Featuring:

• Bibi Graetz wines
• Effen Cucumber vodka
• Templeton Rye
• Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
• Cherry Heering Liqueur

Wirtz Beverage Group: Tell us a little bit about your experience and what you can bring with to WBG?

Mike Kennedy: My technical background is in application development and support. My most recent role (last 8 yrs) was Chief Technology officer for Sunny Delight Beverages  where we successfully migrated from SAP to AX to support Sunny Delight as a stand-alone business.  We built an IT platform and organization that supported operations in 7 countries and facilitated 2 acquisitions.

I will bring the ability to establish a first class IT organization with the skills necessary to support a fully integrated ERP environment

WBG: What will be you greatest focus as CIO?

MK: My greatest focus will be creating an IT capability that will support the 2015 vision with an immediate focus on completing the ERP implementations and cicero warehouse automation.

My vision is to ensure that technology (near and long term) is positioned to be a strategic enabler for all current and future business initiatives.

WBG: From your experience, what’s the greatest gain from an ERP system?

MK: The greatest gains from an ERP system is the ability to scale quickly and gain productivity enhancements through process standardization.

WBG: Is the implementation process we’ve gone through typical of ERP systems of this magnitude?

MK: It is very typical for an ERP implementation (especially if it’s your first) to encounter a number of “bumps in the road.”  A new ERP is a major change in how any business operates.  The key to a successful ERP environment is one where both the technology and processes can be modified to get the most out of the entire system.  That type of environment will enable WBG to drive the most productivity and generate the most return.

WBG: What’s next in the world of Technology and where can WBG benefit?  

MK: Following most ERP implementations the next phase is a robust BI/Reporting model to help make sense of the millions of transactions taking place every day.   The integrations created with customers, suppliers and internal systems creates vast amounts of data that can be very challenging to digest and correlate to specific business actions.   There are tools available to assist with this which we will be looking at in the coming months.  Once the base BI system is in place the next phase is making this data accessible to all users through mobile technologies which would include Laptops, Smart Phones, and Tablet devices.  We want to eliminate the need for people to be in the office to get data.  Our goal is to deliver a consistent view of a product and a customer to the field on any platform.  This will keep our sales force more engaged with our customers.

WBG: Are you going to a be Blackhawks fan now that you are moving to Chicago? What other sports do you enjoy?

MK:  Of course I am going to become (have become) a Blackhawks fan.  Admittedly I come from an area (Cincinnati) where Hockey wasn’t very popular.  I look forward to learning more about the sport since I have heard from multiple people that no sporting event beats the experience of going to a Blackhawks game.  I follow football (College & Pro), Baseball, and College basketball.   My favorite sport  to participate in is definitely golf.

WBG: What mobile device do you use?

MK: I am a big fan of apple products which means I have an iPhone and an iPad.  I am anxious to see the Windows 8 mobile platform come out later this year given the integration opportunities it could provide for the business.

WBG: What are you most looking forward to about living in Chicago?

MK: Access to the many family friendly attractions such as the Lake, Museums, and weekend festivals/activities I keep hearing so much about.

Have you wanted to take a look inside the new Wirtz Beverage Illinois facility? Rocky Wirtz gives a tour to Crain’s Chicago business. You can also read more about the new $80 million dollar office/warehouse here:

TY KU Sake is a perfect match for Patti, as she follows a strict low calorie and gluten free lifestyle.  TY KU Sake is one of the few alcoholic beverages on the market that is all natural and completely gluten free.  As a matchmaker, Patti knows the key to love, romance and of course how to make a lasting impression.  Excited to educate consumers on the benefits of sake, Patti has created a top ten list of why sake is the best date night drink (below).   Additionally, as a TY KU partner, Patti will be active in the day to day business of the brand and work to solidify TY KU as the trusted name in the premium sake category.

As a lover of sake for its smooth flavor and healthier properties, Patti Stanger is proud to partner with the very best in class—TY KU.  Unlike wine, sake is naturally free of sulfites and tannins and with a lower alcohol proof, is a more responsible beverage to enjoy on a date, as compared with high proof alcohol spirits.  Stanger says of the new partnership, “I have always had an eye for the right chemistry and my relationship with TY KU is a perfect match. I am excited to spread the word about TY KU—simply the best—and educate consumers about the all-natural, low calorie and health conscious nature of TY KU Sake & Spirits. The TY KU Sake portfolio is low calorie, gluten-free, sulfite free and tannin free, so it fits my healthy lifestyle and might even tempt me to rethink my two drink maximum rule for first dates.”

After launching in Las Vegas, NV several years ago, TY KU has steadily built out its premium portfolio of products and established trusted distributor partnerships across the U.S.  In 2011, TY KU’s growth extended into all 50 states with two distinct award winning portfolios: TY KU Sake and TY KU Spirits.  With the rapid rise of Asian / Asian Fusion, TY KU indentified the need in the marketplace for consumers to experience the world’s best—a trusted, called upon name in the premium sake category and, on the spirits side, a recognized brand in premium soju, the #1 selling distilled spirit in the world, which is naturally ½ the calories of vodka.

Here are videos of both Patti Stanger sharing her love of  TYKU on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live”:

Chicago, IL

“Each year, we proudly recognize our colleagues who exemplify what it means to be a role model. These individuals work every day to exceed expectations and they truly are stand outs in our company,” said Rocky Wirtz, Wirtz Beverage Group President. “The 2012 nominees come as no surprise to those who know them and it is them and others like them who really are cornerstone to our success.”

This year’s winner, Art Wirtz, was one of 4 nominees among Wirtz Beverage Group’s employees in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada and Wisconsin. Each demonstrated noteworthy achievements this past year.  Ultimately, Art was selected as the winner for his standout role within the company’s Illinois affiliate.

“Art has worked in every department and in nearly every role for the company, however, his efforts in 2011 went above-and-beyond,” said Wirtz. “There is no question to anyone that works with Art whether in the warehouse or front office that he puts every effort into helping this company succeed.”  He was charged with considerable responsibilities and achieved remarkable success. As a result, Wirtz Beverage Illinois experienced one of its most significant and successful years.”

Serving as Vice President of Operations at Wirtz Beverage Illinois, Art is responsible for the integral functions of Warehouse, Delivery, Information Technology, Customer Service and Security.  This past year alone, he oversaw the successful integration of Bacardi USA to Illinois, led the planning and construction of a new 600,000 square foot office, warehouse and training center, and directed the company’s technology transformation to a new innovative ERP system.  All this while continuing to deliver 10 million cases to customers throughout the state, the most significant and successful year for the company to date.

“There is no single person who had a greater influence on our success last year than Art Wirtz,” said Julian Burzynski, SVP Wirtz Beverage Illinois. “Because of his leadership, all of these initiatives were accomplished while maintaining best-in-class market execution and supplier relations.  He has been fundamental to ensuring our company’s success for the next generation.”

Other award nominees for the 2012 Arthur M. Wirtz Leadership Award included:

Eric Anderson (Director of Trade Development, Wirtz Beverage Nevada) –Eric Anderson’s in-depth knowledge and expertise of the beverage industry has proven success for Wirtz Beverage Nevada and has led him to advance quickly. During his tenure overseeing the company’s Reno sales operation, Eric was instrumental in the acquisition and transition of the Gallo portfolio in Nevada helping to position the brand for peak market performance. In his current role as Director of Trade Development, Eric is charged with leading the company’s defining route-to-market strategy. Since stepping into this role, Eric has identified new strategies to advance the company’s innovative Trade Development model.

Scott Cairncross (Vice President, Beer Division, Wirtz Beverage Minnesota) –Scott Cairncross has been a member of the Wirtz Beverage team for 28 years. Over his tenure, Scott has become recognized as a preeminent wholesale marketing authority within the marketplace putting this knowledge to use day-in and day-out to help advance the Minnesota portfolio.  A skilled manager, Scott has implemented changes within the Marketing and Sales Departments that have led to accelerated revenue and profit growth as well as increased performance accountability. Both well-known and well-respected in the industry, Scott assumes the role of Chairman of the Minnesota Beer Wholesaler Association for 2012.

George Papacristou (Operations Manager, Wirtz Beverage Wisconsin) –George Papacristou contributes years of operational expertise to Wirtz Beverage Wisconsin. Most recently, he played a critical role in planning, budgeting and executing the company’s seamless move to its new headquarters in Hartland, WI. The new facility was a massive undertaking of operational planning and coordination.  A team player and leader, George oversaw the training and transition of the entire operations team to new systems warehouse, an essential part of its operating function. Committed to maintaining Wirtz’s best-in-class reputation with suppliers and customers alike, George worked closely with sales on a OneWirtz approach to ensuring all customer needs were met during the transition.

“We are proud to honor our colleagues among us who stand out with distinction. All of the 2012 nominees are deserving of this recognition,” said Wirtz. “Congratulations on a job well-done.”

About Wirtz Beverage Group

Wirtz Beverage Group’s multi-state portfolio of wine, spirits and beer distributorships in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada and Wisconsin boast more than 2,000 employees and $2 billion in annual sales.  Its parent company, Wirtz Corporation, has diversified business holdings in distribution, banking, real estate, insurance, and entertainment including ownership of the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.

Wirtz Beverage Group is committed to providing our customers with industry leading technology. In an effort to better serve you, Wirtz on the Web (ordering.wirtzbev.com) will be unavailable effective January 27th, 2012. 6 pm Pacific/ 9 pm Eastern. Our e-commerce website will be going through a series of updates to enhance all aspects of its performance and features, all designed to provide our customers with an improved overall experience.

If you need to place an order, please speak to your sales consultant or customer service associate. Please visit our contact us page if you need help getting in touch with your customer service department.

Your feedback is very important to us. Please feel free to contact us with any comments, questions and concerns.

http://www.wirtzbeveragegroup.com/index.php/contact-us/

Thank you,

Wirtz Beverage Group

The famed distillery has joined forces with the Armed Services YMCA of Fort Campbell that will work with military officials at the installation to identify soldiers and families with particular needs and financial assistance for travel from the base to their homes throughout the U.S. this holiday season.

In honor of the decorated 101^st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Jack Daniel’s has donated $101,000 to launch the campaign and is encouraging its friends to visit www.JDOperationRideHome.com and contribute what they can to assist in the effort.  The Armed Services YMCA will be purchasing plane tickets and providing pre-paid debit cards for gas, lodging and food for soldiers and their families to travel to their family homes.  The 101^st Airborne Division has members serving from all 50 states and has been on multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

“There are so many enlisted soldiers with families who would love to go to their homes for the holidays, but just don’t have the means to do it,” said Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller.  “These heroes have been serving our country on multiple deployments overseas and we just want to do what we can to help reunite them with their families during this special season.”

Armed Services YMCA Executive Director Shirley West said the Operation Ride Home campaign could potentially help hundreds of soldiers and their families travel to their respective homes from Christmas through the new year.  “The military does an outstanding job getting our soldiers back to base from deployments, but unfortunately so many of them just don’t have the money to leave the base – whether that’s money for a plane ticket if they live far away from the base or even gas money if they’re closer to Fort Campbell.  This campaign will be a huge help in reuniting these families,” West said.

Armed Services YMCA of Fort Campbell is one of 16 dedicated branches of the ASCY national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  It provides support services to military service members and their families all over the world, with a particular focus on junior-enlisted men and women — the individuals on the front lines of defending our nation.

The Operation Ride Home effort continues Jack Daniel’s longstanding support of our nation’s military.  In recent years, Jack Daniel’s has been collecting personal messages of support in the form of “toasts” to include in USO care packages, and has hosted 14 “stuffing parties” at military installations across the country.  More than 150,000 care packages have been sent to troops serving overseas through the “Toast to the Troops” program.

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About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey-Based Ready-to-Drink Beverages and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

Jack Daniel’s encourages its friends to drink responsibly.

October 4, 2011,
LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort announces the launch of Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper, a fierce fusion of Southern Comfort and Tabasco® brand pepper sauce. The new product is set to hit shelves nationally in October 2011.

The new spicy concoction delivers a perfectly balanced mixture of genuine whiskey, and the premium flavors of Southern Comfort, infused with original Tabasco brand pepper sauce. Served as a cold shot or incorporated into a cocktail, Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper finishes off any drink with the perfect amount of heat.

“This partnership between Southern Comfort and Tabasco brand strikes the perfect balance between sweet and heat and brings together two iconic brands for a one-of-a-kind product,” said Mark Bacon, VP, Managing Director, Southern Comfort. “Fiery Pepper gives our consumers another unique way to enjoy Southern Comfort that will challenge their senses and fire up the night.”

“We’re proud to partner with another iconic brand born in Louisiana to create a spicy addition to the classic Southern Comfort line,” said Paul McIlhenny, president and CEO of McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco brand pepper sauce. “We look forward to a future of fiery cocktails.”

Southern Comfort will launch a large-scale advertising campaign in support of the product release consisting of a 10-week national television buy in the fall which includes commercials, integrations and custom features on ESPN, TBS, TNT, Comedy Central and Discovery among others. The headline “Sometimes a Burning Sensation is Good News” highlights a national trade and online media campaign also “spreading” this fall.

“We’re making a considerable investment both above the line and below the line during and after the initial launch of the brand,” added Bacon. “Fiery Pepper is a significant initiative for us and will be a key component of the Southern Comfort growth plan for years to come.”

Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper will be available only in the United States initially with global expansion to follow.

The latest release from the handcrafted vodka taps into the sweet flavors of Maine

September 2011 – California’s handcrafted Hangar One Vodka is proud to announce its newest flavor, Maine Wild Blueberry. Using fresh wild blueberries from small farms of eastern Maine, the vodka is distilled in small batches and blended with the fresh juices to create an irresistible, smooth flavor.

This will be Hangar One’s fifth flavor, adding to their Straight Vodka, Mandarin Blossom, Kaffir Lime and Buddha’s Hand Citron. Evoking the beauty of Maine and its lazy summer days, Hangar One Maine Wild Blueberry has the ability to transcend the seasons and offer drinkers the opportunity for a fresh, delicious cocktail any time of year. The liquid has a slight purple shade to it, a natural result of the blueberry skins. “We’re excited to offer such an exciting new flavor from Hangar One” says Brand Manager Kensey Davis, “…Blueberry offers a nice balance to our portfolio with its all-natural sweetness and floral essence.”

Over 50% of all wild blueberries come from Maine, where the Northeast climate provides ideal conditions for harvesting. Wild blueberries are smaller in size than regular blueberries, and have a sweeter, more powerful taste. Adding to this unique appeal, wild blueberries are harvested using traditional hand-held berry rakes, employed for several decades past.

For more information about the fruit, visit:

The newest flavor pairs especially well with simple ingredients, easy to find in one’s own backyard. One of the flavor’s signature cocktails, called the “Garden Sipper” incorporates mint and basil leaves, along with a touch of simple syrup and soda. “Hangar One Maine Wild Blueberry is a flavor that can easily stand on its own due to its refreshing, robust taste, but is also complemented with fresh fruits such as lemons, mint or cucumbers,” says Davis.

Hangar One Vodka is an American-made brand using fresh fruit from farms throughout the United States. The unique, small-batch distillation process and all-natural infusions result in a high-quality product unlike anything else on the shelves. Each batch is tasted to ensure there is the perfect balance of fruit, without the harsh taste of alcohol or syrupy sweetness of additives.

Hangar One has become a brand that is respected for their mastery of hand distillation and for their dedication to the use of all-natural, farm-grown ingredients.

In a move mirroring investments made in the Chicago-metro market, Wirtz Beverage Illinois announced today the formation of the Heartland Division. The division will align outstate sales and operations from Rockford, Peoria and Bellville. As part of the effort, the company also announced the appointment of Jeff Roth as VP of Sales for the division.
“We see great opportunity in central and southern Illinois to really elevate our market reach and customer execution,” noted Julian Burzynski WBI Senior Vice President. “Jeff is an industry veteran who has worked on both the supplier and distributor side achieving great success.”
Roth joined Wirtz Beverage Illinois in March with more than a decade of diverse sales and management experience and assumes the new executive team role, reporting directly to Burzynski. Previously he worked for both Gallo and as Director of Sales for Empire Merchants’ On-premise Wine Division. His market experience includes New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore and Connecticut.
We see great opportunity to invest and elevate our downstate efforts,” explained Burzynski. “Under Jeff’s leadership we will be investing in quality people, systems and operations and really putting the focus on execution and accountability.”
The Heartland Division will include more than 120 employees and currently accounts for 1/3 of the company’s sales revenues.
“This was an opportunity to really be a part of something bigger and to join a family and a company whose values are in line with my own,” said Roth. “We’ve got a great team in place and we’re ready to enhance our efforts in the market.”
Wirtz Beverage Illinois is the state’s leading distributor of premium wine and spirits and an affiliate of Wirtz Beverage Group. Headquartered in Chicago, Wirtz Beverage Group is one of the nation’s leading alcohol beverage distributors with operations in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada and Wisconsin. With more than $1.7 billion in annual sales and 3,000 employees, Wirtz Beverage Group counts the world’s elite suppliers as its partners.