Summer 2026
Summer is often viewed as the quiet season in government affairs. But not at VBWA.
Over the past several months, we’ve seen significant developments that will shape not only Virginia’s alcohol market, but also cannabis, well into the future. We have remained actively engaged with lawmakers and regulators to ensure the voice of Virginia’s beer distributors is heard.
To recap where cannabis stands: Virginia is on track to launch a regulated adult-use cannabis marketplace on July 1, 2027. Our focus remains on ensuring that the new system is built without compromising the proven regulatory framework for alcohol and includes public safety protections and enforcement resources that have long supported Virginia’s alcohol marketplace. There will be 350 retail licenses issued to start, and you can see other details in the Governor’s June 16 press release announcing the market.
Shortly after that announcement, VBWA joined a coalition of a dozen alcohol industry organizations in urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to ensure that implementation of Virginia’s adult-use cannabis market does not weaken the Commonwealth’s existing alcohol regulatory system.
We support a well-regulated cannabis market and believe ABC should be a resource for the new Cannabis Control Authority, offering expertise and knowledge with a shared goal of public safety and enforcement. But removal of alcohol agents from ABC puts the safety of all alcohol consuming Virginians at risk.
Our industry has long supported a well-regulated marketplace and has invested heavily in the licensing fees and regulatory framework that make Virginia’s alcohol system one of the most respected in the country. We can’t let that falter.
Speaking of ABC, we learned this summer that Virginia ABC CEO Dale Farino will not be reappointed. We appreciate Dale’s service and recognize that leadership changes are a natural part of a new administration. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Chief Tom Kirby, who was named acting CEO, and the Virginia ABC team. We will remain engaged in the search for Dale’s permanent replacement.
We’re also turning our attention toward the 2027 General Assembly by expanding our legislative outreach.
With so many new members serving in the House and Senate, warehouse tours and local meetings have never been more important. These visits allow legislators to see firsthand the people, facilities and investments behind Virginia’s beer distribution industry. They help demonstrate that our members are not simply moving products — they are major employers, taxpayers and partners in their communities. For members interested in hosting a tour, we can support you. Email me to get started.
Finally, congratulations to our newly elected Board leadership. I look forward to working alongside new Chair Linda Lawrence Dalton (Lawrence Distributing Co.), Vice-Chair Katherine Hines (Hoffman Beverage Co.), and the entire Board as we continue advancing the interests of Virginia’s beer wholesalers. I also want to extend a welcome to Virginia Eagle Distributing Co.’s Toby Norris for his willingness to serve on the Board as a new member.
Thank you, as always, for your engagement, your advocacy and your continued support of the Association. Together, we’ll continue protecting and strengthening the industry’s future.
Philip H. Boykin
President & CEO
Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association
2026-2027 VBWA Board of Directors
Linda Lawrence Dalton, Chair, Lawrence Distributing Company
Katherine Hines, Vice-Chair, Hoffman Beverage Company
PH McLaughlin, Premium Distributors of Virginia
Jackie Archer, Blue Ridge Beverage Company
Toby Norris, Virginia Eagle Distributing Company
Aden Short, P.A. Short Distributing, ex-officio and chair, Legislative Affairs Committee
Get the 2026 Alcohol Beverage Laws
and Regulations Manual
Built by VBWA general counsel Mike Mullin with support from our partner Kevin McNally, our latest edition of our Alcohol Beverage Laws and Regulations manual has been redesigned for improved readability and easier digital use. No matter the device you’re using, its interactive format makes it simpler to navigate Virginia’s alcohol laws, regulations, and policies.
The manual reflects all relevant laws and regulatory changes enacted since the previous edition and is current as of July 1, 2026. We encourage you to download and share with your entire team.
Download our new one-pager highlighting the annual tax revenue impact of Virginia’s alcoholic beverage industry.
Our 2026 VBWA/VWWA Annual Joint Convention is a wrap!
We had a fantastic few days in Hilton Head last month at the 36th Annual VBWA/VWWA Joint Convention. Beautiful weather, valuable networking, and great fellowship made for an unforgettable convention. Thanks also to every sponsor, distributor, supplier, industry partner, speaker, and guest who joined us in Hilton Head.
See additional photos, plus regular updates, on our Facebook page.
Employee Spotlights: Honoring the Best of Virginia’s Distributor Workforce
Employees are the backbone of Virginia’s beer distribution industry. They keep supply chains running, support local businesses, and ensure that the brands you know and love make it to store shelves and restaurants across the Commonwealth. Here, we’re sharing several of Virginia’s finest wholesale people. Want to feature an employee at your warehouse? Contact VBWA’s Lauren Cash.
Wendell Distributing’s Kelvin Johnson
Kelvin began his journey as a warehouse stocker and, through determination, consistency, and an incredible work ethic, worked his way up to Team Leader. With 25 years of experience, he continues to lead by example and set the standard each and every day.
He’s known for being the first to arrive and the last to leave, always giving 100% no matter what the day brings. Even more impressive is the positive attitude he carries with him — his smile and energy motivate everyone around him.
Kelvin has never met a stranger and is genuinely loved and respected by all who know him. Throughout his career, he has consistently exceeded industry goals, ranking among the Top 5 regional gainers many times.
P.A. Short Distributing Co.’s Jenn Novitsky
Jenn’s passion for the people she works with and the variety of her role have kept her inspired for more than three decades. She sums up her experience best: “I actually have two favorite parts of being a wholesaler. I really appreciate being able to work in a family environment. Being a family-owned business that is run by a great group of people who truly care about their employees — I couldn’t ask for better. And no two days are alike. The variety that comes from wearing different hats keeps me on my toes, and I’ve never dreaded coming to work in the almost 31 years I’ve been here.”
Save the Date:
37th Annual VBWA / VWWA
Annual Joint Convention
June 20–22, 2027 | Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach
Additional Meetings and Events
2026 Center for Alcohol Policy Law & Policy Conference
August 24-26
Minneapolis, Minn.
NBWA 89th Annual Annual Convention & Product Showcase
October 11-14
Orlando, Fla.
13th Annual Next Generation Success in Leadership Conference
November 9-11
San Diego, Calif.
2027 VBWA Legislative Conference and Day on the Hill
February 3-4
Richmond
Thank you to our newest Associate Members!
