ABL Honors Maryland Retailers

Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year Recognized for Their Continued Commitment to the Beverage Alcohol Industry

Eighteen beverage licensees from across the United States were recently recognized as Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year at the 2017 American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nominated by their state beverage associations for their success and dedication to the beverage alcohol industry, these business owners were honored in a ceremony at the ABL Honors Gala on March 27, 2017.

 For more than two decades, the Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year awards have celebrated independent retail beverage business owners who engage in responsible sales and service of beverage alcohol, and who are committed to their state beverage associations.  ABL congratulates all of the honored businesses and licensees for their outstanding and continued contributions to the industry and their communities.

 "Independent beverage retailers support a dynamic and spirited industry, while also promoting and encouraging the responsible sale and enjoyment of beer, wine and spirits," said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. "It is in this spirit that they are recognized with this award before their industry peers and held up as examples of success."

 Brown-Forman, one of the world's leading distilled spirits producers, has remained a steadfast sponsor of the awards, recognizing the importance of vibrant independent alcohol retailers, and continuing their support of those who are the last to handle beverage products before they reach the hands of consumers. In attendance to present awards to this year's recipients was Michael Rasp, Brown-Forman's Nevada State Manager.

 "We are grateful to work with Brown-Forman in honoring responsible beverage retailers across the country," Bodnovich added.

ABL is the preeminent national trade association for beverage alcohol retailers.  Direct retail beverage alcohol sales in the United States generate as many as 1.94 million well-paying jobs.  ABL's thousands of on-premise and off-premise licensee members are independent and often family-owned establishments.  The beverage retailing industry pays over $25.3 billion in federal taxes and $18.36 billion in state and local taxes.

Mike Harris
Harris Crab House
(Chester, MD)

Mike Harris has been a member of the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association (MSLBA) for over 20 years and has served on the Board of Directors’ as Financial Secretary since 2013.  Mike also serves on the MSLBA Legislative Committee.  He is active in his business community, serving as Treasurer of Kent Narrows Development Foundation and is a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #296.  Mike also contributes to the community through participation in Cover Your Chin for Charity and Bosom Buddies Charities.

Mike Scheuerman
Friendship Wine & Liquor
(Abingdon, MD)

Mike Scheuerman serves on the MSLBA Board of Directors as a representative for Harford County alcohol  beverage retailers and has been a member of MSLBA for over 10 years.  He also serves on the MSLBA Legislative and Membership committees.  Mike is a member the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, Rt. 40 Business Assoc., Abingdon Community Advisory Board, Patterson Mill Athletic Boosters and Emmorton Rec. Council.  Before becoming a retailer, Mike was a bar manager and sales rep for Kronheim Co.

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