Legal challenges to state regulation of the three-tier alcohol distribution system, the bedrock of the beer industrys stability, drew more than 900 beer company executives to Washington to speak to their district legislators last week. During a weekend of briefings and beer receptions, industry leaders stressed the change in the nations political climate and state and federal litigation that may soon topple beers dominance in state legislation.
Read MoreMore than 900 NBWA members, including brewers, distributors and vendors gathered over four days at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill for industry briefings, receptions and to lobby lawmakers.
Read MoreNBWA Board Member Phil Terry meets with Congressman Baron Hill (D-Ind.) in his Capitol Hill office. CEO Craig Purser outlines the issues in during the group's 17th annual legislative conference.
Read MoreHouse Majority Leader Steny Hoyer addresses the packed crowd of NBWA members.
Read MoreThe days of schmoozing with lawmakers are over, says Kenneth Bentsen of the recent ethics reform that has changed the way lobbyists can interact with public officials. And in many ways, he's referring to his own career. As president of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, he's the de facto chief lobbyist for the $8.5 million revenue trade group.
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