Lansing and beyond, advocating for the industry, providing education and training, and creating opportunities for networking. Its members employ more than 6,400 Michiganders in good-paying jobs with benefits, while ensuring that the state’s three-tier distribution system remains strong and competitive. “Our mission is simple but vital,” explains the association’s President, Spencer Nevins. “We advocate for our members, we provide education and resources, and we bring the industry together.At the same time, we’re always looking ahead—anticipating change and ensuring Michigan remains a leader in the alcohol beverage industry.” A VOICE FOR 42 DISTRIBUTORS The MB&WWA’s members play a crucial role in Michigan’s economy. They are the middle tier in the three-tier system, standing between producers and retailers. This structure—established after Prohibition—creates independence between product makers, distributors, and sellers. The association is firm in its belief that the threetier system remains essential today. It ensures that consumers have access to a wide range of products, that smaller producers can compete alongside global giants, and that alcohol sales are regulated in ways that protect public health and safety. Beyond advocacy, the MB&WWA provides direct value to its members through training, compliance and public relations support, a healthcare program for participating members, and management of a thirdparty container pick-up and processing program for Michigan’s bottle bill—one of the nation’s most robust recycling programs. MEETING CHALLENGES HEAD-ON Like many industries, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shifts in consumer behavior, sudden shutdowns, and strict rules on product pickup and destruction required nimble responses. “COVID-19 taught us just how resilient this industry can be,” Nevins reflects. 153 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 10 MICHIGAN BEER & WINE WHOLESALERS ASSOCIATION
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