7/4/2009 - Multi-year Distribution Agreements FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2009 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: James P. Soggs, 404-472-2292 Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) announced today the signing of multi-year distribution agreements with Constellation Brands, which will result in the exclusive right to sell Constellation’s U.S. portfolio of wines and spirits in eight markets. Specifically, RNDC will have exclusive distribution rights in eight markets, consisting of Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Washington D.C. Constellation Brands’ largest operating company, Constellation Wines U.S. (CWUS), recently reorganized into a single sales and marketing structure to align with this new go-to-market strategy. The CWUS portfolio includes iconic leading brands such as Robert Mondavi Winery, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Kim Crawford, Toasted Head, Black Box, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka. "Given the way our portfolio has grown into a collection of some of the most sought-after brands of premium wines and selected spirits, our recent organizational change was a logical next step. And now, we are changing how we bring this portfolio to market in a more effective and efficient way that will enable us to better establish priorities in the marketplace," said Jose Fernandez, chief executive officer of Constellation Wines North America. "The opportunity to be Constellation’s preferred distributor and broker in eight markets consisting of Texas, Colorado, South Carolina, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Oklahoma and the District of Columbia represents a major leap forward for us. Building upon an already strong relationship across the U.S., this long-term agreement further aligns our priorities, incentives, and commitment to bringing these dynamic brands to market," said Tom Cole, RNDC president. 11/19/2008 - Customers Online Product Training FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 Republic National Distributing Company Offers Customers Online Product Training Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) now has a comprehensive beverage training program available online for its on- and off-premise customers as well as its supplier partners, announced Peter Madden, Corporate Vice President of Wine for RNDC. Called the RNDC Academy, this highly regarded educational program includes both introductory and advanced courses in each of the three categories of wine, spirits and beer. According to Madden, the Academy will provide an extremely valuable education in beverages to the employees of RNDC’s on- and off-premise customers. “American consumers want to know more about what they are drinking and are becoming more interested in all categories of alcohol beverages,” says Madden. “We are very pleased to offer this excellent program to our retail, restaurant and supplier partners so that their personnel can broaden their product knowledge and increase service to their customers.” Registration for the program is offered on the RNDC website at www.rndc-usa.com. After finishing the coursework, students will take an online exam for each class and will receive an RNDC Academy Certificate of Completion. “We believe in supporting our customers with the best possible tools for increasing their sales. This online, educational program will undoubtedly improve the performance of their front-line employees, making them more knowledgeable, professional and effective in dealing with their customers – ultimately increasing sales,” says RNDC President Tom Cole. This education program has long been a high priority for RNDC. An internal Beverage Education Board, headed by Madden, annually reviews the curriculum and ensures that the RNDC courses maintain their high quality and remain current. Originally developed for RNDC sales professionals, the educational program is a key element of maintaining a sales force with superior product knowledge. All of the company’s sales representatives are required to complete the three introductory courses within 60 days of becoming employed with RNDC. The advanced courses are also required for all managers in the sales division, key account specialists, and fine wine or spirit specialists. RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States with operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 6,000 individuals nationwide. 8/4/2008 - Technology Partnership FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden at RNDC, 678-420-1708, candice.gulden@rndc-use.com George Gleeson at 1Vine, 415-717-4990, ggleeson@1vine.com, www.1vine.com Republic National Distributing Company and 1Vine Marketing Create Technology Partnership Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the nation’s second largest wholesaler of premium wine and spirits, is teaming up with 1Vine Marketing, Inc. to streamline the distribution of wine-related sales information across the U.S. 1Vine is a marketing web portal for the wine industry. “1Vine provides a great tool for disseminating wine marketing material to our sales teams,” says Ken Rosenberg, assistant vice president of wine for RNDC. “Their web portal enables us to share time-sensitive information much faster and more efficiently than traditional methods.” According to Rosenberg, the 1Vine service fulfills a major wine industry need to make beverage marketing information readily available to sales personnel, allowing the wineries to concentrate on the production of their products and the distributors to focus on selling those products. Previously, wineries’ product information was created in a print format, which was then sent to the wholesale distributor by the winery sales force. Now with the 1Vine web portal, wineries have a single online location to post product information that can be distributed to wholesalers across the country with one mouse click. Similarly, the wholesaler’s sales force can go to one web location to easily access marketing information from many different suppliers. “1Vine solves a problem that affects not only RNDC, but also our suppliers and the industry in general,” explains Rosenberg. “They provide a central web location for in depth wine information as well an opportunity to improve the communication of critical marketing information throughout our business and for our key business partners. We believe this service will save our suppliers time and money and improve how the industry communicates as a whole.” The 1Vine online resource also assists wine suppliers and distributors in their “green” conservation efforts, since the need to produce paper sales slicks is greatly reduced with sales teams printing only the slicks needed for their accounts. RNDC has wholly-owned operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC also has joint- venture operations in Kentucky, Ohio, and Oklahoma. In total, RNDC has more than 6,000 employees nationwide. 6/12/2008 - David Friedland Dies At 75 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 Leading Nebraska Beverage Distributor David Friedland Dies At 75 David Friedland, Chairman of the top beverage alcohol distributor in Nebraska, died on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 after a long illness. He was 75. The son of a wine and spirits retailer, Mr. Friedland started to work in the beverage industry in 1955 with Seagram Distillers in New York. A year later he returned to Chicago to work for Brown Vintners, the Seagram Import Company, and later joined the Munson Shaw Company. He and his wife, Nancy, met in his hometown of Chicago and were married in 1962. At age 29, Mr. Friedland moved with her to Nebraska to work at United Distillers Products Company, a business that was started by her grandparents in 1893. In February of 2008, United Distillers became a part of Republic National Distributing Company, the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States. David Friedland retained his role as chairman and his son, Ted Friedland, retained his role as president of the new organization, called RNDC-Nebraska Eagle Division. Mr. Friedland was past president of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America. He also was past chairman of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, and a former board member of the Nebraska Humane Society, the Children’s Hospital and the Omaha Public Library Foundation. Mr. Friedland is survived by his wife, Nancy, his daughters, Melissa Steiner and Paula Boggust, and his son, Ted, as well as son-in-laws Gary Steiner and Matt Boggust, daughter-in-law Jamie Friedland and eight grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, June 13th at 2:30 P.M. at Temple Israel, 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Donations may be made in memory of Mr. Friedland to The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, the Nebraska Humane Society and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. 5/15/2008 - Top Distributor FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 Target Names Republic National Distributing Company As A Top Distributor For 2007 Target selected Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) as a top distributor for 2007, announced Tim Horton, senior alcohol buyer for Target. “RNDC is a great partner who really understands Target, our brand, and our guest,” said Horton. “RNDC is always proactive, running in-stock reports weekly to ‘own’ their performance. RNDC always sets new stores in stock and on time. RNDC is a Regional Category Advisor for the vast majority of our states and stores across the country due in part to their understanding of the business and their understanding of Target’s strategies. We want to thank Republic National Distributing Company very much for their partnership and commitment to Target.” RNDC, which is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the nation, works with 444 Target stores in 12 states. RNDC has a national team devoted to Target, as well as dedicated resources focused on maintaining service excellence in each of the chain’s stores. “We are proud to work with Target to help them realize the potential of the beverage alcohol business in their stores. It is gratifying to know that our hard work delivers results that meet their high expectations,” said Tom Cole, president of RNDC. The Target team at RNDC is lead by Greg Bowdish, corporate vice president of national accounts-retail, and Ingrid Harris, retail national account chain manager. Both work extensively with Target across the United States. According to Bowdish, “We appreciate the recognition and will work hard to continue to provide the kind of value that earned us this award. Target is very young in the alcohol beverage category but has a clear vision of where they want to go. It is exciting to be part of that vision so early in their endeavor. As a distributor, it is always rewarding to deal with a positive, forward-thinking buying team that is interested in looking outside the box for innovative ways to grow business.” RNDC has operations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 6,000 people nationwide. 3/17/2008 - Purchases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 Republic National Distributing Company Purchases The N. Goldring Corporation Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) has purchased the N. Goldring Corporation in Pensacola, Fla., RNDC President Tom Cole and N. Goldring Corporation Vice President Bill Campion announced today. “The acquisition of N. Goldring by RNDC will benefit both the suppliers and customers in the Pensacola area,” said Cole. “I am confident that the combined operations will be able to deliver better, more comprehensive service and also expand our reach in this growing region.” The N. Goldring Corporation was founded by Newman Goldring in Pensacola in 1898. The Corporation’s 60 employees will join the RNDC-Pensacola operation. Bill Campion will serve as executive vice president and report to RNDC-Florida President Tom White. “The integration of these companies is commensurate with our shared philosophy of creating a performance-oriented distributor that meets the needs of our valued customers and distributor partners,” stated Campion. RNDC, which is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States, also has Florida houses in Deerfield Beach, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Other RNDC operations are in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 6,000 individuals nationwide. 3/4/2008 - Rewards FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 Republic National Distributing Company Rodeo Rewards Top Forklift Operators and Truck Drivers Cowboys are not the only ones competing in rodeos. The warehouse personnel at Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) had their own kind of rodeo on February 9 in Tampa, Fla., without a bucking bronco in sight. Instead of riding horses, contestants drove 18-foot trucks and forklift machines and demonstrated skills just as impressive as any bull-rider. This year’s event was almost twice as large as those held in the past 10 years because it was the first combined RNDC/National Distributing Company (NDC) national rodeo. The 23 competing teams, who represented 23 houses from 15 states, qualified for the national event by winning the rodeos held at their local warehouses The rodeo teams consisted of a truck driver and a forklift driver from a RNDC or NDC house. Contestants competed in events that tested many of the skills used in their daily jobs, including maneuvering vehicles in very small spaces, and moving large stacks of items without dropping anything. They also had to follow all safety rules during the competition and complete a written test that required extensive knowledge of safety and standard operating procedures. “Most people have no idea how difficult it is to use a forklift in a warehouse with narrow aisles and high shelves” says RNDC Corporate Vice President Steve Feldman. “It takes special people who can do this kind of job well. And that goes for our truck drivers, too, who frequently have to go to congested urban environments and see to it that deliveries are made and our customers are well serviced,” he said. At a gala banquet that concluded the weekend, trophies and cash awards were presented to the first, second and third place winners in the truck competition as well as the three top winners in the forklift competition. Two winners came from Tampa with the others from San Antonio, Texas, Corpus Christi, Texas, Albuquerque, N.M., and Columbia, S.C. Judges also recognized three other top finishers with Awards of Merit. In addition, the outstanding warehouses of the year were recognized at the banquet. The Tampa Warehouse and the Grand Prairie, Texas Warehouse both received the 2008 Warehouse Award of Excellence and a $10,000 prize. An Award for Special Achievement, along with a $5,000 check, also was presented to the warehouse in Albany, Ga. “These awards are a great way to honor the people who work behind the scenes and get the job done,” said Feldman. RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States with operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 6,000 individuals nationwide. 2/25/2008 - Organizational Announcement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 Republic National Distributing Company Completes Acquisition of Republic Beverage Company in Nebraska Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) has completed its purchase of Republic Beverage Company (RBC) of Omaha, Neb., RNDC President Tom Cole announced today. “We are pleased to be in the RNDC organization and know it will be very beneficial for our supplier partners, our customers and our employees,” said RBC President Ted Friedland. “Joining RNDC is a great next step for our family-owned business.” RBC, formerly known as United Distillers Products Company, is now the Eagle Division of RNDC-Nebraska. RBC Chairman David Friedland will serve as chairman of this new division and Ted Friedland will serve as division president. All other members of RBC management as well as their sales team also have joined RNDC. In addition, RNDC-Nebraska has created the Falcon Division following its recent purchase of Nebraska Wine & Spirits. Also based in Omaha, this RNDC division is headed by Paul and Gary Epstein whose father, Harold Epstein, was the founder and board chairman of Nebraska Wine & Spirits. “With RBC now as an official part of our company, we are the largest distributor of wine and spirits in Nebraska, which will enable us to provide more comprehensive services to our suppliers and customers in the state,” said Tom Cole. “It is especially gratifying to have both the Friedlands and the Epsteins on our team. Their experience and expertise in Nebraska will be an enormous benefit for RNDC.” RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States with operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 6,000 individuals nationwide. 1/21/2008 - Organizational Announcement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 Republic National Distributing Becomes Majority Owner Of Nebraska Wine & Spirits Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) has become the majority investor of Nebraska Wine & Spirits, announced Tom Cole, president of RNDC and Paul Epstein, president of Nebraska Wine & Sprits. RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the nation, with operations in 17 other states as well as the District of Columbia. Nebraska Wine & Spirits, a statewide distributor with 108 employees, will become RNDC-Nebraska. “This is a positive development both for RNDC and for Nebraska Wine & Spirits that will benefit our suppliers, our customers and our employees. We are happy to be entering Nebraska and believe there is good opportunity for growth in the market,” stated Tom Cole. Paul Epstein will serve as chief executive officer for the new company and Gary Epstein will serve as chief operating officer. Their father, Harold, founded Nebraska Wine & Spirits in 1975 and has served as chairman of the board. “We are thrilled to be part of a fabulous, growing organization that has the same passion for our business as the Epstein Family and its employees,” said Paul Epstein. RNDC has wholly-owned operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The company also participates in joint partnerships in South Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, and Oklahoma. RNDC employs more than 6,000 people nationwide. 1/21/2008 - Organizational Announcement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 Republic Beverage Company of Nebraska to Join RNDC Team Republic Beverage Company (RBC) will join the ever-growing network of Republic National Distributing Company, announced RNDC President Tom Cole and Ted Friedland, president of RBC-Nebraska. According to Cole, a letter of intent has been signed by RNDC to acquire an interest in Republic Beverage Company LLC, of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly known as United Distillers Products Company. Completion of the transaction is currently underway. “We are pleased to be working with the Friedland family and believe that together we will form a strong, profitable alliance in Nebraska,” said Cole. RBC Chairman David Friedland, President Ted Friedland and their entire management and sales team will remain in place with the RNDC organization. Ted Friedland is the fourth generation of his family in the Nebraska business, which traces its roots back to 1893. “After considering options for the future of our family-owned business, RNDC was the clear choice to ensure that our employees, customers, and supplier partners would have a bright future,” said Ted Friedland. “It is exciting to know that we will be apart of such a professionally-run, service-oriented organization.” RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States with operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 6,000 individuals nationwide. 1/3/2008 - Organizational Announcement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 3, 2008 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 Republic National Distributing and Capital Group of South Carolina Combine in Joint Venture Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) and The Capital Group of South Carolina are entering into a 50/50 joint venture to create RNDC of South Carolina, announced Tom Cole, president of RNDC and Peter Fawcett, president of The Capital Group. The new company is based in Columbia, S.C. RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the nation, with operations in South Carolina and 16 other states as well as the District of Columbia. The Capital Group, which employs 290 people, has South Carolina subsidiaries in West Columbia, Easley, Myrtle Beach and North Charleston. As of December 10, 2007, The Capital Group and its subsidiaries began doing business under the new company name. “We are pleased to be working with the Fawcetts to build a more dynamic business in South Carolina. This joint venture combines our strengths and capabilities and will enable us to better serve our suppliers,” commented Tom Cole. Peter Fawcett is chief executive officer for the new company and Charlie Bradford, who has been the RNDC state president in South Carolina, is president. The Capital Group began in 1982 as Capital Wine and Beverage Distributing Company of Columbia. It was founded by Peter Fawcett, his father John Fawcett, Jr., and his brothers John, David and Michael and has remained a family-run business. “I am very excited about combining our 25 years of experience in South Carolina with the phenomenal national presence of RNDC and believe it will be a wonderful marriage in a wonderful state,” said Peter Fawcett. “The real winners in this deal are our customers who will benefit from the increased resources and expanded services we now can offer.” RNDC participates in other joint partnerships in Kentucky, Ohio, and Oklahoma. The company also has wholly-owned operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 6,000 people nationwide. 9/6/2007 - Organizational Announcement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 6, 2007 Atlanta, GA CONTACT: Candice Gulden, 678-420-1708 RNDC Appoints Communications Director Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) has announced the appointment of Candice Cohen Gulden to the new position of Corporate Director of Employee Communications and Public Relations. Gulden comes to RNDC from the American Red Cross where she was Director of Communications for the Southern Region of Biomedical Services. Her background also includes tenure at leading public relations agencies, as vice president of Manning Selvage & Lee – Atlanta and vice president of Niki Singer, Inc. in New York City. In New York, she developed strategic communications plans and implemented awareness campaigns for The Wines of Italy and M. Shanken Communications. In Atlanta, she created and managed extensive communications programs for pharmaceutical products and other major consumer accounts. Gulden’s responsibilities will encompass the development of policies and guidelines for internal and external communications as well as providing communications leadership and support to all RNDC managers. She will be based in Atlanta. “We welcome Candice’s talent and expertise to our organization, which is now undergoing dynamic growth,” says Greg Johnson, RNDC Chief Administrative Officer. “RNDC is the product of two successful family-owned businesses that recently have combined to become the second largest wine and spirits distributor in the United States. Building an effective network of communications throughout all of our operations will be one of Candice’s top priorities.” he said. In May, 2007, National Distributing Company, based in Atlanta and owned by the Carlos and Davis families, and Republic Beverage Company, owned by the Block family of San Antonio and the Goldring family in New Orleans, combined their businesses in 17 states to become Republic National Distributing Company. RNDC has operations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The company has more than 4,000 employees nationwide. 8/29/2007 - Organizational Announcement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2007 New Orleans Republic National Distributing Company—USA Appoints New On-Premise National Accounts Vice President Republic National Distributing Company, America’s second largest wine and spirits wholesaler, today announced the appointment of Jennifer A. Shoemaker to the position of Corporate Vice President, On-Premise National Accounts. “Jennifer has a tremendous wealth of experience and resources, having spent nearly twenty years with such outstanding companies as the former Schieffelin & Somerset Company (Moet-Hennessy—USA) and William Grant. Additionally, she has distributor work experience and over ten years in the national accounts arena,” said Tom Cole, RNDC-USA President. “When I was making the decision of where I could have the opportunity to advance my career, Republic National was the clear choice. The management team, the evolving culture, and the technological resources are the best in the industry; and I’m proud to be the newest member of the team,” said Shoemaker. RNDC has operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs over 4,000 individuals nationwide. 5/1/2007 - Combination Announcement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2007 REPUBLIC BEVERAGE AND NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING ANNOUNCE FORMATION OF NEW COMPANY RNDC is established as new company Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the nation’s second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits, announced as of May 1, 2007 the completion of the business combination in 17 states and the District of Columbia between Republic Beverage Company and National Distributing Company. The new entity is built on the strong foundations of two long-term, well-established family owned companies. RNDC is equally owned by Republic Beverage Company and National Distributing Company, and its Board of Directors is comprised of Eddie Block, Chris Carlos, John Carlos, Jay Davis, Alan Dreeben, Diane Goldring Franco, Jeff Goldring, and Jerry Rosenberg. The Operating Committee, which directly reports to the Board, works to provide the Company with the diversity and flexibility to manage the changing needs of its customers and suppliers. The Operating Committee consists of Tom Cole, President; Charlie Andrews, Chief Operating Officer; Greg Johnson, Chief Administrative Officer; and Paul Fine, Chief Financial Officer. “RNDC is the product of two organizations that share commonalities,” stated Tom Cole, President of RNDC. “In this industry, combining supplier alignments, complementary geographic territories, and a shared strategic vision, as we have done, will result in an organization that will more effectively serve the needs of suppliers and customers. That is the ultimate goal. We know that we have the right formula in place, and now it is time to execute our plan.” Currently, RNDC has wholly-owned operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. It also participates in joint venture partnerships in Kentucky, Ohio and Oklahoma. RNDC employs over 4,000 individuals nationwide. The combination is effective immediately. # # # About RNDC RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the U.S., with operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs over 4,000 individuals nationwide. Media Contact: Elizabeth D. Barkan RNDC 404-472-2260 elizabeth.barkan@rndc-usa.com 5/1/2007 - Management Appointments As of May 1st, two proud American family-owned wine and spirits distribution companies have combined into one powerful network spanning the country. National Distributing Company (NDC), based in Atlanta and owned by the Carlos and Davis families, and Republic Beverage Company (RBC), owned by the Block and Dreeben families of San Antonio and the Goldring family of New Orleans, have combined their businesses in 17 states and the District of Columbia to become Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC). The combined company will be the second largest in the United States. The Company will be managed by a four member Operating Committee comprised of Tom Cole as President, Charlie Andrews as Chief Operating Officer, Greg Johnson as Chief Administrative Officer, and Paul Fine as Chief Financial Officer. Tom Cole as President of the new company will continue to reside in New Orleans. Tom began his career in the beverage alcohol industry in Memphis, Tennessee in 1979. He has been in the industry for twenty-seven years and worked with Republic-affiliated companies for twenty-two years. Charlie Andrews as Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for all business units and report to Tom Cole. Charlie will reside in Maryland and maintain offices in both Atlanta and Jessup. He has held several senior executive positions throughout his career, which began in 1973 with McKesson, and subsequently with Sunbelt, where he was President and CEO, with Young’s Market and NDC. Additionally, Charlie will directly oversee the RNDC Eastern Open States, comprised of Virginia, Maryland, D.C., South Carolina, Florida and Kentucky. Greg Johnson as Chief Administrative Officer will be responsible for operations, information technology, and human resources. He will continue to reside in Atlanta. Greg has served as CAO and CFO of NDC for the past nine years, began his career in public accounting with eight years at Ernst & Young, spent 11 years with PepsiCo in several management positions, and served as a senior finance executive in two other companies. He is a former CPA and has a MBA. Paul Fine as Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for finance, accounting, risk management, payroll, and mergers and acquisitions activity. He will continue to reside in New Orleans. Paul was formerly the Chief Financial Officer for Republic Beverage Company, and has been with Republic and its predecessor organizations for 13 years. Prior to that, he was the Vice President for Finance and Treasurer at Tulane University and Hospital. Paul is a CPA and a CFA and has a MBA and PhD. The Operating Committee further announces the appointment of the following direct reports. Reporting to Tom Cole will be the following positions: · Peter Madden, formerly Senior Vice President/Corporate Wine Director at NDC, will become Corporate Vice President—Wine for RNDC. Peter will oversee and direct the overall development of the new company’s wine business in all states. Peter began his career in 1972 with Block Distributing in Austin. He later worked with Monsieur Henri Wines, Hartley and Parker in Miami, and for the last twenty-four years with NDC. · Greg Bowdish is named Corporate Vice President National Accounts—Off-Premise. He will be responsible for all the important wine and spirits chain retailers. Recently, under Greg’s leadership, RBC was recognized by Wal-Mart (the world’s largest retailer) as “Supplier of the Year.” Greg began his career with the E & J Gallo Winery, and then moved to Block Distributing in Austin in 1981. Most recently, Greg was EVP-Wine for RBC Texas. · Assisting Greg Bowdish will be Dirk Van Renesse, who will become Corporate Director of Category Management. Dirk will be responsible for integrating the resources and technology of both companies and supporting retail chain headquarters’ sales and marketing for wine and spirits. Dirk has been in the wine and spirits industry for twenty years, having begun his career with the E & J Gallo Winery and joining NDC in 1996. · Additional appointments reporting to Tom will be forthcoming. Reporting to Charlie Andrews will be the following positions: · Bob Hendrickson, formerly RBC Open States President, will be promoted to RNDC Western Open States President, overseeing Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and North and South Dakota. He has been with Republic since 1997. Prior to that, Bob was with the Julius Schepps Company for ten years and four years with the E & J Gallo Winery. · Reporting to Bob will be Robert Olivares, formerly Vice President of Hispanic Marketing, who will become Corporate Director of Multi-Cultural Marketing. Robert joined RBC in 2001 after several years in sales and marketing with Nabisco and with the Pepsi Bottling Group, where he worked consumer marketing, chain store marketing and brand management. · Sim Byrd, formerly RBC Control States President, will continue as president of the expanded RNDC control states. Those states include Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama. Sim is a 33-year industry veteran, having begun his career in Alabama with Montgomery Beverage Company. Sim was recently appointed to the Broker Advisory Board of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association. · Dean Fiala, formerly Corporate Training Manager for NDC, will move to Corporate Director of Training for the new company. Dean has over twenty years experience in the beverage alcohol industry, most recently with the Molson Brewing Company. Dean will lead the integration and standardization of best practices for all aspects of sales training. Reporting to Greg Johnson will be the following positions: · Warren Newman will serve as Corporate Vice President of Information Technology and CIO. Working with Chuck Robeson and the RBC IT team, Warren and the NDC IT team will focus on standardizing systems across RNDC and stabilizing the recently installed ASW and Logility systems in Texas and Louisiana. Warren most recently served in the same capacity at NDC for the past nine years and at the Kronheim Companies for the prior five years. · Josh Zeller will serve as a Corporate Vice President and a member of the senior administrative leadership team. As the former EVP of IT at RBC, Josh is serving as a transition manager for Warren. Josh is also working with Greg to design a new corporate role focused on productivity, shareholder value creation, and controls. Prior to joining RBC in 1999, Josh worked for a real estate investment trust. He has an MBA. · Human Resources will be led by Jim Soggs as Corporate Vice President of Human Resources and Lorraine Luke as Corporate Director of Human Resources. Jim will be responsible for the eastern states as well as benefits, compensation, communications and policies and procedures. Lorraine will be responsible for the western states and talent management, including the exciting launch of TalentQuest processes for talent management. Jim joined NDC three years ago as Vice President of Human Resources following a 20 year career in HR with leading companies such as PPG Industries, AFG Industries, Cluett Peabody & Company, and Eastman Chemical. Jim has a MBA. Lorraine began her career in the food service industry and worked in field operations, finance, and human resources positions, ultimately achieving a senior HR leadership position with YUM Brands, before joining RBC in 2005. · Jointly serving as the head of Operations will be David Ritch and Steve Feldman. As Corporate Vice Presidents of Operations, they will be responsible for logistics including warehousing, delivery and purchasing. David will be primarily focused on operations in Texas and Louisiana as well as purchasing processes. Steve will be responsible for the other 16 states and will supervise the warehousing and logistics management team. David entered the industry upon graduation from college in 1971. He worked in the Julius Schepps Company and Tarrant Distributors before the creation of Republic Beverage Company in 1996. David served as CFO in the predecessor companies and as EVP Operations in RBC since 2006. Steve joined NDC in 1984 upon college graduation, and served in several operations positions in Florida before becoming the SVP Operations for all of NDC in 1992. · Reporting to Steve Feldman will be Stef Kirshenbaum as Corporate Vice President, Logistics and Transportation. In addition to assisting the field management of operations, Stef will supervise operations projects and launch a fleet management program across RNDC. Stef has held a similar role at NDC for the past 10 years. Prior to that he served in field operation management positions at NDC and Branded Liquors in Massachusetts, and began his career with Joseph E. Seagrams and Sons in the consulting services department. Reporting to Paul Fine will be the following positions: · Dennis Bashuk will serve as the Corporate Treasurer for the combined organization and will be the primary liaison between the company and its lending financial institutions. Dennis has most recently served as the Director of Financial Analysis for NDC for the past three years. He worked for United Liquors in Massachusetts prior to joining NDC. Dennis also has approximately 15 years of additional experience in financial management. Dennis has a MBA. · Jimmy Carlos has been serving as NDC’s Vice President for Risk Management and will continue working for RNDC with the title of Corporate Vice President, Risk Management. In addition to Jimmy’s responsibilities in the risk management area, he will also be responsible for fleet procurement for the Operations team under Greg Johnson. Prior to joining NDC, Jimmy worked as an engineer and served as the Director of Operations for a linen company. Jimmy is also a part owner of the company. · Bill Blackwell will serve as Corporate Vice President, Finance and Accounting. Bill has been with Republic Beverage Company for almost five years and formerly served as the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration. Prior to joining Republic, Bill was the CFO of an offshore oil service company. Five years prior to that, Bill served as the Director of Financial Reporting for a Fortune 500 minerals company and has over seven years in public accounting. Bill also has a CPA. · RNDC will have two Corporate Controllers reporting to Bill-John Ward and Chase Underwood. John has spent his entire career in the alcohol beverage distribution business, after receiving his accounting degree from Texas Christian University. John spent 13 years with White Rose Distributing in Fort Worth, Texas and began working for Tarrant Distributors in Houston in 1989. Tarrant was subsequently acquired by BG in 1996, and John has served as BG’s Controller since that time. Chase has been the Vice President-Controller for National Distributing Company for the past 4 years and with NDC for a total of 13 years. Chase has 20 additional years of experience in finance and accounting with four different companies prior to joining NDC. · Bill Blackwell will also have an additional report in Emile Sartalamacchia. Prior to joining our legacy companies almost 20 years ago, Emile spent eight years in public accounting. He will be responsible for payroll for the entire organization and will carry the title of Corporate Payroll Director and Assistant Treasurer. Emile will also assist with some accounting and finance special projects for the company. 4/20/2007 - Organizational Announcement ORGANIZATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT From Steve Golwas and Leon Cikota Danny White named as General Sales Manager Houston Fine Wine We are pleased to announce that Danny White will be joining RBC as the General Sales Manager for the Houston Fine Wine Division. Danny graduated from the University of Maryland, and joins us with 25 years experience as a Distributor, Supplier and a Retailer. Most recently Danny was the On Premise General Manager at Southern Wine and Spirits in Las Vegas. Prior to that Danny was a Regional Manager at Winebow Inc. in Washington D.C. where he covered a 7 state region. Danny’s extensive wine knowledge and worldwide contacts in the Fine Wine Industry will be a tremendous asset to RBC and the Fine Wine Team. Danny White will report to Steve Golwas, Vice President Wine, Southeast Texas. Please join us in welcoming Danny to RBC. 3/27/2007 - Promotion Announcements We are pleased to announce the following sales and operational promotions, as of March 27, 2007 · Greg Bowdish—Corporate Vice President, National Accounts Off-Premise · Dean Fiala—Corporate Director of Sales Training · Dirk Van Renesee—Corporate Director of Category Management · Warren Newman—Corporate Vice President, Information Technology · Bob Hendrickson—President, Open States West · Sim Byrd—President, Control States · Peter Madden—Corporate Vice President, Wine 2/07/2007 - Wal Mart Recognition of RBC Republic Beverage Company was named Distributor of the Year for 2006 at Wal-Mart’s Year Beginning Meeting held in Kansas City, MO. This coveted award was chosen from a category of vendors that include: All Food Products, Soft Drinks, Non Alcoholics, and Beverage Alcohol. The award was presented in front of Wal-Mart senior leadership, representing corporate executive management and all grocery and general merchandise buyers. Also in attendance were several thousand vendors. "Republic prides itself on providing best in class service, which helped distinguish the company in winning this honor," said Bob Hendrickson, RBC President-Open States. In receiving the award, Jay Johnson, President of Republic Beverage of Texas, noted, "Wal-Mart has helped make Republic Beverage a better wholesaler, and we are excited about being part of their growth and continuing as one of their valued partners." Republic Beverage is one of America’s largest beverage alcohol wholesalers, serving twelve states, and in the coming months will be merging with National Distributing Company. The merged company’s new name will be Republic National Distributing Company. The combined network of the new company will cover 19 states plus the District of Columbia with 5,500 employees and sales of approximately four billion dollars. 10/03/2006 - Acquisition Announcement HORIZON WINE AND SPIRITS In another move designed to strengthen the presence of Republic Beverage in Kentucky, Tom Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Republic Beverage Company – USA, announced today the acquisition of Horizon Wine and Spirits. “The current portfolio of premium wines represented by Horizon will complement the brands at RBC-KY and will make Republic the largest wine wholesaler in the state,” said Cole. “This will allow RBC-KY to continue to build brands in the important on-premise channel,” added Cole. Vertner Smith, President of RBC-KY, also noted that the existing sales and management team will remain in place and that Horizon will become a division of RBC-KY; also its distribution facility will be incorporated into RBC after year-end. “This will ensure a smooth transition without disruption during the holiday season,” said Smith. “This is another example of Republic’s strategic intent to provide additional premium brands and resources to ‘win’ in each market,” said Bob Hendrickson, President of RBC-Open States. “Together we will have the most professional and knowledgeable sales team in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” added Hendrickson. Republic Beverage Company is the second largest wine and spirits wholesaler in the U.S. with operations currently in thirteen states—Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, South Dakota, Kentucky and North Dakota. In May of this year, Republic Beverage announced a merger with National Distributing Company. Scheduled for year’s end, the merger will expand the nationwide distributor network of the new entity, Republic National Distributing Company, to 22 states plus the District of Columbia. 5/10/2006 - Business Combination Announcement ATLANTA, GA – Tom Cole, chief operating officer of Republic Beverage Company, and Charlie Andrews, chief operating officer of National Distributing Company (NDC), jointly announced today an agreement in principle for a combination of their respective companies. The combined organization will have approximately $4 billion in sales, covering over 20 states including the District of Columbia. Tom Cole stated that the two organizations are a natural fit due to their shared supplier alignments, complementary geographic territories, and a shared strategic vision. Charlie Andrews added that, as it approaches a true national organization, the company can more effectively serve the needs of suppliers and retailers alike. He also noted that the companies are aligned with a common vision of building premium branded wines and spirits through best in class practices. Tom and Charlie will jointly lead the integration and transition process. 4/24/2006 - Acquisition Announcement In a move to further advance the strategic vision of Republic Beverage Company-USA, Tom Cole, Chief Operating Officer, announced the acquisition of SODAK Distributing Company of South Dakota. "South Dakota is another important step in realizing our vision of being a national distributor of premium branded wines and spirits," commented Mr. Cole. Mike Brzica, formerly President of SODAK, and his entire management and sales team will remain with the new company to be called "Republic Beverage Company-South Dakota." Brzica said, "When we evaluated our options to position ourselves for continued growth in an increasingly competitive, consolidating market, Republic Beverage was the clear choice." He added, "With the vast resources Republic brings, the new RBC-SD will continue to be a premium wholesale distributor in sales, marketing, business development, national and regional accounts and distribution logistics. We will reinforce ourselves as the market leader, delivering maximum resources in the most efficient manner." Republic Beverage Company is one of the top five wine and spirits wholesalers in the U.S. with operations currently in eleven states-Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia and South Dakota. Additional states are pending closure in the coming weeks.