Complimentary Webinar: TTB Proposed Rules

Description

June 5th, 2019 from 3-4 PM Eastern

TTB’s Proposed Rulemaking is intended to clarify and simplify, but if you’ve had questions about what it all means, you are not alone. Join Mark Shilling (Treaty Oak Distilling Co., TX) and Nicole Austin (Cascade Hollow Distilling Co., TN) as they touch on the purpose, contents, and challenges of the proposed rulemaking. Mostly, join with YOUR questions. This roundtable-style presentation is, above all, for you, and a large portion of the presentation will be dedicated to Q&A. If you caught this session at ACSA’s Minneapolis Convention, tune in for an update; if you didn’t, don’t miss out this time!

About Your Speakers:

Nicole Austin graduated from Manhattan College with a major in Chemical Engineering in 2006, before landing her position as a Master Blender for Kings County Distillery in 2010.  She then joined The Oak View Spirits consulting firm where she handled everything from raw material sourcing to contract negotiations.  Most recently, Nicole served as Project Commissioning Engineer for William Grant & Sons at the Tullamore Distillery in Ireland.  She’s also been a fierce advocate for the distilling industry as a founding board member of the American Craft Spirits Association and co-chair of Legislative, Convention and State Guild Committees. Since joining the Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. in March 2018, she leads the strategic direction of the company, which means she has dual responsibilities across operations and marketing for the distillery and its whisky brands.

Mark Shilling founded Revolution Spirits in 2013, quickly establishing the distillery as a favorite stop along the Central Texas beer, wine and spirits trail. In 2017, Mark established Shilling/Crafted to assist other distilleries with marketing, compliance and growth strategies. Most recently, working with Uncle Billy’s, Mark launched the first Ready-to-Drink (RTD) line of spirit-based cocktail in Texas.

Prior to founding Revolution Spirits, Mark spent over twenty-five years of as a public affairs expert, specializing in legislative and regulatory advocacy, grassroots and coalition building, and the strategic positioning of client interests before key state and federal public policy decision-makers. During his career, he has represented business and professional clients on issues ranging from taxes, insurance, health and safety, to energy, environmental, education, workforce and economic development.

Mark was instrumental in the formation of the Texas Distilled Spirits Association and represents the industry on craft spirits issues in Washington, DC. He is currently serving on the board of the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), and recently completed a term as president of the organization. He also chairs the association’s Legislative Affairs Committee and has been instrumental in the successful effort to lower federal excise taxes on distilled spirits.

Mark was recently appointed to the board of advisors of Microshiner, an online and print media publisher that showcases the art and science of the rapidly growing micro-distilling industry. Mark previously served as president of the board of The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas. He also serves a founding director of CURe, The Foundation for Compassionate Use Reform.

Mark attended Texas A&M University and Stephen F. Austin State University and holds a BA degree in Political Science and History.