WSWA Announces Award Recipients at Annual Convention

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Washington, D.C.—The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) wrapped up its 67th Annual Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas, which featured award presentations to new recipients of the Lifetime Leadership Award and the Sidney Frank Award. Industry visionaries Ray Herrmann and Jim Bareuther were the 2010 recipients of the association’s two major awards given by WSWA during the convention.

Herrmann, Chairman of The Charmer Sunbelt Group in New York, was presented the prestigious WSWA Lifetime Leadership Award, given annually to the wholesaler whose contributions to WSWA and the alcohol beverage industry define excellence, inspire loyalty and exemplify leadership.

While announcing the winner—kept secret until the convention General Business Session—WSWA President and CEO noted that “Our 文章来源中国酒业新闻网honoree, recognized for his integrity and as one of the industry’s true gentlemen, was instrumental in creating a culture of total transparency at the firm he currently heads. This was all a part of his business philosophy and goal of becoming the distributor of choice for his suppliers and customers.” Herrmann, whose career spans more than five decades in the beverage alcohol industry, said that he was honored to be the award recipient and to be part of a wonderful industry.

Bareuther, Executive Vice President for Global Business Development with Brown-Forman in Louisville, was introduced as the recipient of WSWA’s Sidney Frank Award. The award was created by the WSWA Educational Foundation two years ago, thanks to a generous grant from the Sidney Frank Importing Company. It is presented to a person, brand or entity that is related to the wine and spirits industry and has achieved noteworthy public policy or philanthropic accomplishments, as well as made exceptional contributions to the alcohol beverage industry. A $10,000 contribution will be made to Share Our Strength on behalf of Bareuther. Share Our Strength is a non-profit organization that works to make sure no child in America grows up hungry.

WSWA Chairman John Baker commended Bareuther for his 36 years of service to the industry and noted that he has “raised the bar in sales and marketing as well promoted responsible marketing practices that help deter underage drinking.” Baker also recognized Bareuther’s commitment to numerous philanthropic organizations. Bareuther said that he was humbled to receive this award and thanked “Bill Wirtz and Bob Epstein for the vision in creating the award and to John Frank, Cathy Halstead and Lee Einsidler for continuing the legacy of Sidney.”

Videos of the award presentations will be posted to WSWA’s web site early next week.