Nick Fede Jr., Executive Director, Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative.
A Celebration of Industry Camaraderie and Community
By Nick Fede, Jr., Director, Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative
The Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative (RILOC) was proud to host its 4th Annual Golf Classic on June 1 at Cranston Country Club, and I can confidently say it was our most successful event yet.
What began just a few years ago as a simple opportunity for retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and industry partners to spend a day together has evolved into one of the premier gatherings of Rhode Island’s beverage alcohol community. While the golf itself was outstanding, the true value of the event once again came from something much more important: the relationships that make our industry strong.
Independent liquor retailers operate in an increasingly challenging environment. Between rising operating costs, changing consumer habits, regulatory challenges, labor concerns, and growing competition from every direction, it can sometimes feel like we’re all fighting separate battles. The Golf Classic serves as an important reminder that we are all part of the same industry and that our success is often tied to the strength of the partnerships we build with one another.
Throughout the day, industry professionals from every corner of Rhode Island’s beverage alcohol community gathered not only to enjoy a beautiful day on the course, but to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas, discuss opportunities, and strengthen friendships that often span decades.
One of the things I enjoy most about this event is seeing conversations take place between people who might otherwise only interact through emails, phone calls, invoices, or delivery schedules. The Golf Classic creates an atmosphere where competitors become colleagues, suppliers become partners, and business relationships become genuine friendships.
That spirit of camaraderie has always been one of the defining characteristics of Rhode Island’s beverage alcohol industry. While we may compete in the marketplace, we also recognize that we share common goals. We all want thriving local businesses, vibrant communities, responsible retailing, and a healthy industry that continues to provide jobs and economic opportunity throughout our state.
This year’s event would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our sponsors, participants, volunteers, and industry partners. Their generosity and commitment to RILOC continue to demonstrate how invested our members are in supporting one another and ensuring the long-term success of our industry.
I would also like to thank the outstanding staff at Cranston Country Club for their hospitality and professionalism. Their efforts helped create an exceptional experience for everyone in attendance and contributed greatly to the success of the day.
As Executive Director of RILOC, I often say that advocacy can only exist if it is invested in. Events like the Golf Classic help provide the resources necessary for RILOC to continue representing independent retailers at the State House and throughout Rhode Island. Whether we are fighting against harmful legislation, advocating for sensible regulatory policies, or ensuring that the voices of independent retailers are heard, those efforts require a strong and engaged membership.
The Golf Classic is a reflection of that engagement.
More importantly, it serves as a reminder that RILOC is about much more than legislation and policy. It is about people. It is about relationships. It is about creating opportunities for industry members to come together, support one another, and build a stronger future for our beverage alcohol community.
As I looked around the course throughout the day, I heard many stories of days gone by and long-time industry veterans welcoming newer members into the fold. Those moments represent the very best of our industry and reaffirm why events like this are so important.
The continued growth of the Golf Classic demonstrates that our industry values these opportunities to connect. It shows that despite the challenges we face, there remains a strong sense of unity and purpose among Rhode Island’s beverage alcohol professionals.
We are already looking forward to next year, when we return for the 5th Annual RILOC Golf Classic on June 7, 2027. Until then, thank you for your continued support of RILOC, your commitment to our industry, and the friendships that make Rhode Island’s beverage alcohol community one of the strongest and most connected in the country.
Nick Fede Jr. serves as RILOC’s Executive Director, American Beverage Licensees’ Vice President (Off-Premise) and is a third-generation liquor retailer.
