WASHINGTON, D.C. 05/16/2024 – Wine and spirits distributors from across the country who do business in every congressional district and make up Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA)’s membership, completed over 100 meetings with congressional offices to discuss industry matters this week. Points of focus this year were the important tax policies set to expire in 2025 that are critical to these family-owned businesses and the need for a robust regulatory framework for cannabis and intoxicating hemp-based products.
“Our family-owned wholesaler members engaged with Members of Congress about the value we bring to the industry and are reinvigorating the public-private partnership that has produced the safest, most efficient and successful alcohol marketplace the world has ever seen,” said WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton.
Wednesday evening concluded with WSWA’s annual Toast to Congress, an event for WSWA wholesaler members, Members of Congress and Hill staffers. More than 900 Capitol staffers and Members of Congress registered to attend the reception. Six wholesaler branded bars poured specialty cocktails and wine tastings. The bars were hosted by: Breakthru Beverage Group, Legacy, Opici Family Distributing, Republic National Distributing Company, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Winebow.
Wine and spirits wholesalers employ more than 86,000 Americans across every state and congressional district who earn a collective $7.8 billion in annual wages as part of an industry that generates more than $40 billion in tax revenue each year. To learn about the economic impact of wine and spirits wholesalers nationally, or by state, congressional district, state senate district, or state house district, visit https://www.wswa.org/data-and-impact/economic-database.