10/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 19:51
Gulf Distributing Holdings Senior Vice President Rebecca Maisel Named New Board Chair
SAN DIEGO, CA - Today, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) wrapped up its 87th Annual Convention and Product Showcase in San Diego, naming Alabama's Rebecca Maisel as its new board chair.
With 1,700 distributors and beverage professionals and over 150 exhibitors, this year's convention highlighted the successes and durability of the beer distribution industry while exploring innovative strategies for continued growth.
"In an industry that's evolving at a whiplash pace, distributors are the steady, reliable engine that keeps things moving. You persevere, you evolve and you succeed. To me, that is the definition of durability," said Craig Purser, President and CEO of NBWA, in his keynote address. "Brands rise and fall, segments shoot up and back down but all that the local bar or restaurant or convenience or grocery retailer knows is that the beer guy is coming in the morning with fresh supplies."
In naming Maisel board chair, NBWA highlighted her significant experience in the industry, including serving as Senior Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs at Gulf Distributing Holdings, a third-generation family business based in Mobile, Alabama. She previously served as chair of NBWA's Next Generation Group and the Alabama Wholesale Beer Association.
"Having this board elect me to the officer corps of NBWA three years ago, running the chairs and standing here today as your chair, sends a message to our membership and to the beverage world that there is room at the very top of this industry for qualified emerging leaders who demonstrate passion and commitment to our mission," said Maisel. "As chair, I assure you I will justify the confidence you have placed in me to lead this association."
Outgoing NBWA Chairman Jim Fabiano II, CEO of Fabiano Brothers in Bay City, MI, gave a comprehensive update on the state of the industry and NBWA's work to advance its members' interests.
"If there's one message I want you to take with you, it's that this association has your back," said Fabiano. "I hope you also leave with a sense of optimism for what we can accomplish together. With our collective strength, we will continue to drive our industry forward and face roadblocks and challenges head on."
NBWA also presented five awards:
Innovation took center stage at this year's event, from cutting-edge technology solutions on the Product Showcase floor to speakers who offered insights into reaching today's consumers.
Former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan keynoted the convention with lessons on building brand loyalty, while Heineken USA CEO Maggie Timoney shared her perspectives on innovation in the beer category during a fireside chat with NBWA's Purser.
Strategies for elevating beer were also the focus on two electric panels:
Attendees also heard from Jonathan Martin, POLITICO's Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist, on the upcoming election and what the 2025 political landscape may look like.
NBWA's 88th Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held in Las Vegas from October 12-15, 2025.
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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents America's 3,000 independent beer distributors who service every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Licensed at the federal and state levels, beer distributors get bottles, cans, cases and kegs from a brewer or importer to stores, restaurants and other licensed retail accounts through a transparent and accountable regulatory system. Distributors build brands of all sizes - from familiar domestic beers to new startup labels and imports from around the world - and generate enormous consumer choice while supporting more than 137,000 quality jobs in their home communities. Beer distributors work locally to keep communities safe by sponsoring programs to promote responsible consumption, combat drunk driving and reduce underage drinking.