LAS VEGAS, NV — The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) is proud to announce the Board of Directors officers for the 2013-2014 term. Greg LaMantia, member/manager of L & F Distributors, LLC in Texas and New Mexico, takes the helm as chairman of the Board. He assumed the position and its responsibilities during NBWA’s 76th Annual Convention and Trade Show held September 29 — October 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Other officers of NBWA’s Board of Directors include:
- Vice Chair Eric Best, general manager/partner of Bob Hall LLC in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
- Treasurer Travis Markstein, president of Markstein Beverage Co. in San Marcos, California
- Secretary Paul J. Bertucci, executive vice president of F.E.B. Distributing Company, Inc. in Gulfport and Capital City Beverages, Inc. in Jackson, Mississippi
- Immediate Past Chair Bob Archer, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Beverage Company, Inc. in Salem, Virginia
As chair, LaMantia will help lead the association as it works to advocate for licensed, independent beer distributors and educate elected officials, regulators, media and the public about the value of beer distributors and the importance of effective state-based alcohol controls.
“Greg has served on the NBWA Board of Directors since 2007 and has held all elected positions, giving him a full background and working knowledge of the association’s goals and agenda,” said NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser. “He is a tremendous motivator who knows how to lead by example, which makes him a very effective advocate for his fellow beer distributors and a terrific mentor for its next generation of leaders. I look forward to working closely with Greg to advance the association’s goals in the year ahead.”
NBWA and America’s beer distributors support the state-based system of alcohol controls, which ensures an orderly marketplace and protects the public by providing transparency and accountability in the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcohol. Beer distributors serve as the critical link in the American beer distribution system, sourcing products from brewers and importers and delivering products to state-licensed retailers. This effective system provides access to market for all beer brands — enabling American consumers to choose from the widest selection of products in the world — and works to ensure that only safe, fresh beer reaches American consumers of legal drinking age.
With experience from Texas Christian University’s Ranch Management program, LaMantia began his career handling his family’s agriculture operation located in Texas’ Dimmit, Webb and Zavala Counties. Since leaving the agriculture business in the late 1980s, LaMantia has overseen the general operations of L & F Distributors, LLC. Founded in 1977 by LaMantia’s father, Joe LaMantia, Jr., L & F is a family business that has grown to employ more than 1,000 individuals. It now operates throughout 34 counties in Texas and New Mexico and covers nearly 200,000 square miles of land.
LaMantia also serves as vice chairman and is a founding member of the Stars Scholarship Fund, which promotes access to and success in higher education for all students. Since its founding in 2002, the non-profit organization has awarded more than $18 million dollars in scholarships to students from South Texas.
About:
The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of America’s 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution. To learn more about America’s beer distributors, visit www.AmericasBeerDistributors.com. For additional updates from NBWA, follow @NBWABeer on Twitter, watch NBWA videos on www.youtube.com/NBWABeer and visit www.facebook.com/NBWABeer.