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Wholesalers nearly one-third of way to goal following 108-hole effort from Ludington Beverage Co-Owner Tad Reed that raised $45,000

Muskegon, MI — The second of several golf marathons involving Anheuser-Busch wholesalers on the west side of the state will tee off next week. The fundraiser is part of an effort to raise $150,000 for Folds of Honor scholarship recipients within Michigan. Folds of Honor exists solely to provide scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.

The Folds of Honor Golf Marathon 100 Hole challenge is simply to golf 100 holes between sunup and sundown. It can be an individual or team effort. Donors sponsor the golfer or team per hole or for completion.

On Monday, Aug. 9, Tom Schultz, general manager of Tyler Sales Company, Inc., and Mike Soboleski, customer service and sales manager at Schupan & Sons Inc., will answer the challenge and play a combined 100 holes of golf to raise money for the charity.

“As Anheuser-Busch wholesalers, we are proud to serve those who served. This fundraiser is just one more way we can give back to the men and women who have bravely protected our freedoms at home and abroad, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Schultz said. “The $150,000 we hope to raise will provide $5,000 scholarships to 30 spouses or children of fallen or disabled services members right here in Michigan whose applications went unfulfilled this year.”

According to Folds of Honor, Michigan has 72 scholarship recipients this academic year equaling more than $356,000. Unfortunately, 28 fully qualified Michigan applicants went without awards in 2021 due to lack of funding. Although Folds of Honor provides scholarships across the nation, every dollar raised by the Michigan wholesalers will go to Michigan recipients.

“I am eager to take up a club on Aug. 9 and join Tom Schultz in raising money for such a worthwhile cause,” Soboleski said.

Last month, Tad Reed, co-owner of Ludington Beverage, and his partner Michael Rey, the general manager of both Lincoln Hills Country Club and Hemlock Golf Club in Ludington, golfed 108 holes over 12 hours and raised over $45,000.

“After 18 years of Army service, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by service members and the heavy burden that service places on military families and I am proud to be the first independently owned Anheuser-Busch wholesaler in the United States to tackle the Folds of Honor Golf Marathon 100 hole challenge,” Reed said. “I would encourage anyone who supports our military and cares about the education of the spouses and children of fallen or disabled soldiers to make a donation and ensure these family members receive a quality education.”

Individuals and businesses can support Tyler Sales and Schupan & Sons golf marathon at this website.

Bud Distributing in Dowagiac, Mervenne Beverage in Holland and H. Cox & Sons Inc. in Traverse City are also participating but have yet to set their tee times for the golf marathon.

“I want to thank the Anheuser-Busch distributors in Michigan for stepping up and being the first wholesalers to take on this challenge,” said Kasey Davis, regional development Officer of Folds of Honor. “I have no doubt their commitment will inspire other wholesalers across the country to hit the links and raise money to help support spouses and children of fallen or disabled servicemen and women who have made enormous sacrifices for our country.”

Every year, $1 per case of special Budweiser packages goes directly to Folds of Honor, funding hundreds of scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. Find the patriotic cans in your market today.

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Wyoming, Michigan, brewery’s beers now available at select bars, restaurants and retailers across the state

Grand Rapids, MI — Henry A. Fox Sales, a statewide beer and wine distributor, and TwoGuys Brewing today announced a partnership to distribute TwoGuys beers throughout Michigan. Beers available include:

• BC Blonde, a 5.3% ABV blonde ale
• Mosaic Quest, a 6.2% ABV American IPA made exclusively with Mosaic hops
• Trench Warfare, an English brown ale

All three beers are available in 4-pack, 16 oz cans and on draft. Henry A. Fox Sales will also be rolling out TwoGuys Brian Seltzer, an unflavored hard seltzer, and the brewery’s wine spritzers.

“When we decided it was time to take the next step for TwoGuys Brewing and begin distributing our beers outside of our Wyoming brewery, we didn’t have to look far,” said Thomas Payne, owner of TwoGuys Brewing. “Henry A. Fox Sales checks all of the boxes for us: They have a strong commitment to their suppliers, know the market like the back of their hand, and can help tell our story beyond our taproom walls.”

Tom and his wife Amy started TwoGuys Brewing in 2018 after Tom spent more than a decade running TwoGuys homebrew club. Tom grew up near the brewery’s current location, and both he and Amy still live in the area.

“I grew up in Wyoming and it’s still home to me and my wife today, which is why it just made sense to go with a hometown distributor like Henry A. Fox Sales,” Payne said.

“TwoGuys Brewing has a fun, eclectic mix of beer, hard seltzer and cider and we’re thrilled to introduce Michigan craft beer lovers to what’s brewing in Wyoming,” said Steve Smith, craft brand manager for Henry A. Fox Sales. “We pride ourselves in working hand-in-glove with breweries like TwoGuys to help them succeed today and into the future.”

Both TwoGuys Brewing and Henry A. Fox Sales stepped up to help their communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. TwoGuys Brewing pivoted to selling take-and-bake meals to keep the brewery going and help feed their community. Meanwhile, Henry A. Fox Sales donated $100,000 to organizations and nonprofits across the state on the front lines of the pandemic.

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Henry A. Fox Sales is a family owned and independent beer, wine and spirits distributor serving retailers and restauranteurs throughout the state. Their team of nearly 150 sales, delivery, warehouse and front office staff take pride in being the distributor of choice and valued trade partner to their customers and suppliers.

New report finds Michigan’s beer industry supports more than 66,000 jobs including nearly 4,900 at distributors across the state

Lansing, MI – A recent report by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute makes it crystal clear: Beer is big business in Michigan. The Beer Serves America study found Michigan’s beer industry had an overall economic impact of $9.9 billion in 2020 and supported more than 66,000 jobs at breweries, distributors, retailers and more.

“Michigan’s independent, locally owned beer distributors are proud to work hand-in-glove with brewers big and small right here in Michigan, across the country and around the world to help them grow and thrive on a level playing field,” said Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association. “This new data makes clear that Michigan is not just the Great Lakes State but also the Great Beer State, and Michigan’s beer distributors are proud to play a role in the beer industry’s continued success.”

According to the report, Michigan beer distributors employ 4,866 people in good-paying jobs with good benefits.

“Michigan’s beer distributors have deep roots in the communities they serve,” Nevins said. “That was on display throughout 2020 as our members partnered with local distilleries to produce and deliver hand sanitizer to frontline medical workers and nursing homes when there was a worldwide shortage because of the COVID-19 pandemic and supported local restaurants and their employees.”

Thanks to Michigan’s beer distributors, our state is a Top 10 beer producer and home to some of the best-known breweries in the country. Michigan’s beer industry is poised to keep growing through a system that promotes fairness and a level playing field.

The state’s entire beer industry — consisting of brewers, distributors, retailers and supporting industries like agriculture, transportation and manufacturing —had a $9.9 billion economic impact on Michigan’s economy, employed over 66,000 people and paid more than $2.6 billion in wages in 2020.

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New law will streamline the market for ready-to-drink cocktails, allow distillers to self-distribute

Lansing, MI — The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesales Association (MB&WWA) today applauded Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for signing bills into law to help Michigan’s burgeoning distilling industry. Senate Bills 141-144 — which passed the Senate on March 25 with strong bipartisan support and the Michigan House unanimously on May 6 — will provide a boost to Michigan’s craft distillers, retailers and beer and wine distributors by reducing red tape and creating a viable market for ready-to-drink cocktails.

“Ready-to-drink cocktails are one of the fastest growing segments in the spirits industry, but in Michigan they fall under several different categories and are taxed differently — creating confusion for distillers, retailers and distributors,” said MB&WWA President Spencer Nevins. “These bills will streamline how ready-to-drink cocktails are taxed and classified, which will provide a boost to Michigan’s flourishing craft distilling industry.”

The law will also create a strong regulatory framework for retailers who have a physical presence in Michigan to ship beer, wine and spirits directly to consumers. Currently, only wine can be shipped to Michiganders from in-state retailers. The laws will also allow small craft distillers to self-distribute their spirits, just like small brewers and winemakers.

“These commonsense laws are a win for distillers, retailers and consumers, and I want to thank the governor for signing these bills into law and the Michigan Senate and House for passing this important legislation,” Nevins said.

SBs 141-144 are similar to legislation passed last year that was eventually pocket vetoed by the governor. However, this package of bills only impacts canned ready-to-drink cocktails and does not apply to products currently distributed through Michigan’s controlled state system, which is overseen by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

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Nessel has sued two more out-of-state retailers for illegally shipping alcohol into Michigan

Lansing, MI — The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) today applauded Attorney General Dana Nessel for her ongoing efforts to stop out-of-state retailers from illegally shipping alcohol into Michigan. On Wednesday, Nessel sued two retailers in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. This latest pair of lawsuits follows others filed against two other companies last year.

“We applaud Attorney General Dana Nessel for her aggressive approach to stopping out-of-state retailers from illegally shipping wine into Michigan,” said Spencer Nevins, president of the MB&WWA. “Her efforts send a clear message to out-of-state retailers that have been skirting state law, putting Michigan consumers at risk and cheating the state out of much-needed tax revenue: It is time to stop violating Michigan law or you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Nessel’s lawsuits call for permanent injunctions against Taste Wine, LLC and Villa Amorosa and fines of $25,000 for each retailer. In the complaint, Nessel says both retailers ignored cease-and-desist letters and that their continued flaunting of state law threatened the health, safety and welfare of Michiganders.

Last year, Nessel sued two companies, Vintners Collective LLC and Go to Gifts Inc., for illegally shipping alcohol to consumers in Michigan. In February, judges in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan entered consent agreements with both companies. Neither will be able to ship alcohol into Michigan unless they become eligible to get a license and must prevent their websites from accepting orders from Michigan. Both companies will also have to pay $10,000 each in fines.

According to data compiled by the MB&WWA, nearly one-third of every bottle of alcohol shipped into Michigan in 2019 was shipped illegally. In total, 2,233,880 bottles of alcohol were shipped into the state in 2019 and of those bottles, 734,365 were shipped illegally.

“For years, these bad actors were flouting state law and illegally shipping hundreds of thousands of bottles of alcohol into the state every year — but those days have come to an end,” Nevins said. “We urge Attorney General Nessel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to keep their foot on the gas and continuing going after these unscrupulous retailers until illegal alcohol shipments are a thing of the past.”

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O&W Inc.’s 150kW solar array will replace a 73-panel array, further reducing the company’s carbon footprint and saving nearly $20,000 in utility costs annually

Ypsilanti, MI — O&W Inc., fifth generation, family owned and operated beer distributor, announced today plans to install a 420-panel solar array at its Ypsilanti warehouse. The larger system will replace a 73-panel array, which will further reduce the company’s carbon footprint, produce nearly 200,000kwh of electricity and save the company nearly $20,000 a year.

“O&W Inc., along with our Michigan distributor partners, have a long history of doing our part for the next generation. We know it’s our privilege and duty to protect our state’s environment and the fifth generation of owners here is no different,” said Isabel Wanty, vice president of human resources and operations at O&W Inc. “It’s our goal to leave our environment and this industry in better shape than we found it, and a significant part of accomplishing that is making green choices that support recycling and renewable energy.”

O&W Inc. is partnering with Constellation, an Exelon Company, on the project. Installation is expected to begin in a few weeks.

The solar array adds to O&W’s growing list of efforts to reduce energy waste and pollution. The distributor utilizes a paperless system to fill the thousands of orders they receive everyday, its warehouse features motion-activated lighting and its hi-los are battery powered. O&W also recycles millions of cans and bottles every year.

“This new 420-panel array represents a significant upgrade from our existing 73-panel array,” Wanty said. “Looking to the future, we cannot wait to see what the sixth generation of Wanty’s do to support a healthy environment for southeast Michigan.”

O&W Inc. serves retailers in a seven-county area stretching from Ypsilanti east to Lake Erie and south to the Michigan-Ohio border.

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In total, more than 730,000 bottles of wine were illegally shipped into the state in 2019

Lansing, MI — Nearly one-third of every bottle of alcohol shipped into Michigan in 2019 was shipped illegally, according to data compiled by the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA). In total, 2,233,880 bottles of alcohol were shipped into the state in 2019 and of those bottles, 734,365 were shipped illegally. Data collection for 2020 and 2021 have been slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using data compiled from reports from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and excise tax data from the state of Michigan, the MB&WWA found 484,101 bottles of alcohol were shipped into Michigan from October through December of 2019. Of those bottles, approximately 250,264 were shipped illegally.

“This data adds to the growing mountain of evidence that some out-of-state retailers have no problem breaking state laws and ducking paying taxes at a time when our state needs every penny of tax revenue,” said Spencer Nevins, president of the MB&WWA. “Thankfully, Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission have stepped up enforcement and have caught several of these bad actors red-handed.”

Last year, Nessel sued two companies, Vintners Collective LLC and Go to Gifts Inc., for illegally shipping alcohol to consumers in Michigan. In February, judges in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan entered consent agreements with both companies. Neither will be able to ship alcohol into Michigan unless they become eligible to get a license and must prevent their websites from accepting orders from Michigan. Both companies will also have to pay $10,000 each in fines.

“Every bottle of alcohol illegally shipped into our state hurts mom-and-pop retailers that are proud to call Michigan home, pay taxes and give back to their communities,” Nevins said. “We encourage Attorney General Nessel and state regulators to continue cracking down on out-of-state retailers — like Vintners Collective and Go to Gifts — that have been brazenly thumbing their nose at state law for years.”

In 2018, the MB&WWA began compiling data on illegal wine shipments flowing into Michigan. Data from two quarters of that year showed more than 1 million bottles of alcohol were shipped into Michigan in just six months and at least 300,000 of those bottles were shipped illegally by out-of-state retailers.

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Two out of state retailers prohibited from shipping alcohol into Michigan, fined $10,000 each

Lansing, MI — The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association today applauded Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for their efforts to crack down on illegal alcohol shipments into Michigan.

Last year, Nessel sued two companies, Vintners Collective LLC and Go to Gifts Inc., for illegally shipping alcohol to consumers in Michigan. This week, judges in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan entered consent agreements with both companies. Neither will be able to ship alcohol into Michigan unless they become eligible to get a license and must prevent their websites from accepting orders from Michigan. Both companies will also have to pay $10,000 each in fines.

“The efforts by Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission send a strong message to other out-of-state retailers who are illegally shipping alcohol into our state: You will be caught, and you will be prosecuted,” said MB&WWA President Spencer Nevins. “We urge the attorney general’s office and MLCC to continue to pursue and punish these bad actors to the fullest extent of the law.”

In 2018, the MB&WWA began compiling reports to show how much alcohol was being shipped into Michigan, both legally and illegally.

Using information from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and excise tax data from the State of Michigan, the MB&WWA found during two quarters of 2018 more than 1 million bottles of alcohol were shipped into Michigan in just six months and at least 300,000 of those bottles were shipped illegally by out-of-state retailers.

During the first three quarters of 2019 more than 1.5 million bottles of alcohol were shipped into Michigan. It’s estimated 484,101 bottles of wine were illegally shipped into the state during the same period. Data collection for 2020 has been slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For years, out of state retailers have been thumbing their nose at state laws and brazenly shipping alcohol into Michigan, but those days are over,” Nevins said.

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Beer distributors partner with National Beer Wholesalers Association on training to identify and report signs of human trafficking 

Bay City, MI – Fabiano Brothers has partnered with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) for an awareness training to educate employees on recognizing and reporting the warning signs of human trafficking. Fabiano Brother’s efforts are part of a nationwide campaign to help combat human trafficking in communities across the United States. 

“As a local business, Fabiano Brothers is always looking for ways to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said James C. Fabiano II, President. “Sadly, every community is vulnerable to the horrors of human trafficking, and our distribution areas are no exception. The employees of Fabiano Brothers, who visit thousands of licensed retail locations each week, are preparing to be an extra set of eyes and ears in the fight against human trafficking.” 

Beer distributors collectively visit more than 640,000 retail establishments across the country, including bars, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, package stores, sports arenas and grocery stores. They are uniquely positioned to combat this heinous crime given their access to locations at accounts often unseen by the public. 

To help distributors understand human trafficking, identify the signs, and respond if they suspect this heinous crime is happening, NBWA partnered with Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healy, Utah Attorney General, Sean Reyes, and Executive Director of Street, Grace Camila Zolfaghari, to produce an awarness training video. 

Approximately 500 Fabiano Brothers employees will have participated in the awareness training session, which has also become a part of the company’s onboarding process. Fabiano Brothers employees have also been equipped with contact information to alert authorities if they spot suspicious behaviors and tip cards containing red flag behaviors to carry with them as they visit accounts. Furthermore, Fabiano Brothers is making an effort to educate the general public about the signs of Human Trafficking and what to do when it is detected, with posters in retail establishments and decals on delivery trailers. 

Human trafficking continues to be a major issue across the United States. According to a recent study, over 9,000 instances of human trafficking have been reported in Michigan and Wisconsin alone since 2007. 

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Decision cements 2018 law that makes it illegal for bad actors to ship wine to Michigan consumers

Lansing, MI — The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) today applauded a U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decision to uphold a 2018 law that makes it illegal for out-of-state retailers to ship wine to consumers in Michigan.

“We applaud the U.S. Supreme Court for upholding the 6^th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the case of Lebamoff v. Michigan and for seeing through the baseless claims and misinformation peddled by plaintiffs in the case and the National Association of Wine Retailers,” said Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association. “By affirming the 6^th Circuit, the Supreme Court has recognized state rights under the 21^st Amendment and the need for alcoholic beverages to pass through in-state businesses to ensure public health and safety, and tax compliance. This decision also benefits in-state retailers, large or small, that are committed to and support their local communities.”

Wine illegally shipped into Michigan has been a steadily increasing problem. Two years ago, the MB&WWA began compiling quarterly reports using information from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and excise tax data from the State of Michigan to quantify how much alcohol is shipped into the state, both legally and illegally.

During two quarters of 2018, more than 1 million bottles of alcohol were shipped into Michigan in just six months and at least 300,000 of those bottles were shipped illegally by out-of-state retailers. During the first three quarters of 2019, more than 1.5 million bottles of alcohol were shipped into Michigan. It’s estimated 484,101 bottles of wine were illegally shipped into the state during the same period.

In September, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced federal lawsuits against two California companies that were repeatedly shipping wine and beer illegally into the state. The lawsuits were filed in the Eastern District of Michigan against Go to Gifts Inc. and Vintner’s Collective LLC. According to the attorney general, both companies were sent cease and desist letters but continued to ship wine and beer into Michigan illegally. Neither company is licensed to ship alcohol to consumers in Michigan.

“With the Lebamoff case now in the rearview mirror and Michigan’s wine shipping laws upheld, our state can continue going after the bad actors who are snubbing their nose at state law and robbing Michigan of much-needed tax revenue at a time when it needs it most,” Nevins said. “We encourage Attorney General Nessel, and attorney generals from all states, to continue targeting these bad actors, wherever they are, and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

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