With the end of 2009 comes the end of Ionia Atlantic's seventh fiscal year in business.  Since its creation in 2003, Ionia Atlantic has grown exponentially in sales each year.  Even with tough economic times, 2009 was no different.  Our sales grew over that of 2008 and the promise of what's to come in 2010 is very bright. 

 

This year Ionia Atlantic began its own distributorship in St. Louis, allowing us to directly distribute our wine in our home town.  This has been an exciting change for us and we appreciate the St. Louis restaurants and retailers who have welcomed us with open arms.  You do not go unnoticed!

 

National Sales Manager, Scott Reed, joined the Ionia Atlantic ranks in early 2009.  Scott has played an integral role in facilitating the necessary changes and advancements of the company this year.  His belief in the Ionia Atlantic vision is steadfast and encouraging. We are thankful to have such a loyal employee.

 

2009 brought the addition of five new distributors in three new states.  Ionia Atlantic's wine can be purchased in Iowa through Ruby Fine Wines, Kansas with Standard Beverage Company, and Grapevine Wines is our distributor in Texas.  In Illinois, Ionia Atlantic chose to hand over the reigns of it's original distributing creation, IA Distributing, to sales manager Drake Kaase and Joe Woodhouse.  This decision led to the majority of Ionia Atlantic's portfolio being represented in Southern Illinois by Koerner Distributor, though many selections can still be found in the IA Distributing portfolio throughout the state.  Though we are proud of the direction our previous sister company IA Distributing has taken, Koerner has been an integral part of our 2009 sales increase.  We are pleased to call Koerner our Southern Illinois distribution partner.  Omni Beverage of Nashville, Tennessee also came on board in early 2009.  We've had a great first year with Damian Serong and his team and we're looking forward to the direction Omni can take us in the "Volunteer State".

 

Of course, our loyal distribution partners who entered and exited 2009 with us are not forgotten.  Tim Wermeling's Chicago distributorship took off as Artisan Beverage Company with the help of Ionia Atlantic's portfolio and his sales contributed greatly to our growth.   We thank Classic Mediterranean (Indiana), The Italian Vine (Nebraska), Cellar Door (Pennsylvania), and Alto Vino (Wisconsin) for their continued business and support.

 

Each year our sales grow, as does our reputation in the industry.  In 2009 it became evident that we are on our way to reaching our goal of becoming the premier Italian wine importer in the United States.  It's a great feeling to know your business is well-liked and respected.  We thank our distributors, consumers, wine producers and employees for helping us reach our goals.  Here's to an even better 2010, Salute!

Wine Braised Venison Sausage