WASHINGTON, D.C., 02/22/2023 – Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) today announced the inaugural recipient of WSWA’s Industry Legacy Award, Alan Dreeben of Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC). The award honors a current or former wine and/or spirits wholesaler, supplier, or other industry leader who is highly respected by their peers and cherished by WSWA and its membership. Dreeben’s nomination and selection is credited to his decades-long dedication to the beverage alcohol industry, outstanding business success, remarkable philanthropy, support of the WSWA Educational Foundation, and meaningful participation within WSWA.
“I’ve known Alan for over forty-years and I am so happy he has been named the recipient of this inaugural honor,” said WSWA Chairman Tom Cole. “Alan is deeply committed to his family, professional community and has made a lasting positive impact on the industry. He is a man who truly leads and is considered a valued colleague to so many because of his talents, dedication to service, and respect he has for others in the world.”
Dreeben began his career in 1966, working for Gallo Winery. He was part of a pioneering leadership training program and reported directly to Ernest Gallo, the company’s founder. After eventually returning to San Antonio, he assumed leadership of Block Distributing’s wine program and spearheaded its growth. Today, Dreeben serves as a partner of RNDC after nearly two decades of directing growth as the vice chairman and director of Block Distributing after its merger with RNDC.
Currently, Alan is an Advisory Director of the North American division of the Institute of Masters of Wine, a member of the Wine Market Council’s executive committee – of which he is a past chairman – and the Wine Advisory Committee of the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Deeply committed to his community, Alan is a member at large and sits on the executive committee of United Way and has previously contributed to a long list of civic organizations including the American Cancer Society, Any Baby Can, the Hospice of San Antonio, Los Compadres, the Golden Manor Home of Aged, and several others. He has also served as Division Chairman of the Jewish Social Service Federation and the Director of Education for Temple Beth-El. Other notable positions with area schools include: Alamo Heights ISD – Board of Trustees; Texas State University System – Board of Regents; University of the Incarnate Word – Trustee; University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business – MSB Foundation Trustee; University of Texas San Antonio – Development Board.
Dreeben served as WSWA’s Chairman from 2014-2015 and has held other executive advisory roles that helped the trade association better serve its members, including:
- Board of Directors 2008 – 2016
- WSWA Executive Committee 2008 – 2016
- Government Affairs Committee 2012 – 2020
- Meetings and Convention Committee 2015 – 2020
- PAC Chairman 2013
“Thank you, WSWA, for this wonderful recognition,” said Dreeben. “It is an honor to be recognized for the work I’ve devoted the majority of my life to.”
About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
WSWA is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.
To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
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