Dear NBWA Member: - National Beer Wholesalers Association

Issues Facing the Beer Distribution IndustryQuestions?Call the Meetings Department at 800-300-6417or email info@nbwa.org.RegisterOnline:www.nbwa.org/dc12Hear Directly from Craft BrewersGet Their Firsthand Perspective on the BoomingSegmentThe following issues will be discussed during the 2012 NBWA Legislative Conference:Support for State-Based Regulationof Alcohol and the CARE ActMaintaining a state’s ability to regulate alcohol isimportant to the future of beer distributors. Themessage sent by more than 115 bipartisan membersof Congress who have co-sponsored the CARE Acthas been heard loud and clear: state-based regulationof alcohol protects our communities and should notbe attacked. The support demonstrated by Congressfor the CARE Act sends a strong signal to thoseparties that are seeking to deregulate alcohol throughlitigation. NBWA continues to encourage members ofCongress to demonstrate their support for the threetiersystem and state-based regulation of alcohol. Keyleaders on Capitol Hill remain vigilant against anyefforts to deregulate alcohol and stand ready to takeaction should litigation against the states resume.Distributors will be encouraged to thank co-sponsors ofthe CARE Act for their continued support.Federal TaxesLegislative Conference participants will have theopportunity to help NBWA advocate against any effortsthat would threaten the benefits of S corporationsand pass-through businesses. Some proposals couldaffect the way business income is taxed and potentiallyeliminate certain deductions and the use of last-infirst-out(LIFO) accounting. In addition, the estatetax will once again be an issue to discuss duringmeetings on Capitol Hill. The current estate tax rateand exemption will expire at the end of this year andunless Congress acts, a 55 percent top rate and a $1million exemption will return. NBWA advocates makingthe current estate tax law permanent and opposes anyefforts to modify the use of valuation discounts.The Future of the Alcohol, Tobacco,Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)NBWA is working actively to address a threateningproposal that would eliminate TTB and shift its taxcollection function to the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) and its regulatory function, such as tradepractices, to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Distributors will be encouraged to ask members ofCongress to fully fund TTB and to strengthen theeffective and efficient agency in its current formunder the Treasury Department.Overreach by the Federal TradeCommission (FTC)The FTC continues to inappropriately expand its policyactivities to the regulation of alcohol. NBWA closelymonitors this anti-three-tier activity and has educatedcongressional leaders about this agency’s mission creep.During Capitol Hill visits, distributors will educatemembers of Congress about the importance of havingboth states and the TTB regulate alcohol and thedamaging effects of FTC over-reaching into the alcoholarena.Craft brewersare fuelingexcitement in thebeer industry!With more than1,900 breweriesin productiontoday, the craft segment experienced anothersignificant gain in market share nationwide in 2011and is off to a roaring start this year. Craft brewersalso have a growing voice in industry and policydiscussions. Don’t miss hearing from several craftleaders who will dive into the legislative, regulatory,legal and marketplace challenges facing the beerindustry today. Join them during the LegislativeBriefing/Political Program on Monday, March 26,8:30 a.m. – Noon.NEWTHISYEAR!Take Advantage of These Exciting Additions to the 2012 NBWA Legislative ConferenceChuck ToddNBC News Political Director and ChiefWhite House CorrespondentYou’ve probably seen ChuckTodd on NBC NightlyNews with Brian Williams,the Today show or as theco-host of MSNBC’s TheDaily Rundown sharing hisup-to-the-minute politicalanalysis and insightfulcommentary. With whatThe Washingtonian calls a“savant-like knowledge ofpolitics,” Todd has becomea fixture in the White House Press Room, a constantpresence on television and a tireless voice on thecampaign trail. Todd will offer a comprehensivepicture of the political landscape and share hisinsights on the upcoming presidential election aswell as key congressional races. You won’t want tomiss this exciting presentation.Become a P.R. Pro!NEW CommunicationSeminars For DistributorMembers:Media and MessagingAmerica’s beer distributorshave a great story to tell. You work hard every dayto ensure that the greatest choice, variety andselection of beer is delivered safely and efficientlyto store shelves and bar taps across the country.And distributors do so much more than deliver beer.Distributors are civic and business leaders who areactive in your local communities. Discover how youcan work with the news media to better promoteyour business and tell the great story of the beerdistribution industry!Digital 101Does your company have a socialmedia presence? Whether you area digital novice or a social mediapro, learn the basics of digital media and how tobuild a following and start engaging. Participate ina discussion of the pros and cons of using socialmedia for your business, learn potential legal pitfallsto avoid and discover best practices from your peers.Be sure to bring your laptops or tablets for hands-onlearning!Distributor Member MeetingHear How Changes and Challenges Are DirectlyImpacting DistributorsWith power plays by some mega retailers andsuppliers – it is more important than ever thatdistributors work to preserve, protect and grow a levelplaying field for all market participants. Industryinsiders will detail how some states are advancinglaws that reinforce the value of an independent threetiersystem. Learn how you can work with your stateto uphold its regulatory structure while working tomeet the needs of trading partners and maintainingan independent distribution tier. Make sure to be apart of the Distributor Member Meeting onMonday, March 26, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.