Statement by Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council and Responsibility.Org,
on the Appointment of Chris Underwood as Chairman of WSWA
Congratulations to Chris Underwood, Board of Managers, RNDC-West, on his appointment as chairman of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America. Chris is part of a family with deep roots in the spirits business spanning more than a century. Chris’ knowledge and understanding of the spirits sector and our consumers will serve as a benefit to all tiers of the industry.
The spirits marketplace has changed dramatically in a short period of time and continues to rapidly evolve. DISCUS is fully committed to working in close collaboration with Chris and Michelle Korsmo, WSWA President & CEO, and our retail partners to navigate the new marketplace challenges and opportunities coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I also want to thank Danny Wirtz, WSWA’s outgoing chairman and current vice-chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group, for his strong leadership over the tumultuous past year. The hospitality industry faced extraordinary challenges with the pandemic and retaliatory tariffs. By working together, we were able to ensure local hospitality businesses received critical support to help them manage the COVID-19 crisis, and push back against unfair tariffs on spirits products.
Our industry is strongest when we work on issues together to drive smart regulations with balanced and responsible alcohol distribution systems, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with WSWA.
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