Being an alcohol industry leader in retail, technology, education and enforcement has earned the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) the Overall Best Practices Award from StateWays magazine, the only national magazine devoted to the issues and subjects that affect the 17 states and multiple local jurisdictions where government manages the sale and distribution of distilled spirits at the wholesale level. Virginia ABC received the annual award yesterday during the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association’s Administrators Conference in Portland, Maine.
“It comes as no surprise that Virginia ABC is being recognized nationally for their efforts over the past year,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Whether it was assessing substance use education on our college campuses, modernizing retail store operations or helping restaurants to navigate regulatory requirements during the pandemic, Virginia ABC’s employees have consistently performed well above expectations despite the challenges we have all faced during the pandemic.”
“I’m honored that ABC was recognized for our diverse and varied set of programs that successfully serve all Virginians. The exceptional efforts of our 4,700 employees enabled us to accomplish new and innovative approaches to public service. It is a testament to their work that Virginia ABC is being recognized as the best of the best,” said Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill. “Our values of accountability, service, integrity and performance excellence drive everything we do at Virginia ABC and it’s evident from this year’s StateWays entries that we have the right recipe to bring good spirits to Virginia.”
StateWays recognized Virginia ABC for innovations in six categories:
Best Enforcement Program: COVID-19 Response, which highlighted the Bureau of Law Enforcement’s efforts to work with approximately 19,000 licensed establishments to maintain public safety and adhere to health guidelines during the pandemic.
StateWays’ editorial staff judged all the award entries and deemed the totality of Virginia ABC’s entries deserved the highest recognition.
"Virginia ABC is a perennial winner of our Control State Best Practices Awards," said Jeremy Nedelka, StateWays magazine vice president. "This year the agency repeated its 2015 win as "Best of the Best" overall winner, thanks to consistent innovation and operational excellence in a number of areas. We're proud to recognize them with this honor."
The digital version of the fall 2021 issue of StateWays magazine featuring Virginia ABC as the Overall Best Practices Award winner is available at https://stateways.com/digital-archives/digital-edition-fall-2021/.
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The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is a major source of revenue for the commonwealth, contributing more than $2.6 billion to the general fund in the last five years. Virginia ABC currently operates 395 state stores and provides alcohol education and prevention programs for people of all ages. Its Bureau of Law Enforcement oversees approximately 19,000 ABC licensed establishments. Now marking its 87th year, ABC remains committed to progress and innovation in carrying out its vision of bringing good spirits and excellent service to Virginia.
Web: www.abc.virginia.gov Facebook: @VirginiaABC and @SpiritedVirginia Instagram: @spiritedvirginia Twitter: @VirginiaABC
ABC Wins StateWays Award