Center for Alcohol Policy Honors Leadership in Alcohol Regulation Award Recipients
Illinois, Virginia Regulators Recognized for Efforts to Enforce State Alcohol Laws and Promote Public Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) is pleased to announce that Gloria L. Materre, executive director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, and J. Neal Insley, chairman and commissioner of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), are the recipients of the inaugural Leadership in Alcohol Regulation Award. The award, which recognizes the work of alcohol regulators who oversee the alcohol industry and promote public safety, was presented today by CAP Advisory Council member and former Arizona alcohol regulator Jerry Oliver at the Sixth Annual Alcohol Law Symposium held at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C.
“The Center for Alcohol Policy understands that alcohol regulators are the front lines of many great initiatives in the states aimed at keeping the alcohol industry properly regulated, promoting public health and safety and supporting a healthy business marketplace,” Oliver said. “This award highlights effective best practices that may serve as examples to alcohol regulators in other states.”
“Under Ms. Materre’s leadership, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission has vastly improved its customer service to the thousands of liquor license holders across the state, while ensuring compliance and licensing regulations are upheld and enforced,” Oliver said. “She also has worked with the legislature and has been a strong advocate for laws that help prevent underage drinking and a law that ensures a clear separation of the tiers in the independent three-tier distribution system in Illinois.”
“With strong leadership and a willingness to go out and meet with all of the community stakeholders in the alcohol industry, including the public health community, Ms. Materre is a very deserving recipient of this recognition,” Oliver added.
“J. Neal Insley was appointed to his current position with the Virginia ABC in 2010 when he immediately began focusing on a ‘progressive control’ model of leadership, which strived to balance growth in business and state revenue while positively impacting the health and public safety of Virginia communities. Under his leadership, numerous illegal alcohol operations – those creating ‘moonshine’ – have been stopped, which has helped state revenues and public health. In addition, Chairman Insley initiated and oversaw the first comprehensive review of ABC regulations since the mid-1990s. The review updated the provisions by removing many obsolete references and consequently made the regulations more pertinent and relevant to today’s marketplace.”
Oliver added, “In July 2012, Chairman Insley assumed the role of Chairman of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, taking the leadership he’d shown in Virginia to a national level. From operational improvements to industry collaboration, to a focus on education and prevention, Chairman Insley has demonstrated leadership and excellence in his role as an alcohol regulator.”
Click here to download a photo of Gloria L. Materre. Download a photo of J. Neal Insley here. For more information, please call (703) 519-3090 or email info@centerforalcoholpolicy.org.
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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation. By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption. For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org or follow the Center on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AlcoholPolicy.