America’s Beer Distributors Advance Policy Priorities at NBWA Legislative Conference
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Editorial Dept.
National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) members recently visited Washington D.C. to meet with lawmakers for direct talks about issues distribution. They expressed their concerns on tax policy and regulation as well as labor needs and supply chain security. The discussions highlighted how decisions made in Washington flow through a web of independent businesses nationwide that link producers to retailers, and ultimately affect consumers in every community.
According to a press release from the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), the meeting took place April 19-22, and involved more than 550 members of the association and nearly 400 congressional offices.
The main objective was to advocate for policies that support independent beer and beverage distributors and the communities they serve.
Throughout the week, distributors engaged federal policymakers on key priorities, including maintaining tax policy that helps level the playing field between Main Street and Wall Street, supporting effective alcohol regulation and advancing policies that enable family-run businesses to continue driving local growth.
“Members of Congress may not fully understand the importance of our industry and the contributions that beer and beverage distributors make to the national economy and local communities. That is why we come to Legislative Conference every year — to build relationships and invest in the future of our businesses,” said NBWA Chairman Steve Beykirch, President of Eagle Beverage Corporation in Frontenac, Kansas.
Members also highlighted the importance of controlling healthcare costs, boosting efforts to prevent organized cargo theft and investing in the nation’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) workforce.
The conference featured remarks from Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY), along with CNN political strategists Brad Todd and Kate Bedingfield, who offered insights into the evolving political landscape.
Throughout the week, speakers emphasized the importance of coming together in Washington to elevate the industry’s voice.
“There’s a lot happening — and the message we need Congress to hear is simple: beer distributors are a steady force in uncertain times. For your employees, for your communities and for American consumers,” said NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser.
The conference also highlighted the importance of preparing the next generation of industry leaders to advocate on behalf of their businesses. A special luncheon on Capitol Hill brought together emerging distributor leaders to learn more about the advocacy process and hear remarks from Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL).
In addition, attendees raised a glass to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary during NBWA’s annual Cheers reception, held at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. This special event brought together Members of Congress, distributors and beverage industry leaders to celebrate America and its $471 billion beer industry.
The 2026 Legislative Conference also included the fourth annual Building Relationships & Empowering Women (BREW) Leadership Forum, which convened over 150 distributor leaders for a future-focused event featuring insights from Members of Congress, industry analysts and a legendary Saturday Night Live producer, Linsday Shookus.
About the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA)
The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors who service every state, congressional district, and media market across the country. Licensed at the federal and state levels, beer distributors get bottles, cans, cases, and kegs from a brewer or importer to stores, restaurants, and other licensed retail accounts through a transparent and accountable regulatory system.
Distributors build brands of all sizes – from familiar domestic beers to new startup labels and imports from around the world – and generate enormous consumer choice while supporting more than 135,000 quality jobs in their home communities. Beer distributors work locally to keep communities safe by sponsoring programs to promote responsible consumption, combat drunk driving, and reduce underage drinking.
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