| BEER AND WINE
FACTS |
Germany serves beer ice cream in popsicle form. Its alcoholic content is less than that found in "classic" beer.
Serving temperatures should be lower for white wine (45-50 degrees Fahrenheit) than for red wines (50-60 degrees Fahrenheit). |
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| NEWS & NOTES |
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Central Distributors in Lewiston, Maine recently became a sponsor of L/A Arts - Gallery 5 for the current exhibit year. Recently, Gallery 5 hosted an opening reception for "Pixels", a fine art exhibit at L/A Arts that will run through March 29, 2010. Gallery 5 is located at 49 Lisbon Street in Lewiston.
The Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association recently co-sponsored a Welcome Reception & Gubernatorial Candidates "Meet and Greet" at the Maine Osteopathic Association(MOA) Mid Winter Conference on February 12th at the Eastland Park Hotel in Portland. Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association Executive Vice President Cheryl Timberlake spoke at the event about the strong relationship between the MBWDA and the MOA and the opportunity for the two associations to work together in the future.
The Maine Beer and Wine Distributors Association will be a sponsor for the upcoming Maine Restaurant Association's Annual Award Dinner on March 30, 2010 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, Maine from 5-10 p.m. For more information about the event, click here!
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In this issue...
- March Madness: Trying to balance Maine's budget
- Ron's Market celebrates the role of the distributor
- Distributor Profile: Aroostook Beverage Company
- News and notes
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Dear Friends, 
As we turn the calendar, say hello to March Madness- in addition to the college basketball frenzy, this slogan may be an understatement when it comes to the work of the Maine Legislature. This is the "short" session of the 124th Legislature, which means the session is scheduled to adjourn by mid-April. Due to the fiscal issues, the budget will dominate the attention and focus of the policy committees and staff in the coming weeks. Needless to say, this will be no easy task.
Many of the committees have not accepted the initial proposal submitted by the Governor. This leaves the Appropriations Committee with the burden of completing the task of how to fill the "hole."
In the end, the state must balance the budget - it cannot carry a debt or print money. So, how to satisfy a $438 million budget deficit? The rumors are starting that certain taxes should be raised and alcohol may become targeted. WE SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR; NO NEW TAXES! Maine already collects nearly $14 million in excise and premium taxes from the industry. Most people are not aware that Maine collects two alcohol taxes in addition to the state's sales tax.
Stay tuned- the discussions are underway and we hope Maine adult consumers of beer and wine will support the Governor and our efforts to oppose any new taxes and any increased taxes on our products of choice. Let's keep sales in Maine and keep our family owned businesses in operation.
Delivering Choice and Quality, Advocating Responsibility.
Sincerely, 
Cheryl Timberlake
Executive Vice President
Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association |
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Ron's Market toasts to local distributors
Lois and Jon (above) are the owners of Ron's Market in Farmington, Maine.
As a full service agency liquor outlet, Ron's Market in Farmington, Maine offers amazing quality and choice with over 700 labels and a craft beer selection representing more than 150 breweries from around the world.
With the recent challenges posed by LD 1691, Ron's Market, a small mom and pop store has complied with the current wine tasting law and plans to responsibly host the state maximum of 12 tastings per year. In order to comply with law, the market has created a wine tasting room at the rear of their store.
Recently, owners Jon and Lois Bubier hosted two wine tasting events in the designated wine tasting room to celebrate the value of the service provided by Central Distributors in Lewiston and Pine State Beverage Company in Gardiner.
"The current wine tasting law has certainly been a challenge, but we have loyal customers that enjoy visiting our store and socializing with their local friends and neighbors. Alcohol is a unique product in that it brings people together in our small community and that means a lot to us. We wouldn't be able to host our popular wine tastings without the knowledge and expertise that is provided by our local beer and wine distributors. The quality and choice they provide makes us very grateful," said Jon Bubier.
Since purchasing the store in 2005, Jon and Lois have invested a lot in their popular location at 144 Franklin Ave. Jon and Lois have replaced outdated equipment and removed a redemption center in 2006 to make the building more efficient to better service their customers. The business has also invested a lot in the local community supporting numerous school and church fundraisers each year. The Maine Beer & Wine Distributors would like to thank Ron's Market for their business and their commitment to responsibility.
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Distributor Profile: Aroostook Beverage Company
The Aroostook Beverage Company has been serving northern Maine since 1947.
Aroostook Beverage Company in Presque Isle is the most northern beer and wine distributor in Maine and is also one of the most diverse. Owner Peter Briggs has grown the business beyond beer and wine, and has always remained true to his Maine roots by employing Maine people and giving back to the local community.
Like many of Maine's beer and wine distributors that are family-owned, Peter learned the life of a distributor as a young man working for his father, Ralph Briggs, when the warehouse was originally located in Lincoln, Maine in 1947. Learn more |
We hope you enjoyed this latest edition of the Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association e-newsletter and we encourage you to forward it to a friend.
The MBWDA knows you don't have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but you do have to be responsible. Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Sincerely,
The Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association |
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