(Durham, NC) – For the second year in a row Durham-based Harris Incorporated has been nominated for the 2012 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award. This year will be the sixth year the Brewers Association (BA) and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) have joined together to honor an American beer distributor who goes above and beyond in their efforts to actively market, sell and promote craft beer. “This award recognizes the creativity, innovation and specialized services independent beer distributors are providing on behalf of independent craft brewers,” Brewers Association President Charlie Papazian said. This year’s award will be presented in Denver, CO, at the Great American Beer Festival.
2012 will be the second year in a row Harris Inc. has been nominated for this prestigious award. “We’re honored and humbled by the nomination,” says Jay Harris, Head Coach for the company. “It’s a dynamic time to be in the beer business. With so much great beer to offer to consumers, it’s hard not to be passionate about our brands.”
Harris Inc. has taken many strides in recent years to evolve and embrace America’s craft beer revolution. “Education, Service, and Community are in the water fountains at Harris,” says Charlie Helms, Craft Brands Manager. “We made a commitment to education by having all of our sales staff become Cicerone Certified Beer Servers. Further, a select few have become Master Brewer’s Association of America Certified Beer Stewards and have their eyes on becoming Certified Cicerones.” Service is also a cornerstone to Harris Inc.’s commitment to craft beer. “We do staff training for our accounts on a monthly basis,” Charlie Helms continues, “This allows us to leverage our knowledge about craft beer and beer service to the people on the front line, those we consider ‘beer stewards’ to the consumer.” With education and service being top priority when it comes to handling craft beer, it is ultimately the community and local beer culture that benefits. “We have a vibrant beer culture in the Triangle, standards are high and we have to be on our toes offering the very best beer possible,” says Jay Harris. Harris Inc. has also taken great strides to make Durham a destination for prospective craft beer suppliers by playing a key role in creating a centralized craft network NC Beverage Alliance. This organization offers craft brewers access to first-class statewide distribution.
Harris Inc. is calling on all of their supplier partners, retailers, distributors and neighbors to write a letter of recommendation to the NBWA in support of their nomination. You may email or mail a letter directly or send a sealed envelope to Charlie Helms at Harris no later than September 9th.
For more information on the 2012 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award please visit the NBWA and the BA.
Harris Incorporated is a family-owned business located in Durham, NC. A purveyor of fine beverages, the family has been servicing Durham, Orange, Person and parts of Chatham counties since 1975.The second-generation leadership is committed to providing out standing beverages at competitive prices with service second to none. The company achieves this goal with superior training, education, customer empowerment and a commitment to our community.
