end of March. The ODG is advocating an avid no towards an additional $0.50 per bottle tax attempting to be imposed by the governor. Oregon

PENNSYLVANIA PENNSYLVANIA DISTILLERS GUILD

has one of the highest state liquor taxes in the nation, and this potential tax will add another layer of cost to the consumer. We are supporting Dr. Knute Buehler, our state

representative, who opposes this unfair tax. Rick Rickard Owner, Rolling River Spirits ODG Zone 1 Board Member

Here are some bullet points of the Pennsylvania Distillers Guild's activities for 2017:

»» Committee assignments: Legislative, Agricultural, Tourism, Membership »» Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board: Category Management to present full listing process presentation. 

Short but sweet! Rob Cassell

New Liberty Distillery

VIRGINIA VIRGINIA DISTILLERS ASSOCIATION The Virginia Distillers Association (VDA) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit private trade association focused on improving the regulatory, legislative and promotional environments for Virginia distillers. Founded by members of the Virginia spirits industry in June of 2016, the VDA’s mission is to “Provide economic growth and educational opportunities for the Virginia spirits industry.” In the past eight months of operations, VDA has already made significant strides, including:

»» The passage of recent legislation (SB 1448/HB 2029) which will allow Virginia DSPs to sell bottles for offpremise consumption at licensed festivals and events, effective July 1, 2017.

»» Development

of the statewide promotional campaign “September is Virginia Spirits Month” in 2016, which will be expanded upon for 2017. Virginia ABC has agreed to support the campaign for 2017 with a discount on all Virginia spirits sold during the month.

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»» Partnerships with Virginia Economic

»» Bill Karlson, VDA board member and

Development and Virginia Tourism Corporation to develop a Virginia Spirits Trail (similar to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail) for culinary travelers.

partner for KO Distilling in Manassas, VA.

»» And much more! The Virginia Distillers Association Board of Directors is comprised of a group of volunteer peers who represent the interests of all Virginia distillers. Our Board of Directors sit on the VDA Board for two-year terms. VDA Executive Committee members include our president, vice president and secretary/ treasurer. Our leaders and entrepreneurs include:

»» Gareth Moore, VDA president/board member and CEO of Virginia Distillery Company in Lovingston, VA.

»» Will Dawson, VDA vice president/board member and owner of E. Wright & C. Wallace Distilleries, who manufactures Boar Creek Appalachian Whiskey in Hillsville, VA.

»» Kristi Croxton, VDA secretary and treasurer/board member and partner for James River Distillery in Richmond, VA.

»» Scott Harris, VDA board member and general manager for Catoctin Creek Distilling Company in Purcellville, VA.

The VDA also has experienced staff, including:

»» Amy Ciarametaro, VDA executive director. Amy Ciarametaro brings forth experience managing marketing, public relations and trade initiatives on behalf of the Virginia wine industry for the past eight years. Amy understands many of the dynamics at the state level, and the importance of having a central organization to initiate industry collaboration for legislation, marketing and education.

»» Curtis Coleburn, VDA government relations. Curtis Coleburn served as the chief operating officer of Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control for over 20 years, presiding over the agency and its 350-plus stores statewide. Curtis has extensive knowledge of the regulatory environment, manufacturing, distribution and sales of alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth. For more info on the Virginia Distillers Association, visit www.virginiaspirits.org. Amy Ciarametaro Executive Director Virginia Distillers Association

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