admin

October 1, 2008 By admin

Food with Wine Coalition launches campaign WHAS-TV (Louisville)

Video news report about the launch of the Food with Wine Coalition’s campaign to allow grocery stores to sell wine in Kentucky.

October 1, 2008 By admin

Liquor retailers oppose wine sales in grocery stores WFPL-FM (Louisville Public Radio)

Some local liquor store owners are opposing a renewed effort to expand wine sales into certain Kentucky grocery stores. Legislation to that effect died in the General Assembly this year. Now, a group called the Food with Wine Coalition wants to try again.

“Wine has become an accepted part of a health, balanced diet,” says Coalition consultant Luke Schmidt. “Lifestyles are changing and food store operators decided perhaps now is the time to take a look at the law which hasn’t really been changed since prohibition.”

Article originally posted to the WFPL-FM Web site directed to: http://www.wfpl.org/2008/10/01/liquor-retailers-oppose-wine-sales-in-grocery-stores/

Liquor Retailers Oppose Wine Sales In Grocery Stores

Gabe Bullard October 1, 2008|

In Louisville, Old Town Wine and Spirits owner Gordon Jackson says he thinks money might also be a motivating factor.

“They’re businesspeople and they’re trying to grow their business and they’re support for the Kentucky wine thing may be a little bit of a smokescreen,” he says.

The Liquor Barn chain has stopped buying some Kentucky-made wines in an effort to fight the coalition. Jackson’s store doesn’t sell locally-produced wine. Kentucky is among 16 states that don’t allow wine to be sold in food store

October 1, 2008 By admin

Local organization pushing for expanded wine sales in groceries WHAS-TV (Louisville)

At least one organization wants to legalize the sell of wine at the corner grocery. The Kentucky Food and Wine Coalition represents the grocery store industry, and wants to educate the public on expanded wine sales. The commonwealth is one of only 16 states where wine sales are not allowed inside grocery stores, even those stores that sell beer.

Article originally posted by the WHAS-TV Web site directed to: http://www.whas11.com/news/local/64139217.html

Local organization pushing for expanded wine sales in groceries

WHAS11.com

Posted on August 15, 2009 at 5:40 PM

Updated Tuesday, Oct 13 at 3:28 PM

At least one organization wants to legalize the sell of wine at the corner grocery.

The Kentucky Food and Wine Coalition represents the grocery store industry, and wants to educate the public on expanded wine sales. The commonwealth is one of only 16 states where wine sales are not allowed inside grocery stores, even those stores that sell beer.

It’s something the coalition hopes to change, some they say grocers want to change as well.

“We would like to change existing Kentucky laws to allow the creation of a new license which would allow food stores in counties where alcohol beverage package sales are already allowed to also be able to sell wine,” said Luke Schmidt of L.B. Schmidt and associates.

Schmidt says there are 50 wineries in Kentucky and allowing that wine to be sold in grocery stores would benefit the local wine industry. Schmidt also says that people who live in dry counties would not be affected by any future change to the existing law.

March 27, 2008 By admin

Bill to allow wine sales in Kentucky groceries proposed WAVE-TV (Louisville)

LOUISVILLE (WAVE) — When you buy groceries in Kentucky, you can grab some beer, but most stores are not allowed to sell wine. That could change, but WAVE 3’s Elizabeth Donatelli reports that not everyone supports the idea.

Article originally posted by the WAVE-TV Web site directed to: http://www.wave3.com/story/7958225/bill-to-allow-wine-sales-in-kentucky-groceries-proposed?redirected=true

Bill to allow wine sales in Kentucky groceries proposed

By Elizabeth Donatelli

Grocery stores in Kentucky have been selling beer as far back as most can remember, but now may be adding wine to that aisle.

“I don’t consider it a hard liquor and I don’t consider it much different than beer or a wine cooler,” said shopper Theresa Hughes.

She also liked the convenience of buying wine at the same place she picks up her food.

At Kroger stores in other states, wine is the second fastest growing product behind bottled water. Those supporting the bill say giving consumers more places to buy Kentucky wine will improve the state’s industry and bring money into the economy.

“The groceries for their part will generate $55 million in a 5-year period so this is really going to help tax revenue,” said Eddie O’Daniel of the Kentucky Winery Association.

One liquor storeowner disagrees and says it will oversaturate the market, drive some out of business, and take money out of the state.

“National corporations all headquartered outside the state of the Kentucky, going to their shareholders so that the real revenue stream is going to leave Kentucky,” said Kevin Schweitzer, owner of Liquor World.

They are also concerned about minors’ access to the wine. Kroger trains its employees how to sell liquor and only those 20 or up can do so, but dedicated liquor stores are required to have stricter policies.

“They don’t want to restrict their stores to people who are over the age of 21,” said Roger Lee Leasor, owner of Liquor Barn. “We do that. At Liquor Barn, you have to be over the age of 21 or with your parents or you can’t be in the store. Can you imagine Kroger doing that?”

We asked and they won’t limit access to the store or aisle.

“Whatever law exists right now for the sale of beer would also take precedent here,” said Luke Schmidt of the Food with Wine Coalition.

A spokesperson for the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control says the department neither supports nor rejects the bill, but did say because grocery stores carry beer, it will not create additional work as they are already inspected on a regular basis.

March 11, 2008 By admin

Grocery Sales of Wine Would Have Significant Economic Impact on Kentucky (Press Release)

Louisville, Kentucky (March 11, 2008) – In addition to helping grow Kentucky’s wine industry by opening up new markets, state lawmakers could add “new money” to the state’s coffers without raising taxes if the Kentucky General Assembly enacts legislation permitting grocery stores to sell wine. House Bill 585 was recently introduced by House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark of Louisville to allow grocery stores to sell wine in communities where package alcohol sales are currently allowed.

Grocery Sales of Wine Would Have Significant Economic Impact on Kentucky

$20 Million in New Tax Revenue Projected During the First Two Years; $59 Million over the First Five Years

Kentucky is one of only 16 states that do not allow grocery stores to sell wine. All but one of the seven states that border Kentucky permits wine sales in grocery stores and the single exception, Tennessee, is considering legislation this year to permit these sales. The change in Kentucky law would add $59 million in additional tax revenues in the first five years, including $20 million during the next budget period, according to information released today by the Kentucky Wineries Association and the Food with Wine Coalition.

According to Luke B. Schmidt, consultant to the Food with Wine Coalition, Kentucky’s grocery store industry expects a significant increase in the sale of wine above the present level in the Commonwealth if grocery stores are allowed to sell wine. Schmidt pointed out that increased sales will result in significant increases in tax collection by the Commonwealth.

Schmidt said the Coalition used historical national sales data and experiences from states which are similar to Kentucky in terms of demographics to project that wine sales will grow by nearly 50% in Kentucky during each of the first two years following the enactment of the law. Beginning in Year Three and going forward, the industry expects that wine sales will increase by nearly 10% annually, which is consistent with the national average.

At present, wine is subject to four direct state taxes in Kentucky: the Wholesale Tax (paid by the wholesaler), a Consumption Tax (paid by the wholesaler), an Inventory Tax (paid by the retailer), and an excise tax (paid by the winery).

The passage of HB 585 will also have a “trickle-down” effect in Kentucky in terms of collection of other taxes. New jobs will be created due to increased wine sales in Kentucky in the areas of warehousing, shipping, wine distributor personnel, grocery store personnel, etc. More people will be required in order to handle the added volume that HB 585 is expected to create. As new people are added to the various positions, additional state and local income taxes will be collected.

In addition, Kentucky’s 53 wineries will see improved sales from increasing numbers of visits by consumers as a result of the new interest in Kentucky wines that HB 585 will create. This will also have a positive impact on tax collection in Kentucky. Finally, agri-tourism and related purchases by visitors to wineries will add additional tax dollars toKentucky’s coffers. A summary of all projected incremental taxes that HB 585 is expected to create is listed in the chart below:

Direct Wine Taxes/ Income/Agri-tourism Taxes	Incremental Tax Revenue Years 2009 – 2013	Remarks
Wholesale Tax (11%)	$37,993,411	47.5% wine sales increase in Years 1 – 2 and 9.2% in years 3 – 5
Consumption Tax ($0.50/gallon)	7,845,494	17.5 million incremental gallons consumed
Inventory Tax (5%)	4,153,366	New retail sales divided by six inventory turns multiplied by 5%
License Fee ($500)	875,000	350 projected locations
Excise Tax ($1.20/Case)	315,000
Total Direct Wine Taxes	$51,182,271
Income/Agri-tourism Taxes
Wholesaler Staff	$831,553	Warehouse/shipping labor (new jobs); Kentucky and local income taxes
Distributor Sales Staff	2,125,211	134 projected new jobs @ $35,000 + 2% commission (state/local income taxes)
Grocery Staff	678,228	State/local income taxes (new jobs)
Kentucky Wineries Staff	46,097	Projected $27.1 million incremental retail sales of Kentucky-produced wine
Agri-tourism Sales Tax	4,065,000	Additional Kentucky-produced wine revenue of $27.1 million times 2.5 times wine retail (incremental sales tax on all purchases by tourists on winery related visits)
Total Income/Ag.tourism Taxes	$7,746,089
Total Incremental Taxes	$58,928,360

“At a time that the leaders of Kentucky’s government are looking for new sources of revenue to make up the projected budget shortfall, we are pleased to provide the Commonwealth with $59 million in new tax revenue. This new money will be generated due to increased wine sales and will not require an increase in any existing tax rates. This is a great bargain for the Commonwealth,” Schmidt said.

Eddie O’Daniel, President of the Kentucky Wineries Association commented, “Increased sales of wine in Kentucky will directly benefit the 53 wineries and farm gate grape sales of vineyards which are located across the Commonwealth. Our numbers clearly indicate that not only do Kentucky’s farmers and wineries benefit, but so does the Commonwealth.”

The Kentucky Wineries Association is a not for profit organization that was established in 2007. The Association’s members include 11 of Kentucky’s leading wineries which produce approximately 75% of all wine made in the Commonwealth. The Association is developing a comprehensive marketing campaign which will include a new Web site in the near future.

The Food with Wine Coalition is a not for profit organization that was established in 2007 by Kentucky’s grocery store industry. The Coalition’s purpose is to educate and inform those living in Kentucky as to the advantages of allowing grocery stores to sell wine in areas of the state where package sales are currently permitted. Interested parties are invited to learn more about the issue by visiting the Coalition’s Web site (www.foodwithwine.org).

Note: members of the media may obtain an electronic version of the Food with Wine Coalition’s logo and the Kentucky Wineries Association logo by contacting Luke Schmidt (502.292.2898 or via electronic mail, lbschmidt@lbschmidt.com).

March 4, 2008 By admin

KY Wineries Assoc., Food with Wine Coalition Respond to Misleading Statements Made by Liquor Dealers

Louisville, Kentucky (March 4, 2008) – The Kentucky Wineries Association and the Food with Wine Coalition responded today to misleading statements made by liquor store owners during a press conference held by the two organizations yesterday in Louisville. The statements were made in opposition to House Bill 585, a measure which, if passed, will revise existing Kentucky law to allow grocery stores to sell wine in counties where package alcohol sales are currently allowed.

Kentucky Wineries Association, Food with Wine Coalition Respond to Misleading Statements Made by Liquor Store Owners

During the press conference yesterday, several liquor store owners stated that grocery stores would have an unfair advantage if HB 585 passes due to the fact that liquor store employees are “required” to be 21 years of age and that grocery store employees do not have such an age requirement and as such, 18 year olds would be allowed to sell wine.

Luke B. Schmidt, consultant to the Food with Wine Coalition stated, “This statement simply isn’t true. Current Kentucky law (KRS 244.087) specifically permits a person that is at least 18 years old to “stock, arrange displays, accept payment for and sack malt beverages, under the supervision of a person 20 years of age or older,” with no distinction made as to type of store.”

“Furthermore, existing law and regulation (KRS 244.090 and 804 KAR 5:030) clearly states that a person must be 20 years old in order to sell wine,” commented Schmidt. “This provision covers grocery stores that today sell beer and it will apply when grocery stores are allowed to sell wine.”

Bottom line: today 18 and 19 year olds are not allowed to sell wine and HB 585 will not allow individuals less than 20 years of age to sell wine in the future.

House Bill 585 simply seeks to create a new license which will allow grocery stores to sell wine. House Bill 585 in no way amends existing law with respect to who can sell wine in any type of outlet. House Bill 585 does not contain any language concerning the age of a person who sells wine.

Other recent and misleading statements made by liquor store owners include:

The grocery store industry seeks to modify or dissolve the current three tier distributor system

According to Eddie O’Daniel, President of the Kentucky Wineries Association, “Absolutely none of the language in HB 585 calls for any type of modification or elimination of the existing farm to market distribution system for wine. The existing system serves the needs of the market and we are not seeking to make any changes whatsoever.”

House Bill 585 will allow wine to be sold in dry counties

The Food with Wine Coalition and the Kentucky Wineries Association respect Kentucky’s long-standing tradition of local option. Simply put, nothing in HB 585 would allow for the sale of wine in any dry county. Only the voters in counties which are presently dry can change the status of the county through a local option election. HB 585 will allow the sale of wine in grocery stores only in counties which currently allow the sale of alcoholic beverages by the package.

The passage of HB 585 will bring many benefits to the Commonwealth, including increased demand for Kentucky-grown grapes and Kentucky-produced wine, and, increased tax revenue in the amount of $55 million over the first five years once the law has been enacted. Kentucky’s food stores are ready to do their part to promote and sell Kentucky-produced wine in grocery stores in counties which allow the sale of alcoholic beverages by the package.

The passage of HB 585 will open up competition for consumers and eliminate the monopoly that liquor stores currently enjoy when it comes to selling wine.

Luke B. Schmidt stated, “Consumers have asked time and time again for the opportunity to purchase wine in grocery stores to pair with their favorite foods. Consumers benefit when they have more choices. Kentucky’s grocery stores welcome the opportunity to compete for the consumer’s dollar with liquor stores.”

The Food with Wine Coalition is a not for profit organization that was established in 2007 by Kentucky’s grocery store industry. The Coalition’s purpose is to educate and inform those living in Kentucky as to the advantages of allowing grocery stores to sell wine in counties which allow the sale of alcoholic beverages by the package. Interested parties are invited to learn more about the issue by visiting the Coalition’s Web site (www.foodwithwine.org).

March 3, 2008 By admin

Legislation Benefiting Kentucky’s Farmers, Wineries Introduced (Press Release)

Louisville, Kentucky (March 3, 2008) – Kentuckians who live in wet and moist areas, as well as the growing number of Kentucky’s wine producers, could benefit from a proposal sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark and endorsed by the Kentucky Wineries Association and the Food with Wine Coalition. House Bill 585, if passed by the Kentucky General Assembly, allows consumers to purchase wine in Kentucky grocery stores.

For Immediate Release

Legislation Benefiting Kentucky’s Farmers, Wineries and Consumers Draws Support of KentuckyWineries Association, Food with Wine Coalition

HB 585 Would Provide $55 Million in Tax Revenue to the Commonwealth

House Bill 585 responds to the growing demand on the part of consumers from across Kentucky to purchase wine to consume with their meals at the place where they do their food shopping – grocery stores. More and more retailers have to turn down their customers’ requests for wine because current state laws prohibit grocery stores from selling wine.

Kentucky is one of only 16 states that do not currently allow consumers to purchase wine in grocery stores. Each of Kentucky’s border states (with the exception of Tennessee) already allows consumers this fundamental choice.

Lifestyles have changed and wine has become an accepted part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Nationally, in the 34 states which already allow grocery store wine sales, wine has become the second fastest growing category in grocery stores after bottled water. Today, many consumers expect the opportunity to purchase a bottle of wine to pair with their meal. Consumers in these states like the convenience of making one stop for all of their meal needs – including wine. It saves time, money and gas.

Eddie O’Daniel, President of the Kentucky Wineries Association and owner of the Springhill Winery in Bloomfield noted Kentucky’s long and proud history of growing grapes and producing wine. “Kentucky was the first state to plant a commercial vineyard (in Jessamine County) in 1798. Kentucky’s climate and soils are conducive to growing a variety of grapes of exceptional quality. Today, many of the Commonwealth’s wineries are producing wines of distinction which have been recognized in international competitions. Yet, we need more sales opportunities in order to increase the awareness level among consumers and build sales.”

Luke B. Schmidt, a Louisville-based management consultant retained by the Food with Wine Coalition to manage the project stated, “Allowing wine sales in Kentucky’s grocery stores is good for Kentucky’s farmers, winery owners, consumers and the Commonwealth.

“By adding wine to grocery stores, Kentucky’s fast growing wine industry will have many new outlets in which to sell and promote their product. There are 43 wineries in the Commonwealth today that need new sales outlets in order to grow their businesses. House Bill 585 will make this happen,” commented Schmidt.

Both Schmidt and O’Daniel stated that the future of Kentucky’s wine industry depends upon the passage of HB 585 which will add several hundred grocery stores in wet and moist counties (where the sale of alcoholic beverages by the package is already legal – dry counties will not be impacted by this legislation whatsoever) to the list of retail establishments which can sell wine. Schmidt noted that there are several compelling reasons why this legislation should be passed, including:

Kentucky’s vineyards are growing rapidly (planted acreage has increased by 928% since 1999 and 84 counties are now home to vineyards) – Kentucky’s farmers need wineries to boost new sales outlets to create greater demand for the grapes they are growing. This will assist those farmers that are transitioning from tobacco to alternative crops, including grapes

According to University of Kentucky College of Agriculture staff, Kentucky’s wineries are projected to produce over 630,000 gallons of wine by 2010 – Kentucky’s wineries need new sales outlets to move this inventory

Kentucky’s wineries have become an integral part of the Commonwealth’s agri-tourism scene; visitors to the state want to combine wineries with their visits to bourbon distilleries, horse farms and the state’s dynamic cities and scenic wonders – these same visitors (including those who will come from around the world for the Ryder Cup later this year and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010) will expect to be able to buy wine in grocery stores

Kentucky’s grocery store industry projects that wine sales will increase substantially with the passage of HB 585 which will have a positive impact on the collection of various state taxes with an incremental increase of $55 million over the first five years alone which will serve to strengthen Kentucky’s finances

The loss of sales to grocery stores in border states; in some instances, consumers that would normally shop for groceries in Kentucky may in fact be crossing the border in areas such as Northern Kentucky to shop for groceries in Ohio where they can also buy wine in grocery stores

Schmidt stated, “Its time for Kentucky to join the 34 other states by passing this legislation and provide a positive benefit to its citizens.”

The Kentucky Wineries Association is a not for profit organization that was also established in 2007. The Association’s members include 11 of Kentucky’s leading wineries which produce approximately 75% of all wine made in the Commonwealth. The Association is developing a comprehensive marketing campaign which will include a new Web site in the near future.

The Food with Wine Coalition is a not for profit organization that was established in 2007 by Kentucky’s grocery store industry. The Coalition’s purpose is to educate and inform those living in Kentucky as to the advantages of allowing grocery stores to sell wine in wet and moist counties. Interested parties are invited to learn more about the issue by visiting the Coalition’s Web site (www.foodwithwine.org).

December 7, 2007 By admin

L.B. Schmidt & Associates, LLC selected to lead state trade association project

L.B. Schmidt & Associates, LLC (LBS&A) has been selected by a state trade association to lead a project which will allow the client’s members to expand their inventories and selling opportunities.

L.B. Schmidt & Associates, LLC (LBS&A) has been selected by a Kentucky-based trade association to lead a project which will allow the client’s members to expand their inventories and selling opportunities. LBS&A will work with the association to design, implement and manage the project. The project will include outreach to affiliated industries and partners, the development of collateral materials (including a Web site and a promotional video) and presentations to interested audiences.

Additionally, the association intends to apply for a grant from the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the purpose of assisting in the launch of the organization’s programs. L.B. Schmidt & Associates, LLC will develop the grant proposal and file the application on behalf of the association in Frankfort.

October 15, 2007 By admin

EKX Airport Concept Terminal Design Unveiled (Press Release)

Elizabethtown, Kentucky(October 15, 2007) – The Elizabethtown Airport Board today unveiled its concept design for a new passenger airline terminal at the Elizabethtown Regional Airport (EKX).

For Immediate Release

EKX Airport Concept Terminal Design Unveiled

New Design is Intended to Assist in Airline Recruiting Effort

Elizabethtown, Kentucky(October 15, 2007) – The Elizabethtown Airport Board today unveiled its concept design for a new passenger airline terminal at the Elizabethtown Regional Airport (EKX).

Joe Yates, Chairman of the Elizabethtown Airport Board, stated that the effort to restore passenger airline service at EKX is well underway and substantial support for the project has been lined up through the new Partnership for Central Kentucky Airline Service. One of the key issues which needs to be addressed is that of developing a new passenger terminal at the Addington Field airport.

Recently, the Elizabethtown Airport Board commissioned a concept design for the passenger terminal from LHB Architects of Elizabethtown. The intent is to illustrate what a passenger terminal might look like at EKX and to provide the renderings to potential airlines.

Chairman Yates stated, “We wanted a design that will serve the community, Fort Knox and the region for many years to come. The design that LHB has provided meets those goals. The concept terminal is “green” in its design contributing to its overall efficiency and expandability.”

Luke Schmidt, consultant to the Elizabethtown Airport Board commented, “The new concept terminal design provides a dramatic portal to the entire region. This facility will make a positive first impression on each and every traveler who flies through EKX.”

The concept terminal is encased in glass which will allow for lots of natural sunlight to filter through the facility. Travelers will be able to watch aircraft operations. The design includes a USOlounge, a business center and a restaurant.

Both Yates and Schmidt stated that the final design may differ from the concept design; however, this provides the Airport Board with a concept which can be discussed with potential airlines. By commissioning the concept design now, the Airport Board will also be able to incorporate design suggestions from the airlines and the United States Transportation Security Administration which will improve the efficiency of the design.

The unveiling of the concept terminal design comes on the heels of the launch of the Elizabethtown Airport Board’s new Web site (www.ekxairport.com) which is designed to provide information about the airport and the airline service project. The project continues to generate substantial support from throughout Central Kentucky.

To date, 72 government jurisdictions, chamber boards and industrial development boards have passed formal resolutions of support for the project. The Board has received over 140 letters of support for the project.

The Elizabethtown Airport Board is a not for profit organization which operates the municipal airport in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Elizabethtown Regional Airport (EKX) began operations in 1982 as a general aviation airport and is currently engaged in efforts to restore commercial airline service to the field. EKX includes a 6,000 foot long runway which is “regional jet ready” with complete general aviation services. An Instrument Landing System (ILS) (localizer) has been installed which further enhances safety and increases the airport’s all-weather operational capacity. EKX plans to build a passenger terminal should commercial airline service be restored.

The design can be viewed on the airport’s Web site (www.ekxairport.com).

(Note: members of the media may obtain an electronic version (.jpg file) of the airport’s logo and the renderings of the concept terminal by contacting Luke Schmidt by calling 502.292.2898, or via E-Mail, lbschmidt@lbschmidt.com)