MBWDA e-News

Edition 6 - May 2010

Legislative
Legislative Update click here!
WHAT'S NEW! 
DID YOU KNOW?
Studies show that drinking beer in moderation can reduce your chances of stroke, as well as heart and vascular disease.
 
Red wine contains a chemical called 'resveratrol' found in the skin of red grapes. Some studies have found that the chemical has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and benefit your cardiovascular health.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH  


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NEWS & NOTES
 
Larry Lauze, vice president of finance at Federal Distributors announced recently that he will participate in the Trek Across Maine fundraiser for the American Lung Association. The Trek Across Maine will take place on June 18-20, 2010. The route takes participants on a bike ride of 180 miles from Sunday River to Belfast. Support Larry.   
 
In this issue...
  • The importance of living healthy
  • Valley Distributors honored by Governor Baldacci for a healthy workplace 
  • Distributor Profile: Maine Distributors in Bangor   
Dear Friends,
 
Cheryl TimberlakeWith summer fast approaching, we are fortunate in Maine to have such great outdoor resources available. There's opportunity for recreation- fishing, boating, biking, swimming, hiking, the list goes on and on.  We need to encourage everyone to be active - it's as simple as taking a walk.
 
According to the American Heart Association, poor diet and lack of exercise are responsible for at least 25% of healthcare costs incurred by working adults. Understanding how we manage our lifestyle will help us focus on quality improvements. Let's start with physical activity.
 
In the coming months, we will be launching a Responsibility Campaign and hope you will partner with us to recognize the value of personal decisions. This month our focus is on healthy lifestyles.
 
There are also organized events throughout the state that provide the dual purpose of physical challenge and financial endeavor.  Examples include Breast Cancer Challenge - The Race for a Cure; Maine Lung Association - The Trek Across Maine; Patrick Dempsey Center - The Dempsey Challenge and many more.
 
You don't have to be an athlete to make a difference. You can be a hero by volunteering or provide vocal support for those participating. 
 
Memorial Day reminds us to have fun, be safe and remember those who sacrificed for our freedoms - something we should never take for granted.
 
Sincerely,
Cheryl Timberlake
Cheryl Timberlake
Executive Vice President
Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association
Valley Distributors Receives Fitness Award 
Pictured (from left to right): Governor John Baldacci, Lisa Madore, HR Manager at Valley Distributors, Dr. Erik Steele, co-chairman of the Maine Governor's Council on Physical Activity and Mike Runser, President of Valley Distributors.
Valley Distributors Wellness Award
On April 27th, Governor John Baldacci honored Valley Distributors Inc. among nine groups, businesses and individuals for their fitness achievements at the 2010 Maine Fitness Awards. Valley Distributors Inc. in Oakland was selected by the Maine Governor's Council on Physical Activity as a winner of the 2010 Maine Fitness Award in the Healthy Workplace, Small Business category.
 
The wellness program at Valley Distributors was transformed in 2008 when the company hired MaineGeneral Work Place Health to offer face to face health coaching. In the past year, the company reached 100% participation for all eligible employees. In 2009, due to the multi-faceted wellness program, the company saw a 58% increase in physical activity from its employees.
 
All members of the Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association take great pride in their commitment to encourage their employees and families to lead a healthy lifestyle. Below are some of the ways distributors are supporting their over 1,000 employees to stay healthy:
  • Provide Employee Assistance Programs
  • Discounts on health insurance premiums for active employees
  • On-site cholesterol and blood pressure screenings
  • Corporate discounts for gym memberships
  • Efforts to create a smoke-free work environment
        Distributor Profile: Maine Distributors              
         Maine Distributors Truck
  Robert "Bob" Flynn Jr. (above) joined his father to help start the family business back in the early 1960s.
 
Located in Bangor, Maine Distributors provides a wide variety of beverage products to retail locations in Penobscot, Aroostook, Hancock, Washington, and Piscataquis Counties. For over 45 years, the company has demonstrated responsibility for their products and a strong commitment to their employees and the local community. More
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Private John J. Houle, an employee of Nappi Distributors recently received the State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medal. Houle, served in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart from the state in 1969.
 
This Memorial Day, the Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association honors all the men and women who have served our country.
 
Since Memorial Day is also seen in Maine as the unofficial start of summer, as always, we encourage you to enjoy our products responsibly. 
 
- The Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association
 
Delivering Quality and Choice, Advocating Responsibility.