5th Annual ABL Convention a Success
Bethesda, MD, March 27, 2007 --(PR.com)-- The American Beverage Licensees (ABL) 5th Annual ABL Convention, which was held on March 4-6, 2007 in Las Vegas, built upon ABL’s first five years and signaled ABL’s growth from a youthful association into a truly maturing organization with a plan for the future. Focusing on the theme of “Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow”, more than 400 attendees, comprised of ABL members, industry executives and media, met for three days of presentations, seminars, receptions and banquets. Guests were treated to an array of informative speakers and lively social events that led to a wave of overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, presenters and sponsors.
“The future for ABL is at hand and the convention celebrated this sentiment,” said ABL Executive Director Harry Wiles. “We are excited that the programs and events were so well-received and that ABL continues to gain respect as a voice for America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers.”
In addition to the informational components of the convention, the ABL Board of Directors met and held officer elections during the meeting, electing an Executive Committee Slate comprised of six officers and two at large members. The newly elected officers include President, Kevin O’Laughlin of Charlie’s in Terre Haute, IN; Vice Presidents David Jabour of Twin Liquors in Austin, TX and Bob Sprenger of Bubba’s in Marion, WI. Vice President Tom Williams of the Glendale Package Store in Waltham, MA and Treasurer Caren Assman of the Licensed Beverage Dealers of South Dakota have time remaining on their current terms as officers. Rounding out the ABL Executive Committee are newly elected At-Large representatives Chuck Ferrar of Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits in Annapolis Maryland and Darrell Keck of the Dixie Inn in Shelby, MT.
ABL also held a spirited and well-attended Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Ben Weiner of Sav-Mor Liquors in Somerville, MA took home the $500 for finishing in First Place, John Sorcenelli of Cedarville Wine & Spirits in Plymouth, MA collected $300 for Second Place, and in an act of solidarity, the remaining players at the final table split the $200 third place prize amongst themselves.
Those who supported ABL’s 2007 Convention include: Anheuser-Busch Companies, Beverage Media Group, Brown-Forman Beverages Worldwide, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), Heineken USA, MC BASSET, LLC, Miller Brewing Company, National Association of Beverage Importers (NABI), R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Rums of Puerto Rico, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Tommy Bahama Rum.
ABL will return to Las Vegas on February24-26, 2008 for the 6th Annual ABL Convention.
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American Beverage Licensees (ABL)
The American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is the nation's largest trade association dedicated to representing the interests of “America's Beer, Wine and Spirits Retailers”. ABL represents nearly 20,000 bars, restaurants, taverns, and package stores.
ABL has members in 348 of the 435 Congressional Districts across the nation. For more information about ABL, please visit www.ablusa.org.
“The future for ABL is at hand and the convention celebrated this sentiment,” said ABL Executive Director Harry Wiles. “We are excited that the programs and events were so well-received and that ABL continues to gain respect as a voice for America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers.”
In addition to the informational components of the convention, the ABL Board of Directors met and held officer elections during the meeting, electing an Executive Committee Slate comprised of six officers and two at large members. The newly elected officers include President, Kevin O’Laughlin of Charlie’s in Terre Haute, IN; Vice Presidents David Jabour of Twin Liquors in Austin, TX and Bob Sprenger of Bubba’s in Marion, WI. Vice President Tom Williams of the Glendale Package Store in Waltham, MA and Treasurer Caren Assman of the Licensed Beverage Dealers of South Dakota have time remaining on their current terms as officers. Rounding out the ABL Executive Committee are newly elected At-Large representatives Chuck Ferrar of Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits in Annapolis Maryland and Darrell Keck of the Dixie Inn in Shelby, MT.
ABL also held a spirited and well-attended Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Ben Weiner of Sav-Mor Liquors in Somerville, MA took home the $500 for finishing in First Place, John Sorcenelli of Cedarville Wine & Spirits in Plymouth, MA collected $300 for Second Place, and in an act of solidarity, the remaining players at the final table split the $200 third place prize amongst themselves.
Those who supported ABL’s 2007 Convention include: Anheuser-Busch Companies, Beverage Media Group, Brown-Forman Beverages Worldwide, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), Heineken USA, MC BASSET, LLC, Miller Brewing Company, National Association of Beverage Importers (NABI), R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Rums of Puerto Rico, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Tommy Bahama Rum.
ABL will return to Las Vegas on February24-26, 2008 for the 6th Annual ABL Convention.
###
American Beverage Licensees (ABL)
The American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is the nation's largest trade association dedicated to representing the interests of “America's Beer, Wine and Spirits Retailers”. ABL represents nearly 20,000 bars, restaurants, taverns, and package stores.
ABL has members in 348 of the 435 Congressional Districts across the nation. For more information about ABL, please visit www.ablusa.org.
Contact
American Beverage Licensees
John Bodnovich
(301) 656-1494
www.ablusa.org
John Bodnovich
(301) 656-1494
www.ablusa.org
Contact
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