World of Heineken 38 summer 2008
A panel discussion addresses pending legislation (from left to right) Mike Johnson, VP Federal Affairs, NBWA. Rich Foge President, TN Malt Beverage Assn. Paul Pisano, VP Industry
Affairs, NBWA Cheryl Timberiake, EVP, Maine Beer and Wine Wholesalers Assn. Liz Tobin, Sr. Director External Affairs, Beer Institute
Visiting with Congressman Xavier Becerra of Los Angeles, CA on Capitol Hill are (L-R)
John Larkins, Heineken USA; Hillary Johnson, Heineken USA; Congressman Becerra;
Patrice Webb, Heineken USA and Doug Yingling of Mission Beverage of California.
responsible social leaders dedicated to improving the quality of life in
our towns and neighborhoods," he said.
"It's critical to be here, working side by side with our distributors to
address important laws and regulations with legislators about our
business," Don Blaustein, President CEO of Heineken USA (HUSA),
told the conference. He emphasised that attending the conference
showed HUSA's support for its distributors while reinforcing the
company's positive and active role in the industry with legislators.
"Legislators are more open to our communications on issues in
their districts or legislation of concern if we have built relationships
with them," said Dan Tearno, Senior Vice President Chief Corporate
Relations Officer for HUSA. "The meetings also provide forums for
the industry to inform these officials about our partnerships with law
enforcement and other organisations to combat underage drinking
and drunk driving, or sponsor retailer training and media campaigns
that raise awareness of alcohol-related issues and the resources
available to address them," Dan said. "These programmes are working,
as indicated by government and independent surveys: drunk driving,
underage drinking and other measures of alcohol abuse have declined
steadily in the US over the past 25 years."
Ray Guerin, COO Reyes Beverage Group, America's largest beer
distribution company, thanked HUSA for its leadership. "HUSA is
a world-class operation. The quality of their beer, marketing and
responsibility programming immensely enhance the image of our
industry. We are proud to stand beside HUSA and lock arms in
advocating for the U.S. beer industry to those who represent us on
Capitol Hill."
dtearno@heinekenusa.com
Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL)
chats with Dan Tearno, HUSA
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