National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc. | Washington, DC
NABI Elects New Chairman of the Board and Explores the Opportunities and Challenges of the 21st Century Global Market at its 84th Annual Meeting 2019. Gabriel Bisio, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Palm Bay International was elected as Chairman of the Board at the 84th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Beverage Importers (NABC) in New York City. NABI President Robert Tobiassen said “We are pleased and fortunate to have Gabe as our Chairman for the next two years as he brings more than 15 years of alcohol beverage industry experience from his work with the Taub Family Company and before that Diageo North America. Gabe, an attorney with a vast international experience understands both the challenges of family and global companies, along with the diversity of the New World producers of wine, distilled spirits, and beers, and Old World traditions.” Gabe follows Chairman Justin Kissinger now Director, Global Public Policy, HEINEKEN N.V., who commenced his NABI service when he was at HEINEKEN USA. The Board expressed its gratitude to Justin for his dedication. NABI members at the annual meeting and working lunch focused on the three elements of our Strategic Goal and Plan for 2019 and Forward of (1) delivering business services to members grounded in our presence in Washington, DC with person-to-person contacts, (2) being a key information source for members of new regulatory developments and up to date market trends, and (3) networking with domestic associations and international organizations focused on streamlining trade and modernization regulatory regimes. In helping to set the stage for the strategic goal discussion, NABI had the great benefit of insights from Susan Evans, Director, TTB Office of Industry and State Relations on where TTB is going and from Bobby Conroy, Wine Director, The Clock Tower, NYC, Court of Master Sommeliers, who helped us understand the dining consumer alcohol beverage selection experiences. For without an understanding of the consumer demand pulling imported products through the distribution system, there would be no imports. NABI is the leading trade association for importers of distilled spirits, wine, beer, and low and non-alcoholic beverages in the United States. Established in 1935, in the wake of the Repeal of Prohibition, NABI has aided its members for eight decades in importing the widest range of products for American consumers to enjoy in a responsible manner. Recently, NABI has been the strong advocate for the import provisions of the Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA) and worked closely with Customs and Border Protection on its implementation. Ease of administration and protection of the tax revenue are the guideposts of NABI’s efforts on CBMA. Today, there are more than 12,000 importer basic permits issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau providing solid, wellpaying jobs in every State and jobs that cannot be shipped overseas. “Delivering a WORLD of taste to AMERICA” is the NABI moto and goal.