WSWA TO HONOR SAZERAC CHAIRMAN

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) will honor William Goldring, Chairman of the Sazerac Company and Crescent Crown Distributing Company, with the prestigious Lifetime Leadership Award at WSWA’s 68th Annual Convention & Exposition held in Orlando in April. The award is given annually to the wholesaler whose contributions to WSWA and the alcohol beverage industry define excellence, inspire loyalty and exemplify leadership. A third-generation industry leader, Goldring began his career with Seagram in trade research and sales in New York and Maryland. In returning to the family business at Magnolia Liquor Company in Louisiana, he worked in warehousing, sales and sales management, becoming president in 1972. His vision led to the expansion into Republic Beverage and then into Republic National Distributing Company, which today is the second largest beverage alcohol wholesaler in the United States. “Bill is extremely deserving of this award,” WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf said. “He has dedicated his entire career – more than 45 years – to the beverage alcohol business. He is a leader in the wine, spirits and beer industry through his involvement with WSWA and the National Beer Wholesalers Association. He has served on our board since 1966 and is our longest-serving board member.” In addition, Goldring is also Chairman of Spar Advertising, the Board of Directors of the Audubon Institute Foundation, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art (past chairman), the Goldring Family Foundation, and the Woldenberg Foundation. He is also a member of several boards of directors as well as the recipient of numerous awards and honors.