“Distributors kept supply chains moving, supported retailers, and adapted quickly. We didn’t just survive— we kept people employed and maintained stability for communities.” Workforce challenges remain top of mind. Recruiting truck drivers, warehouse staff, and other frontline employees has become increasingly competitive. Rising healthcare costs for members—who collectively cover thousands of employees and their families— add another significant challenge. At the same time, the industry must keep pace with changing consumer preferences. Ready-todrink (RTD) cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and hemp beverage products are carving out shelf space alongside traditional beer and wine. These trends create both opportunities and regulatory questions. LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AND POLICY LEADERSHIP One of the MB&WWA’s greatest strengths lies in its legislative advocacy. The association works closely with policymakers in Lansing to shape regulations that balance industry growth with public health and safety. Key initiatives on the legislative agenda include: • Regulating hemp beverages: With growing interest in hemp-infused drinks, the MB&WWA is advocating for a clear regulatory framework that ensures safety while giving distributors a role in managing this emerging category. • Offsetting distributor costs for the bottle bill: Michigan’s 10-cent deposit system is one of the strongest in the nation, but it needs a long-term funding solution to remain efficient and effective. • Supporting RTD innovation: By updating marketing and advertising laws, the association aims to ensure that new product categories can be brought to market responsibly. • Preserving a competitive market: The MB&WWA remains vigilant in defending the three-tier system, ensuring that all brands, large and small, have access to the market. “Our advocacy is about balance,” Nevins emphasizes. 154 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 10
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