Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association names chairman

Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association names chairman

Kevin Sullivan. Courtesy Alliance Beverage Distributing

A Grand Rapids beverage wholesaler has been elected chairman of a statewide trade association.

Chairman

Alliance Beverage Distributing Vice President Kevin Sullivan was elected to the role with the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association at its summer meeting last week. The term will run until 2017.

“I’m honored to serve an association representing businesses that are creating jobs and helping other small businesses, like craft brewers, local wineries and local retailers, compete, grow and thrive on a level playing field,” Sullivan said.

“Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have deep roots in our communities across Michigan, and I’m excited to help us continue this commitment. As chair, I look forward to supporting the excellent work our members have done in implementing cutting-edge technology and best practices, so we can deliver a wide range of quality products to consumers.”

Sullivan has served on the association’s board for six years, including vice chairman prior to this election.

Alliance Beverage Distributing distributes a variety of beverages across West Michigan, from the Indiana border to Manistee and east toward Mt. Pleasant and Lansing.

It’s a MillerCoors distributor with a collection of craft beers, wines and other beverages.

The company employs more than 300 people out of its Grand Rapids headquarters.

Treasurer

Brien Fox, president and CEO of Henry A. Fox Sales in Grand Rapids, was named the treasurer of the association.

“Thanks to Michigan’s small, independent and family owned beer distributors, our state is now the fifth-largest beer producer in the nation, with more than 180 small brewers and brew pubs,” Fox said. “Michigan is poised to keep growing and launch even more new breweries, wineries and small businesses, through a system that promotes fairness and a level playing field.”

Vice chair

Joe Fabiano, president of Fabiano Brothers in Bay City, was named vice chair of the board.