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Dear Friends in the Craft Spirits Community:
Thank you. Grazie. Merci. Danke. Xie Xie. Arigato. Shukran. Spasibo. Obrigado. D’akujem. Gracias.
As Thanksgiving Day just passed, it doesn’t really matter the language in which we express our gratitude. In our home, a family tradition calls on each dinner guest to share at least one thing for which they are thankful. Ultimately, it makes us feel happier, more connected and might even reduce our blood pressure (currently there are plenty of reasons we might see it rise).
Having just returned from an engagement in Milan, Italy, at SIMEI, a massive trade show featuring beverage technology, I am particularly appreciative (besides the offer to speak) of good food and good drink. In Italy, it is plentiful. I sampled dozens of gooey pastries, liters of Sicilian wine and dozens of sfincione (thick, tasty pizza). Presently, I’m thankful for my treadmill. On the “Eat, Pray, Love” journey, this one clearly focused on the EAT element.
Gratitude doesn’t stop there. I am glad to be within the family of craft spirits. Whether you serve a distillery, work as a supplier, toil within another tier or regulate our alcohol beverage space, our community oozes energy, passion, innovation, camaraderie, support and pride of workmanship. But a vibrant community only thrives when several key components work in unison. Those include economic vitality and health, natural available resources and community engagement.
Our vibrant community is looking ahead to 2025 with lots of opportunities to engage in our community. If you think your packaging is “all that,” show us! Enter your bottle, label and closure designs in our Craft Spirits Packaging Awards before the deadline on Dec. 6. Register now to come to our convention in Tucson, Arizona, in March. I’ll race you in our 5K Fun Run & Walk or you can take a hike into Saguaro National Park with a park ranger. Education opportunities are available for the novice through the experienced distillers and their teams. Take our survey on exports. Read more about our members and tune into the podcast. Our bevy of ways to become involved are highlighted below.
Finally, it is appropriate to once again thank ACSA’s hard-working, visionary board (see full board below). It is a particular privilege to work alongside and be led by our officers, Kelly Woodcock (president), Amber Pollock (VP) and Jeff Kanof (secretary/treasurer). We’re inspired by your dedication and leadership. To those who chair or serve on one of ACSA’s dozens of committees—thank you. To the ACSA consultants who give so freely of their time and talents—thank you. And, to the ACSA staff who work on your behalf daily to make our mission a reality—thank you.
During this holiday season, what are you thankful for?
Cheers,
Margie |
