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DE CEMBER NEWS New York Holds First Alcohol Summit Gov. Cuomo announces plans for a new marketing campaign and regulatory reforms A lbany, N.Y.—At the first Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit held in Albany, N.Y., on Oct. 24, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo sought to reassure those in the alcohol trade that they have the govern- ment's support. Cuomo praised the state's vibrant beer, wine, cider and spirits industries for their economic impact and also cited the need for New York to work as an entrepreneur- ial government to partner with the private sector to help key industries thrive and prosper as he hosted the event. The summit was attended by dozens of wine, beer, cider and spirits pro- ducers as well as farmers, indus- try officials and tourism experts who discussed specific legislative winesandvines.com Learn more: Search keywords "N.Y. summit." and regulatory issues facing the alcoholic beverage industry with state agency officials and members of the governor's cabinet. One concern raised at the summit was the number of different state agencies that companies must deal with to go into busi- ness and stay in compliance. To address this problem, Cuomo announced that a "one- stop shop" would be established within Empire State Development so that the al- coholic beverage industry has a single point of contact and a place to call for assistance. The governor also announced a number of regulatory reforms, most of which could be implemented immediately. At the governor's direction, the fee for a three-year manufacturers' marketing license would be re- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo met with rep- resentatives from the wine, beer and spirits industries to discuss ways to improve the viability of New York businesses. duced from $750 to $125 per year, and all producers covered by the State Liquor Authority would be allowed to sell their products by the bottle at events where they currently are allowed to conduct tastings. Cuomo also announced the state would boost the New York Wine and Grape Foundation's $716,000 budget by $1 mil- lion, possibly more. —Hudson Cattell and Linda Jones McKee Trusted and Strategic Advisors GRAPES • WINES IN BULK • GLOBAL SOURCING CASEGOODS • PROCESSING • STRATEGIC PLANNING • Celebrating 40 years of wine and grape brokering in 2013 • Fast response to client needs • Unmatched expertise in long-term contracts • Reputation for integrity • Proven long-term strategies from exclusive and superior market information and research • Publishers of The Turrentine Outlook: Strategies & Forecasts for a Strategic Advantage www.turrentinebrokerage.com 415.209.9463 WINES & VINES DECEMBER 2012 19