3/1/2012 - STRENGTHENS MARKET FOCUS REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY STRENGTHENS MARKET FOCUS WITH EXPANDED ROLE OF REGION PRESIDENTS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 01, 2012 Republic National Distributing Company, America’s second largest wine and spirits wholesaler, is pleased to announce several newly created regional positions. In May 2011, Tom White was promoted to Region President of RNDC Florida, Maryland and Washington, DC. Due to the success of the markets led by Tom, his region will now include Virginia and South Carolina. Tom began his career in the retail tier. In 1999, Tom was named president of National Distributing Company–Maryland, and in 2004 was appointed president of RNDC–Florida. Tom brings more than 31 years’ experience in the beverage alcohol industry to his new role. He will remain based in Deerfield Beach, FL. Similarly, Jay Johnson was appointed Region President of RNDC Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana in May 2011. Due to the positive results of a regionalized focus, Jay’s region will expand to include Colorado and National Distributing Company–New Mexico. Jay has been in the wine and spirits business for more than 22 years and began his career in the supplier tier with E & J Gallo and became part of the RNDC team in 1991. He will remain based in Grand Prairie, TX. Commenting on the new positions, Bob Hendrickson, Executive Vice President—Sales & Marketing, said, “RNDC continues to demonstrate its ability to be innovative when it comes to market strategy. Our commitment to build the finest sales and management team in the industry ensures a more effective market focus. As a result, RNDC delivers the highest level of service to our customers and suppliers.” These two men bring over half a century of combined experience in the beverage alcohol industry across the retail, wholesale and supplier tiers. They will each report to Bob Hendrickson. RNDC has operations in Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 7,000 individual nationwide. 10/3/2011 - The Keepers of the Quaich Press Release - for Immediate Release The Keepers of the Quaich, the exclusive Scotch Whisky society with a wide international membership, met on 3rd October 2011 to welcome 43 new members as keepers of the Quaich and 6 Masters of the Quaich. The Society was founded to represent the Scotch Whisky industry worldwide, it promotes the goodwill of the industry and honours those who have made a significant contribution to it. Keepers of the Quaich have served the industry well for a minimum of five years and being made a member of the Society is considered a position of great honour. Masters of the Quaich are leading figures in the industry who have been exceptionally supportive in the ten years since being inducted as Keeper and have made a considerable contribution to the Scotch Whisky industry. Twice a year the Society meets in the Highlands of Scotland at Blair Castle, the ancient and historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl. Keepers and Masters are inducted at a dignified ceremony by the Grand Master, Paul Walsh, CEO of Diageo plc and entertained at a banquet with the finest of Scottish hospitality. Amongst the new Keepers on this occasion was Mr. Robert Hendrickson, Executive Vice President, Republic National Distributing Co, 1010 Isuzu Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75050, USA. There are now 2071 Keepers of the Quaich and 147 Masters of the Quaich worldwide, members come from 86 countries. On this occasion 16 countries were represented. The Society takes its name from the two handled drinking bowl which is described in the ancient Gaelic language of Scotland as a ‘cuach’ or quaich, a vessel long associated with the drinking of Scotch Whisky. For further information and photographs please contact Julia Thorold Telephone +44 (0)1494 670035 1/17/2011 - Senior Management Promotions REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY ANNOUNCES SENIOR MANAGEMENT PROMOTIONS January 17, 2011 – Dallas, Texas Bob Hendrickson, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing of RNDC-USA, announced two new senior management positions today. Greg Bowdish, formerly Vice President, National Accounts–Retail, will assume an expanded role as Vice President, National Accounts and Marketing. Greg will now lead three sales groups—National Accounts, Retail; National Accounts, On-Premise; and Multicultural Marketing. Commenting on Mr. Bowdish, Bob Hendrickson said: “Greg has over 30 years of industry experience on both the supplier and wholesaler side. His strong business acumen has contributed to his success as a business leader for RNDC-USA, and our suppliers and customers.” Joe Gardner has been promoted to the newly created role as Vice President, Fine Wine—RNDC-USA. “Joe will work closely with our wine suppliers and will act as a liaison to continue to grow our important wine business,” said Mr. Hendrickson. Joe has 25 years of industry experience working in several RNDC markets and, most recently, as a wine manager with National Distributing Company of Atlanta, Georgia. RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States with operations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, 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. For more information about the company, please visit www.rndc-usa.com. 12/31/2010 - Acquisition Announcement Republic National Distributing Company Acquires Sparrow and Associates in Virginia and North Carolina on the Last Day of 2010 (Dallas, Texas – December 31, 2010) Republic National Distributing Company today announced the acquisition of Sparrow and Associates, the leading spirits broker in Virginia and North Carolina. Sparrow will become a division of Republic National’s existing spirit brokerage company. Commenting on the new venture, Tom Cole, President of RNDC, said, “This strategic acquisition will create one of the largest brokerage operations in two of America’s most populous states. Sparrow’s joining RNDC will enable us to deliver the highest standards of brand-building for our suppliers, customers and consumers.” The Sparrow company dates back to the 1950’s. David Sparrow joined his father’s business in 1973. “We are excited to become part of the growing RNDC family. With our local expertise and RNDC’s best in class practices, this is a true win-win for everyone,” said Sparrow. David Sparrow will continue in the new venture as Vice-President of the Sparrow division in North Carolina and Virginia. Avery Sparrow will continue in his present role as State Manager of the Sparrow division in North Carolina. RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States with operations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, 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. For more information about the company, please visit www.rndc-usa.com. 6/15/2010 - Fosters Signs Long-Term Contract with Republic National Distributing Company NAPA, California – Foster’s Wine Estates announced today it has signed a long-term distribution agreement with the Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC). Under the agreement, RNDC will retain the exclusive rights to sell Foster’s global portfolio of wines in Colorado over the next five years. Foster’s brands include Beringer, Penfolds, Chateau St. Jean, Lindemans, Meridian, Etude, Stags’ Leap Winery and others. The new contract marks the continuation of Foster’s Route-to-Market Initiative launched after the completion of its Global Wine Review last year. “RNDC’s Colorado team has distinguished themselves by their performance in this key market since our partnership began with them more than 30 years ago,” said Foster’s Managing Director Stephen Brauer. “We have great confidence that our continued partnership together will deliver great results.” “We have a great history and alignment with Foster’s iconic wine brands and look forward to continuing our valued partnership,” said RNDC’s President Tom Cole. The new contract will become effective July 1, 2010. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. For more information about the company, please visit www.rndc-usa.com Foster’s Wine Estates Americas (FWEA), is the premium wine portfolio owned by Foster’s Americas, a regional division of Foster’s Group of Australia. With a proud history that dates back to the 1800’s and a legacy marked by the highest commitment to making quality wines and producing strong business returns, FWEA produces and markets an international portfolio of award-winning brands from iconic estates like Beringer Vineyards and Chateau St. Jean in California, Penfolds, Rosemount and Wolf Blass in Australia, Castello di Gabbiano in Italy, and Matua Valley in New Zealand. Many of these estates were founded by pioneers in their regions and continue to craft wines at the forefront of quality, innovation and regional expression. More information can be found at www.fosterswineestates.com. www.fosterswineestates.com 4/19/2010 - Fund Raising Partnership For Immediate Release Atlanta, Georgia The Atlanta location of NDC and RNDC are pleased to announce a fund raising partnership with Atlanta’s Shepherd Center. The Shepherd Center is private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury or suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. They have also expanded their mission to include pain management. Founded in 1975, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. Patients at Shepherd Center get more than just medical care; they get an experience that brings healing and hope. Shepherd takes a team approach to rehabilitation. They understand patients and families are going through more than just recovery from an injury; they are learning a new a way of life. Through charitable giving, our company founders have a long and generous history with Shepherd. In an effort to grow the relationship between our company and Shepherd, a steering committee was formed to lay the foundation and to work closely with Shepherd to develop a strategic plan. The committee members are: Fred Bleiberg, Natalie Byers, Kari Carlos, Richard Davis, Frank Grames, Mitch Kerpoe, Rob Kurz, Neil Merson, Claus Reissig, Chip Stevens, Chase Underwood and Karl Wagner. The group recently toured Shepherd and then met with James Shepherd and other Shepherd leaders to brainstorm next steps. Although volunteer and fund raising opportunities may be available for employees later, the committee’s initial focus was decided to be on charitable giving at the company level. Chaired by Mitch Kerpoe, plans are underway to have the company sponsor an Annual Wine and Food pairing fund raiser on the Shepherd property during 1QTR11. Some of you may know about the Shepherd center and its 35 years of work to get the catastrophically injured people back to school, home, work and into normal society as a whole. Their patients have come from 36 states as well as several foreign countries. During a recent tour, the committee met and learned of many stories of hope and return to living life. They learned about work done with our military heroes to assist them in recovery. They learned Shepherd provides 30 days complementary housing on site so family members can be nearby during the critical first month of therapy as well as intensive family and patient education and training.. Look for more to come about this important pairing of our company and The Shepherd Center and opportunities for us all to participate in such a worthwhile cause. www.shepherd.org 3/17/2010 - Republic National Distributing Company Announces Expansion into Hoosier State, Enters into Agreement with National Wine and Spirits For Immediate Release Dallas, Texas March 17, 2010 Republic National Distributing Company Announces Expansion into Hoosier State Enters into Agreement with National Wine and Spirits Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) and National Wine & Spirits (NWS) today announced an agreement in which RNDC will acquire certain assets of NWS, LLC, Indiana. Tom Cole, President of RNDC-USA said, “Today is an exciting day for both Republic National and National Wine & Spirits of Indiana. It marks the culmination of several months of discussions and provides the national, best-in-class support and resources of RNDC combined with the outstanding talent and local market expertise of Indiana’s largest wholesaler.” Jim LaCrosse, Owner and Chairman of NWS commented, “After carefully reviewing our options to partner with a national wholesaler, Republic National was the clear choice. RNDC has a reputation for its integrity and its commitment to excellence in sales and customer service. Our combined organizations will ensure our new company will continue to grow.” “The new company will be named Republic National Distributing Company of Indiana to reflect the alignment of the shared vision of the partners,” said Cole. Cole and LaCrosse announced Greg Mauloff will continue in his current capacity as EVP Sales & Marketing, and John Baker will continue in his current role as Chief Operating Officer of RNDC-Indiana. Mr. LaCrosse added, “I want to personally thank all of our customers, suppliers, and associates who have supported and worked hard for National Wine & Spirits through the years. Our association with RNDC will provide stability to the market and ensure continued superior sales and service to the sixth most important adult beverage market in the U.S.” Mr. Cole said, “The addition of Indiana to our organization continues to underscore our commitment to build RNDC into the best network of wine and spirits wholesalers in America.” Greg Mauloff, EVP Sales & Marketing, added, “We are excited about the opportunities our association with RNDC brings to the new company as we look to continue to grow organically and through acquisitions.” John Baker commented that “as soon as the licensing process is completed, we will close the transaction.” 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, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC employs more than 7,000 individuals nationwide. 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 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: 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.