Press Release

CHICAGO, IL. – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) concluded its 85th Annual Convention and Product Showcase in Chicago. During yesterday’s general session, NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser and outgoing Chairman of the Board Peter Heimark introduced Gordon Green as the organization’s new Chairman of the Board.

“Gordon’s diversity of experience working across all sectors of the beverage industry will be especially valuable as he helps lead the NBWA during this time of change for the industry,” said Craig Purser, President and CEO of NBWA. “Gordon’s expertise and insights have already served NBWA well as an active member and Vice-Chairman. We welcome his leadership during such a crucial time for the industry.”

Green has been a member of the board for 12 years. He is the President and Equity Manager of Capital Distributing in Oklahoma City, and has worked with the company for twenty years. He previously held positions in the wine and soft drink industry.

“I wasn’t born into the beer distribution business. I took a different path to get where I am today. But I believe my life experiences have positioned me as a strong advocate for this industry, particularly with our current challenges and opportunities,” said Green. “The need for adaptability is critical today, tomorrow and well into the future as we continue to see changes in our sector. We must be thoughtful about how we move forward to ensure that we not only survive, but that we also prosper.”

NBWA also presented several awards during its annual convention:

• Glazer’s Beer and Beverage received the 2022 Public Affairs Award for its excellent recruitment video, which has helped inspire NBWA’s own recruitment project.
• Shannon McQuade-Ely of McQuade Distributing in North Dakota received the Kenny Kerr PAC Award for her passion for political advocacy. NBWA also announced McQuade-Ely as the new Chair of the Beer First Initiative.
• Kozol Brothers in Illinois is this year’s recipient of the Whitey Littlefield Award for their commitment to helping grow the Political Action Committee.

Attendees also heard insights on the state of the beer industry from Mary Guiver, Principal Global Category Merchant for Beer & Spirits at Whole Foods Market Inc; Ellie Preslar, Vice President of Sales for Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Nadine Sarwat, who serves as the Equity Research Analyst and Director of European and American Beverages for Bernstein Autonomous LLP.

Culminating two days of workshops, networking and speeches, Mike McGuire, President and CEO of Andrews Distributing hosted a fireside chat with NFL Hall of Famer and founder of EIGHT beer, Troy Aikman. EIGHT is a light lager made with organic ingredients and no adjuncts or fillers. The conversation, which closed out the general session, was focused on business and leadership.

This year, the NBWA product showcase was sold out and boasted an impressive number of exhibitors; over 120 came from across the country. For more information about NBWA’s 85th Annual Convention and Product Showcase, visit our website here.