Committee to continue focus on promoting vital roles women play in beer and wine industry

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) today announced its newly elected Women’s Advocacy Committee for 2023-2025. The committee was established in 2020 to promote the vital roles many accomplished women play in the success and operations of the beer and wine distribution industry. The announcement coincides with American Business Women’s Day on September 22, a day to officially honor the contributions and achievements of businesswomen across the nation and their impact on the workforce.

Jenna Podjan, sales manager at Bud Distributing Inc., was appointed chair of the MB&WWA’s Women’s Advocacy Committee.

“I want to thank Kit Wanty-Lambert for her tremendous leadership the last two years as committee chair in advancing our mission to educate legislators and the general public about the evolution of women working in the beer and wine distribution industry,” Podjan said. “I look forward to working with this inspirational group of women as we continue our efforts to be a go-to resource for information on Michigan’s alcohol regulations and how they create choice and competition while protecting public health and safety.”

The innovative nature of the beer and wine distribution industry fosters astounding growth potential for women in many capacities, including sales, marketing, human resources, finance, and operations. Whether working in warehouses, merchandising in retail stores, or leading their organizations as presidents and CEOs, women are making great strides for their companies, local communities, and the industry as a whole.

“It’s our hope that more women consider exciting career opportunities in this constantly evolving and rewarding industry,” said Brandi Tribell, vice president of operations and events at the MB&WWA. “With longstanding histories where they live and work, beer and wine distributors employ thousands of Michiganders and pump millions of dollars into local communities each year. It’s exciting to witness more women coming on board, climbing the ranks, and playing pivotal roles in the development and success of the industry.”

Podjan and Tribell are two of 11 female executives on the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee:

Jenna Podjan, Women’s Advocacy Committee chair and sales manager at Bud Distributing Inc. in Dowagiac

 

Jessica Balder, Finance Manager at Alliance Beverage Distributing in Grand Rapids

 

Joanie O’Sullivan Butler, president & CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing Inc. in Flint

 

Marcia Hune, lobbyist at Governmental Consultant Services Inc. in Lansing

Megan Iaccino, director of marketing at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits

 

Heidi Knudsen, controller at Ludington Beverage Company, Inc. in Ludington

 

Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O & W Inc. in Ypsilanti

 

Kristy Linster, vice president of Floral City Beverage Inc. in Monroe

 

Lindsay Smith, controller at H. Cox & Son Inc. in Traverse City

 

Brandi Tribell, vice president of operations & events at MB&WWA in Lansing

 

Jamie Wanty, vice president of marketing at O & W Inc. in Ypsilanti

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