NBWA BREW

In an era of beverage industry convergence, how can beer distributors position themselves as the go-to partner for suppliers of all types? Join us for the BREW Leadership Forum on April 7 where we'll explore this timely topic in all-star industry panel featuring Aimy Steadman (BeatBox Beverages), Pete Marino (Bardstown Bourbon Co.) and Erica Garvey (Stateside Brands), moderated by G&M Distributors President Adam Vitale. Thank you to event sponsors Rehrig Pacific Company and Greater Industries for elevating the 2025 BREW Leadership Forum to new heights!

Lynda Gray is a pioneer in the beer industry — a leader, a mentor and a driving force behind High Country Beverage's success. As Chain Division Manager, Lynda has built and nurtured strong relationships with key chain retailers and industry contacts, helping to strategically position the company's portfolio for long-term growth. Her persistence in following up on commitments ensures that the HCB team consistently executes against its initiatives, and her ability to communicate effectively with both retailers and colleagues makes her an invaluable leader. Beyond her professional achievements, Lynda is a mentor who inspires those around her, always willing to share her knowledge and experience to help others grow. Her leadership, passion and unwavering commitment to excellence has left a lasting impact on the organization. Cheers to you, Lynda! ??

Bonnie Albritton is Operations Manager for Gulf Distributing of Alabama in Huntsville, AL. She came to Gulf Distributing Holdings LLC from a career at Amazon and brought with her excellent operational skills and best practices, safety culture and a great attitude of positivity! Bonnie oversees all facets of warehouse and delivery for Gulf's Huntsville operation, which has seen exponential growth in the last few years. Bonnie is a steadfast leader and manager. She maintains a focus on training and improving the team's efficiency. Keep up the great work, Bonnie!

We're thrilled to have renowned CNN journalist and communications expert Nadia Bilchik joining us at the BREW Leadership Forum on April 7! In a world of constant disruption, your personal brand is your most powerful tool for creating stability and driving impact. Nadia will equip attendees to turn uncertainty into opportunity and position yourself as a steady force in an unpredictable world. Thank you to Leadership Forum sponsors Descartes Systems Group and Draftline Technologies for bringing this year's event to life!

Portia Dowell-Simmons, Executive Assistant to the President/COO & SR VP of Sales & Operations at Glazer's Beer and Beverage, LLC, is described by colleagues as "the puzzle piece that keeps us all together." Through an exceptional ability to manage and coordinate the myriad of tasks that keep the executive team running smoothly, Portia ensures that Glazer's operations are seamless and efficient. Portia's commitment to excellence is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to fostering a positive work environment, including team-building efforts such as planning Women's Month activities and promoting inclusion within the organization. Portia's strong will and can-do attitude have made her an invaluable asset to the Glazer's team. Cheers to her!

Amy Burkholder serves as the Web Order Administrator for Markstein Sales Company in Antioch, CA, where she works tirelessly to ensure every supplier partner receives exceptional service. Amy started in Markstein's administrative department more than 12 years ago before moving into the sales department. Her genuine care for both the customers and her team members shines through in everything she does, making Amy an invaluable part of Markstein Sales Co.’s success. Cheers to Amy!

Carla Zuniga serves as the VP, Controller in the Finance department at Glazer's Beer and Beverage, LLC in Dallas. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role, overseeing critical financial operations and ensuring the company's fiscal health. Carla's leadership not only drives financial excellence but also cultivates a culture of inclusivity and camaraderie among her colleagues. Her approachability and warmth foster a positive and collaborative work environment — making her a beloved figure within the company. Cheers to Carla! #WomensHistoryMonth #NBWABREW

Ready to Accelerate Action for your career? Join Alliance For Women in Beer and BREW for an interactive session on building your network, finding mentors and amplifying your voice. Register at the link below and leave with a quick-action plan to fuel your career growth! https://lnkd.in/eYxqgEi4

Our first Women's History Month profile is Rebecca Vega, Bulk Driver with LaMonica Beverages Inc. Rebecca is a go-getter, goes above and beyond and has developed both a strong relationship with her retailers and even stronger one with LaMonica's delivery team. Her willingness to take on new challenges and thorough focus with the details of her daily responsibilities make her an invaluable member of the LaMonica team.

We’re thrilled to share that executive coach Clarissa Peterson, GPHR, SPHR, LPEC will be joining us at the BREW Leadership Forum on April 7! After beginning her career with a beer distributor, Clarissa now helps companies build high performing teams. She'll be sharing a framework to transform how you approach challenges, foster accountability and ultimately, drive better results. Thank you to our main conference sponsor VIP (Vermont Information Processing) for making this valuable event possible.