Liquor Control Board recognizes liquor suppliers during annual conference

May 17, 2011

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) recognized eight companies during the Fourth Annual Supplier Conference in April in Olympia. The conference was held to update liquor suppliers on WSLCB business practices and future plans, and recognize suppliers for their performance in Washington State in the past year.

“We want to thank our suppliers for their hard work and partnership with the WSLCB this past year,” said Board Chair Sharon Foster. “There is an important public/private partnership that exists between the WSLCB and our suppliers, and we welcome the chance to honor them for their collaboration.”

The WSLCB works with more than 310 suppliers to ensure the efficient supply of products to 328 state and contract liquor stores. Approximately 3,300 products are available to customers via full listing in stores, one-time-only offerings and special order.

Award winners

Best Average Total Cost Multiplier, Spirits Supplier: McCormick Distilling
Best Average Total Cost Multiplier, Wine Supplier: Ste Michelle Wine Estates
These two awards are based on the WSLCB Supplier Scorecard, which is a key tool to help suppliers meet established performance targets by clearly defining business expectations and providing timely feedback. Total Cost Multiplier is the overall score that a supplier receives each month on their scorecard, and measures how well the supplier performed against set expectations in categories such as product availability and product sales. These two suppliers had the best average Total Cost Multiplier for spirits and wine.

Supplier Managed Inventory Top Performer: Frank-Lin Distillers Products, Ltd.
Almost 85 percent of the case volume that travels through the WSLCB’s Distribution Center is managed by 30 suppliers participating in the WSLCB’s Supplier Managed Inventory program. Frank-Lin Distillers Products, Ltd. did not have any out of stocks in 2010 and ended the year within the WSLCB’s designated stock ranges for every brand code.

Outstanding Receiving Performance: Hood River Distillers
This winner of this award is selected by the WSLCB Distribution Center. Hood River Distillers is in full compliance with receiving standards at the Distribution Center, accurate with scheduled advance notices and case quantities, and is timely and reliable.

Best Performing New Listing in 2010: Pinnacle Whipped Vodka by White Rock Distillers
Pinnacle Whipped Vodka was listed in April, and in four months, it was selling more than 1,000 cases a month. By December, it sold 4,605 cases in a single month, making it Washington’s No. 1 selling flavored vodka in less than nine months. The WSLCB granted size extensions in the 50 mL, 1.75 mL and 375 mL in the first year, and has listed three new Pinnacle Whipped Vodka flavors in 2011.

Best Display Contributor: Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard was selected based on the creativity of their store displays in 2010, along with execution of display set-up, signage and accompanying sales. The company had unique displays almost every month of the year, which incorporated features such as boats, tiki huts, and barrels.

Fastest Average Special Order Delivery: Diageo North America
The WSLCB considered suppliers with more than 200 special orders in 2010 when naming this award recipient. In 2010, Diageo North America filled 98.4 percent of more than 1,000 special orders with an average delivery date of 9.1 days.

Best Small Company Supplier Social Responsibility Program: William Ryan Select, Ltd.
The WSLCB Supplier Social Responsibility Survey was created in Fiscal Year 2009 to better understand and encourage suppliers’ activities in areas such as preventing underage drinking and overconsumption, and community and environmental involvement.

“Last year, the WSLCB awarded two large companies for their social responsibility efforts,” said Debi Besser, WSLCB Purchasing Director. “But we also wanted to recognize that small companies can do great things with limited means. William Ryan Select has done some very admirable things in the area of social responsibility.”

William Ryan Select is an active participant its local community, and is involved in organizations such as the Lenny Wilkens Foundation and the Lake Washington Technical College. The company donated money to the Newcastle Police Department to purchase a camera system for recording DUI stops. They also share resources with the community, such as providing space for MADD to meet. The only company car is carbon neutral and they converted the lighting in their building to energy efficient bulbs.

The Washington State Liquor Control Board’s mission is to contribute to the safety and financial stability of our communities by ensuring the responsible sale, and preventing the misuse of, alcohol and tobacco. The WSLCB returned $370.3 million in Fiscal Year 2010 to fund essential state and local services.

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