Press Releases
National Alcohol Beverage Association and Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services Team to Donate $10,000 to County Economic Development Corporation to Aid Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
For Immediate Release: Monday, August 10, 2020
The National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), on behalf of Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS), has donated $10,000 to the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) to aid businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 health crisis. MCEDC has worked closely with a variety of partners, including the County government and Visit Montgomery, to develop responses and share resources with local businesses.
The donation will go to the 3R Initiative (Reopen, Relaunch and Reimagine) of MCEDC. The initiative is a community-based pilot project being developed in collaboration with Streetsense, a nationally recognized Bethesda placemaking and retail consulting firm. The public-private partnership will support the reopening and recovery of local restaurants and retail storefronts selected to participate in this year-long pilot project.
“We hope our contribution to the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation will assist it in providing critical assistance to local businesses,” said Director Robert Dorfman of ABS, the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for the County. “We stand ready to support local community organizations as they continue to find novel ways to provide for those most in need.”
NABCA, which is headquartered in Arlington, Va., is the national association representing jurisdictions in the U.S. that directly control the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol within their borders. ABS has been a member of NABCA since 1938 and the two organizations have collaborated on numerous community efforts in the past.
“The world has experienced unprecedented, negative circumstances due to the loss and hardship caused by the spread of COVID-19,” said NABCA President and CEO Jim Sgueo, “It is our hope that this contribution will be helpful in easing the burden so many find themselves faced with today.”
MCEDC President and CEO Benjamin H. Wu said: “We greatly appreciate the partnership with NABCA and ABS. This contribution will help support our year-long 3R Initiative. These times require adaptation and creativity in every sector as we shape a roadmap to recovery for all segments of our economy, especially our hard-hit restaurants and retail establishments that often are the cornerstones of our communities.”
Visit Montgomery President and CEO Kelly Groff said: “These funds will be a tremendous help to cover some of the unexpected expenses businesses will incur during their reopening processes and procedures set in place to protect employees and patrons.”
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Media Contact: Melissa Davis, 240-660-1224 or Melissa.Davis2@montgomerycountymd.gov
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Media Contact: Melissa Davis 240-660-1224