Jean Cronin, Executive Director, CT Package Stores Association
By Jean Cronin, Executive Director, Connecticut Package Stores Association
Life can be tough — life can be a grind. It is easy to see things with a short-sighted viewpoint of simply the issues that are currently in front of you. The grind of battling constant legislative threats that would dramatically change the liquor landscape or a difficult business climate that is not getting easier or cheaper to operate in. It can feel like swimming against the tide in an endless sea of issues.
Then, you have moments that help you look up from your swim in that deep sea. Our recent golf outing was one of those moments.
Our annual CPSA golf tournament was a wonderful day of celebration, camaraderie and conversation with manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailer friends coming together with sponsorships and support that is really quite a sight to see. This is our one fundraiser of the year, and it helps to keep our association strong.
The generosity and support of all three tiers of the industry is something that many other businesses might not get to enjoy. This amazing system that Connecticut consumers are lucky enough to have is sometimes taken for granted. The ability to get almost any alcohol beverage product through the marketplace in a very short period of time is truly incredible.
During the golf tournament, I am fortunate to have many conversations with our industry friends who come and play or just come to socialize for the day. Not surprisingly, the conversations with the folks from all three tiers are the same – the pride in what they do, the constant change of products as consumers’ pallets change, and the same concern for negative changes in the industry.
When the legislative session is in session, you can feel the uncertainty in the industry. A few words on paper in a legislative bill can have drastic effects on the alcohol beverage industry. As I speak with our colleagues at the golf outing, I am reminded how these changes would impact all of us — manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers alike.
The laws and regulations that we have in this state create a cohesive system that allows the three tiers to support each other, but most of all, to support the consumers. From the consumers’ point of view, it is like a good referee or umpire in a professional sports game. A good umpire or referee is not noticed, nor is their name remembered, if they are doing a good job. It is only when a bad call is made, or the lack thereof, that an issue rises to the public’s attention.
This is similar to how consumers get their products. The efficiency of getting the products they want is not remembered until they cannot get them, and there is a whole lot that goes on behind the scenes to make that happen. Seeing the folks at the golf tournament is the reminder of the strength and pride of the alcohol beverage industry, which is all for the benefit of the consumers.
I want to thank all the sponsors, golfers, and volunteers for the work they put in each and every year on behalf of the CPSA golf outing. The uncertainty at the General Assembly will always be there as other entities look to profit by dismantling the current laws and regulations governing the alcohol beverage industry.
The support and funding given to CPSA is the best defense you can buy. Thanks again to all for your support and allowing us to work on your behalf.
Jean Cronin is the President of Hughes & Cronin Public Affairs Strategies, where she is responsible for developing and implementing legislative initiatives for the firm’s clients, and directing a variety of trade and professional associations managed by the firm. Cronin joined the firm in 1986 after serving as a communications strategist for the Connecticut Senate Majority Office, where she became well-versed in the politics and insight of the State Capitol. She is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Package Stores Association, following the passing of longtime director, Carroll J. Hughes.
