On Monday August 22 fifteen NABI member representatives met with TTB officials to discuss ideas for creating efficiencies in the COLA and Formula review processes.  The TTB meeting resulted from an invitation to NABI from TTB Administrator John Manfreda.  Manfreda is looking for opportunities to better use his resources during a time of serious budget challenges.  NABI staff organized meetings of member compliance professionals to distill a list of suggestions that would not only expedite the review process but would also free up government resources to pursue more pressing mission objectives. 

The meeting on Monday the 22nd was the culmination of this process.  It provided a forum for TTB staff to hear directly from the import business community.  Some of the ideas suggested to the government were ways to limit or end review of business to business brand transitions where the only change is the name of the new importer.  These business moves are common but government requirements add extensive delays and significant costs to the activity.  TTB promised to review and act on the NABI suggestions quickly.