , referencing an earlier panel that explored problems faced in Washington since privatizing in 2012 .
“ We should not be afraid to talk about what the results of privatization are ,” Schmidt
NABCA honored the retiring Herb Sutton and Steve Schmidt during the conference .
said . “ Ideologically , privatization makes sense . But collateral damage has been done in Washington . So let ’ s be honest about what the results are , so that people can make their own decisions .”
Attendees honored the retiring Schmidt during the closing banquet , celebrating his long , impactful career . Since 2006 , Schmidt has led NABCA ’ s Public Policy and Communications Departments . Before that , he served 12 years as Director of Education and Community Services at the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board .
“ Steve has played a vital role with NABCA , creating lasting positive impacts with constituents across the country as well as the NABCA family ,” said NABCA President / CEO Neal Insley , in a release . “ He has not only provided genuine counsel
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