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Independent, family-owned beer distributor’s contributions latest example of giving back to communities it proudly serves

Ypsilanti, Mich. — Local independent, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. today announced several donations to local charities in honor of Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement inspiring people and organizations to transform their communities. The contributions are the latest example of O&W Inc. creating a spirit of unity in the places they are proud to live, work, and serve.

“At O&W Inc., our family and employees have been passionately delivering beer and cheer since 1933,” said Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O&W Inc. “We are an employee-first organization that prides itself on providing value to our retail customers, suppliers, and business partners, many of whom have supported our business and helped us grow over the years. Being actively involved in our local communities is part of our legacy and one way we are proud to give back and say thank you.”

Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are leaders in charitable giving throughout the state. O&W Inc. has time-honored partnerships with many local organizations that support and promote health care and wellness, hunger relief, children and youth, and much more. This year, the beer distributor is thrilled to donate the following for Giving Tuesday:

“We are proud to call these organizations neighbors and partners in helping to improve our local communities,” Wanty-Lambert said. “We look forward to many more years of enriching the places we service through charitable giving and strengthening cherished relationships with those who work hard to make a difference in our communities.”

Founded in 1933, O&W Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned beer distributor located central to its selling territory in Ypsilanti Township with a seven-county footprint in Southeast Michigan. It employs over 180 people and continues to build on its legacy of community involvement and social responsibility while keeping customers and employees at the forefront of all they do.

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Northern Michigan beer distributor helps ensure shelves are stocked, tap handles flowing during busy holiday season

Traverse City, Mich. – H. Cox & Son Inc. employees are putting in extra hours to help ensure retailers are well-stocked ahead of the busy holiday season. Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day is a busy time for the beer distributor, with sales spiking 50% the weeks before each holiday and skyrocketing business at local bars and supermarkets leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“We’re proud to partner with suppliers across Michigan and beyond to help ensure consumers have an unmatched selection of beer to enjoy this holiday season,” said Mark Ribel, president of H. Cox & Son Inc. “It’s a special experience to live and work in Traverse City, where so many people return to spend the holidays with their loved ones this time of year. From drivers and warehouse employees to leadership, everyone at H. Cox & Son takes great pride in how we operate as a team to promote growth, choices, and competition as we serve our customers and community during the holidays and every day.”

Michigan’s independent, family-owned beer distributors employ nearly 5,000 people and have an economic impact of nearly $5 million in local communities statewide. H. Cox & Son exemplifies the industry’s commitment to improving the communities where employees and leadership live and work through their involvement and sponsorship of numerous organizations and local events, including Munson Hospital Cancer Center, Munson Hospital Stroke Initiative, Northwestern Michigan College Foundation, and Traverse City YMCA, along with many local high school extracurricular activities.

“At H. Cox & Son, we are passionate about giving back to our community and gladly embrace any opportunity to support other local businesses and charitable organizations,” Ribel said. “We are very fortunate to be part of a fifth-generation family business. With H. Cox & Son being part of the Traverse City community since 1933, many generations of bars, restaurants, and stores have supported and helped us grow. Giving back to our local community is our way of saying, ‘Thank you.’ We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Cheers to a great 2024!”

Tracing its company roots back 90 years, H. Cox & Son has a rich history in the Traverse City community. The beer distributor has worked hard to diversify its inventory in a dynamic tourist area market, with 35% of business done in the summer months. If you buy an Anheuser-Busch product within a 60-mile radius of Traverse City, it comes through H. Cox & Son’s warehouse, along with several non-alcoholic beverages. H. Cox & Son employs 60 people and services seven counties in northwest Michigan.

Cutline: H. Cox & Son Inc. warehouse in Traverse City, Michigan.

Cutline: H. Cox & Son Inc. employee stocking the shelves in a local retailer.

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Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. proud of employees who bravely served our country at home and abroad, remains committed to supporting veterans

Ludington, Mich. – Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are pillars in their communities across the state with longstanding histories that often span multiple generations. Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. this year celebrates 90 years of delivering some of the world’s best beers across Northwest Michigan. The beer distributor is proud to be entirely veteran-owned and operated.

“Since the ratification of the 21st Amendment repealing Prohibition in 1933, the Ludington Beverage family has served the communities in which they live and serve with a commitment to bring the local people a variety of their favorite beverages,” said Tad Reed, president of Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. “This company has seen tremendous growth and success as a leader in our industry and local communities we serve. I am proud to represent the fourth generation at Ludington Beverage Co. Inc., working alongside our dedicated family of employees to promote choice and competition while delivering the best products and superior service to our customers. We are all stewards of this business and build upon the legacy of Peck and Vera Reed, Bud Sr. and Dorothy Reed, and Budde Reed.”

Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. prides itself on being 100% veteran-owned and operated. The distributor proudly supports Folds of Honor, an organization that helps ensure local families of fallen or disabled U.S. military members and families of first responders receive educational opportunities and support through its scholarship program.

“On Veterans Day and every day, we salute and respect the sacrifices made by our service men and women and their families to protect the freedoms we cherish as Americans,” said Rick Tyndall, co-owner of Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. “We, along with our families, have also made those sacrifices for our country, and are uniquely positioned to take advantage of every opportunity to support our veteran services organizations across our region and beyond.”

The City of Ludington celebrated its 150th birthday in June. Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. was pleased to bring the World-Renowned Budweiser Clydesdales to town to celebrate the Sesquicentennial milestone and its own 90th anniversary in business. The beer distributor was thrilled to raise $10,000 for Folds of Honor throughout the week of celebrations.

Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. is a locally and entirely veteran-owned and operated beverage distributor that serves seven counties in Northwest Michigan. Its team markets, sells, and distributes Anheuser-Busch InBev and regional brands, Michigan crafts, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Cutline: Ludington Beverage Co. Inc.’s first warehouse

Cutline: The World-Renowned Budweiser Clydesdales with the Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. team during the City of Ludington’s 150th Sesquicentennial birthday celebration, June 2023.

Cutline: The Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. team presenting Folds of Honor a check for $10,000 that was raised during the week of celebrations for the City of Ludington’s Sesquicentennial birthday and the beer distributors’ 90th anniversary, June 2023.

Cutline: A beer truck in Ludington Beverage Co. Inc.’s warehouse.

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Petitpren’s continued success made possible by hardworking employees, relentless focus on quality, community service

Clinton Twp, Mich. – A leader among beer distributors in Michigan since 1933, Petitpren Inc. is proud to celebrate 90 years in business this year. The company’s continued success is made possible by the hard work and commitment of its employees, a relentless focus on quality, and giving back to the communities it proudly serves. 

“My great-grandfather, Frank E. Petitpren, started this company out of a six-car garage on Broadway on the Clinton River in Mt. Clemens immediately following the end of Prohibition before moving to a location on Market Street,” said Brad Petitpren, president of Petitpren Inc. “Thanks to his leadership and that of my grandfather, Stan, and my father, Dean, our company established a mission to provide the highest quality products, a wide variety of choices, and superior service to our customers. It is a legacy I am proud to continue today alongside our hardworking, dedicated employees and my sons, Austin and Alec, who represent the fifth generation of our family in the business.”

With a commitment to building strong partnerships with its suppliers and giving back to its surrounding communities, Petitpren Inc. exemplifies the deep roots and longstanding histories for which Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are known. Petitpren donates more than $100,000 to local charities and municipalities each year and is a co-founder of SADD Michigan, a student-based organization that fights underage drinking and promotes alcohol education to minors.

“Our connections with the people in the communities where we live and work are integral to our company’s past and future prosperity,” said Taylor Ickes, HR manager at Petitpren. “Our team prioritizes contributing to the growth and success of Macomb County by staying active in sponsoring local events and activities that benefit health and wellness, children and youth, recreation, the environment, and more. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the presence and relationships we have built in our local communities for many years to come.”

Last year, Petitpren Inc. broke ground on a 30,000-square-foot addition to its Clinton Township warehouse. The expansion is helping the distributor accommodate a growing roster of suppliers and a draft cooler and represents Petitpren’s continued investment in the local community and good-paying jobs.

A dedicated steward of the environment, Petitpren Inc. has undertaken many energy efficiency projects over the past 10 years and recycles approximately 2 million pounds of aluminum annually.

Petitpren Inc. proudly serves retailers in Macomb County and a sliver of Wayne County, including the city of Hamtramck. In 1980, the company moved into its current location on Groesbeck Highway in Clinton Township. The warehouse sits on 10 acres of land, housing 135,000 square feet of warehouse space. Petitpren Inc. employs 102 people, including 95 full-time and 7 part-time workers.

Cutline: Frank Petitpren with his grandson, Dean Petitpren, 4 months old, in front of a beer truck on April 3, 1943.

Cutline: From left to right, Brad, Stan, and Dean Petitpren at the 25-Year Club Dinner in 2015.

Cutline: Taken in 1979, shortly before Petitpren moved into its new warehouse on March 7, 1980.

Cutline: First 25-year club of Petitpren Inc., 1997

Cutline: From left to right, Myrene and Stan Petitpren with the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Cutline: From left to right, Dean, Alec, Austin, and Brad Petitpren at the March 2022 groundbreaking of Petitpren Inc.’s 30,000-square-foot addition to its Clinton Township warehouse.

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State-of-the-art facility latest indicator of company’s growth and success as it marks 90 years in business

Traverse City, Mich. – Imperial Beverage Company, a Michigan, family-owned beverage distributor, today celebrated the grand opening of its 12,000-square-foot warehouse at 1430 Industry Drive in Traverse City. The facility will help the company accommodate an expanding portfolio of suppliers, customers, and continue creating job opportunities to support the communities it proudly serves.

“We are thrilled to officially open our doors in Traverse City with this state-of-the-art warehouse in such an amazing community,” said Joe Cekola, president of Imperial Beverage Company. “This expansive new facility is evidence of the hard work, passion, and innovation that drive our employees, help generate jobs, support other small businesses, improve the local economy, and introduce more options for consumers across Michigan. The timing of this grand opening couldn’t be better as Imperial celebrates 90 years in the business of helping our retail and supplier partners, employees, consumers, and communities succeed.”

Imperial Beverage Company started 90 years ago, in 1933, when the Berry family established the business at the end of Prohibition. The Cekola family bought the company in 1984. They have grown it from a one-county Pabst distributor into a statewide beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic wholesaler serving every county in Michigan, every week, all year long, with four locations in Kalamazoo, Livonia, Marquette, and now Traverse City.

Imperial entered the Traverse City market in 2001 with one local sales representative and a delivery truck out of Kalamazoo. Strong relationships and an outstanding local craft beverage portfolio evidence the operation's success. The region now supports 23 employees operating out of the Traverse City facility that covers Northern Michigan from coast to coast.

Imperial’s new warehouse is located about four miles south of downtown Traverse City. Thursday’s ribbon cutting drew state, local, and county dignitaries.

“Thanks to Michigan’s independent and family-owned beer and wine distributors like Imperial Beverage Company, our state is among the Top 5 in beer production, with over 300 small brewers and brew pubs and 140 wineries,” said State Senator John Damoose. “Imperial Beverage’s new Traverse City warehouse demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and giving back to local communities. I look forward to seeing Imperial excel in the Grand Traverse Region and beyond as it continues to help create growth, choices, and competition.”

Imperial Beverage Company is Michigan’s only statewide beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverage distributor. They boast a portfolio of over 7,000 SKUs, offering something for every customer. Imperial has 342 total employees, including specialized support and sales staff who live in the markets they serve.

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O & W Inc. maintains commitment to clean energy initiatives that protect Michigan’s air, land, and Great Lakes

Ypsilanti, Mich. – Independent, family-owned beer distributor O & W Inc. today announced it recycled a company record of nearly 104 million cans and glass bottles in 2022. The new record, an 8.5% increase from 2021, makes O & W Inc. one of the largest recyclers in southeast Michigan. The company’s announcement coincides with Crush a Can Day, celebrated on Sept. 27.

“Crush a Can Day provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate our continued commitment to best business practices that help reduce our carbon footprint and protect our air, land, and Great Lakes,” said Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O & W Inc. “As an employee-first company, we are proud of our continued innovations that promote responsible energy use and reduce pollution. We take pride in optimizing our energy resilience, which benefits everyone by preserving jobs, helping our company save money, protecting our natural resources, and contributing to our local economy.”

In addition to cans and bottles brought back from retail, O & W Inc. is committed to recycling 100% of the cardboard, plastic, and paper within its facility. In 2021, O & W Inc. invested in a new solar array system on its warehouse in Ypsilanti, complete with 420 new panels producing 200,000 kilowatt hours of electricity. Since its installation, the distributor has seen savings of $20,000 and $23,000 in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

“Our renewable energy investment is just part of our commitment to conservation and diversification in our warehouse, on the road, and in the marketplace,” said Isabel Wanty, vice president of operations at O & W Inc. “As an independent, local beer distributor helping to promote growth, choices, and competition, we are thrilled to bring several environmentally friendly products to consumers across southeast Michigan. Expanding our portfolio to include ethically sourced, sustainably packed products is part of our ongoing efforts to preserve the environment for future generations.”

Michigan’s beer and wine distributors became the state’s major recyclers after the 1978 passage of the bottle bill, which gives 10 cents back when people return cans and bottles to retailers. Distributors initiate the chain of deposits, collecting the 10-cent-per-container deposit at the front end, refunding the deposit when containers are properly returned by retailers, and recycling the materials at the end of the process. Because of the system, Michigan has the nation’s highest return rate for recycling cans and bottles. 

 

O&W Inc.’s solar array system on its warehouse in Ypsilanti, complete with 420 new panels producing 200,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.

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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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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Imperial Beverage, Michigan’s leading independent craft beer distributor, today announced a new partnership with Michigan State University to sell Big Lake Brewing’s signature Sparti Parti IPA at Spartan Stadium during the 2023 football season.

Sparti Parti is among Big Lake Brewing’s signature, best-selling hazy IPAs. With crisp pine notes and a deep citrus finish, Sparti Parti is an extremely pleasant, sessionable beer, ideal for tailgating or sipping during a Spartan football game.

“Sparti Parti has been a mainstay product for years for thousands of Spartans across Michigan, and we are thrilled to have it be among the first beers welcomed into Spartan Stadium and enjoyed by their enthusiastic fans,” said Barry Galgoci, general manager of Imperial Beverage.

In late July, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill allowing alcohol sales at Michigan’s 15 public universities' football, hockey, and basketball games. Sales are permitted at select games at each university’s discretion an hour before kickoff, at puck drop and at tipoff, and during games.

This year, Big Lake Brewing is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Their beers are all products of the Great Beer State – inspired by and enjoyed by thousands at and around some of Michigan’s greatest landmarks, including Michigan State University. This dedication to our state’s culture has built Big Lake Brewing’s brand over the past decade.

To learn more about Sparti Parti, follow Big Lake's social media platforms.

Website: Learn more at http://biglakebrewing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biglakebrewing/?hl=en

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/biglakebrewing

About Imperial Beverage

Imperial Beverage is a long-standing member of the Michigan beverage distribution community. Established in 1933 after the repeal of Prohibition and purchased by Kalamazoo’s Cekola family in 1984, Imperial has grown from a one-county beer distributor to a top 10 statewide beer, wine and spirits wholesaler. With 340 employees and four locations in Kalamazoo, Livonia, Traverse City and Ishpeming, Imperial provides statewide coverage that serves every Michigan county, every week, all year long. Learn more at imperialbeverage.com.

About Big Lake Brewing

Big Lake Brewing is one of Michigan’s leading craft breweries, with distribution across the state. Located on 7th Street in downtown Holland, Michigan, the taproom has 26 taps, always filled with a variety of handcrafted beers created by a passionate team of brewers. Big Lake also offers a full lunch and dinner menu with a Dutch spin. Learn more at biglakebrewing.com.

Independent, family-owned beer distributor’s contribution latest example of giving back to community it proudly serves

CLINTON TWP., MICHIGAN — Local independent, family-owned beer distributor Petitpren Inc. today announced it has donated 170 cases of Langers Fruit Juice to the Community Food Bank of Macomb County, which provides immediate relief to those in need of food through a network of more than 70 pantries and hunger relief organizations. The contribution is the latest example of Petitpren giving back to the Macomb County community it proudly serves.

Operating as a nonprofit organization, the food bank supplies food at no cost to families and ensures pantry shelves are stocked.

“At Petitpren Inc., we pride ourselves on stepping up to help the community we proudly serve, and it is our sincere hope that our donation helps the Community Food Bank of Macomb County’s ongoing efforts to help ensure all county residents have access to nutritious, healthy food options,” said Taylor Ickes, HR manager of Petitpren Inc. “Our dedication to our family of employees extends into the communities where we live and work, and this partnership with our local food bank is one way we’re proud to give back.”

Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are leaders in charitable giving in their communities. Petitpren Inc. has longstanding partnerships with many local organizations that support and promote the arts, health care and wellness, children and youth, building and enriching community and businesses, volunteer-based leadership and development, and much more.

“We are proud to call Petitpren Inc. a neighbor and partner in helping ensure no Macomb County family goes hungry,” said Alec Williams, site supervisor of the Community Food Bank of Macomb County. “We would like to express our gratitude to everyone at Petitpren Inc. for this generous donation to help local families in need. We are thankful for relationships with dedicated partners in our community such as Petitpren who help ensure we are successful in carrying out our mission.”

Petitpren supports numerous additional local charities, including:  

Founded in 1933, Petitpren Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned beer distributor, proudly serving retailers in Macomb County and a sliver of Wayne County that includes the city of Hamtramck. The company’s foundation has been built on providing superior customer service, building strong partnerships with its suppliers, and giving back to its surrounding communities. Petitpren Inc. is very active in sponsoring local events and activities contributing to the growth and success of Macomb County.

Cutline: Taylor Ickes, left, HR manager of Petitpren Inc., and Alec Williams, site supervisor of the Community Food Bank of Macomb County. 

Cutline: Matt Orlando, left, driver at Petitpren Inc., and Alec Williams, site supervisor of the Community Food Bank of Macomb County.

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BAY CITY, MICHIGAN — Local beer distributor Fabiano Brothers Inc. today announced special appearances by a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale Aug. 16-18 in Burton, Flint, and Lapeer as the iconic Clydesdales travel across the country in support of Anheuser-Busch’s partnership with Folds of Honor. Through its scholarship program, Folds of Honor helps ensure local families of fallen or disabled U.S. military members and families of first responders receive educational opportunities and support.

Michigan’s independent, family-owned beer distributors are leaders in charitable giving in their communities and actively partner with local organizations, which Fabiano Brothers exemplifies through its long-term involvement with nonprofits such as Folds of Honor.

“We are thrilled to bring an iconic Budweiser Clydesdale to mid-Michigan this month in partnership with Folds of Honor, continuing our company’s commitment to supporting the military and honoring those who serve our country, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Jamie Farrell, Director of Sales and Marketing Anheuser Busch Brands for Fabiano Brothers Inc. “We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to support Folds of Honor in its mission to inspire courage and determination in our military families as they seek new opportunities and plan for brighter futures.”

The Budweiser Clydesdale will be at Sharky’s Sports Bar in Burton Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 7-9 p.m., the Flint Farmer’s Market Thursday, Aug. 17, from 3-5 p.m., and the Lapeer Days Beer Tent Friday, Aug. 18, from 6-8 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Clydesdale and make donations to Fabiano Brothers Inc.’s local Folds of Honor chapter.

To date, Anheuser-Busch, its brands, and wholesaler partners have donated $21.7 million to Folds of Honor, which has contributed to the nonprofit’s delivery of 44,000 scholarships since its founding.

Cutline: A Budweiser Clydesdale must be a gelding at least 4 years of age, stand 72 inches at the shoulder when fully mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, four white stocking feet, a white blaze, and a black mane and tail.

Cutline: Farmers living in the 19th century along the banks of the River Clyde in Lanarkshire, Scotland, bred the Great Flemish Horse, the forerunner of the Clydesdale.