Kentucky Distillers’ Association Announces New Board Officers, Directors
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Jeff Conder of Beam Inc. has been named Chairman of the historic group that promotes and protects the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry, including the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour.
Conder, who is Vice President of Americas Operations at Beam in Clermont, will serve through December 2012. The KDA Board of Directors selected officers during its annual meeting recently in Clermont.
“Our signature industry is enjoying an unprecedented period of growth and success,” Conder said. “But we also face significant challenges in high taxes, unfair trade barriers and other obstacles that put Bourbon at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace.
“Now more than ever, the KDA and its member distilleries must work together to protect our legendary craft, to renew our commitment to responsible drinking and to ensure that Kentucky remains the authentic and irreplaceable home for the world’s best Bourbon.”
The Board also appointed Tom Krekeler, Vice President of Product Supply Chain in North America for Campari Group, as Vice Chairman, and Joe Fraser, Vice President of Manufacturing at Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., as Secretary-Treasurer.
Other Board members for 2012 include:
• Brown-Forman: Chris Morris, Master Distiller
• Diageo North America: Andrea Wilson, Director of Distillation and Maturing Spirit
• Four Roses Distillery: John Rhea, Chief Operating Officer
The KDA, founded in 1880, includes Beam, Inc. (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark); Brown-Forman; Diageo North America; Four Roses; Heaven Hill and Wild Turkey. Craft members include Alltech, Barrel House Distilling Company and MB Roland Distillery.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour features six legendary distilleries, each offering a unique and educational experience on the art and craft of Bourbon-making: Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve.
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For more information, contact KDA President Eric Gregory at (502) 875-9351 or visit online at
www.kybourbon.com or www.kybourbontrail.com. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a registered trademark of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.