Detroit News: Letter: Celebrating women's leadership in Michigan's beer and wine industry

September 12, 2024

With the continued growth of Michigan’s alcohol industry, an increasing number of leadership opportunities are available for women across various sectors of our industry, including marketing, sales, merchandising and operations.


Among the women making a difference in our industry is Megan Iaccino, director of marketing at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, a family-owned and operated wholesale alcohol distributor. For nearly 80 years, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits has been proud to provide the best products, exceptional service and deep regional expertise.



The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) is celebrating Iaccino’s work — along with contributions by so many women in our industry — as we mark American Businesswomen’s Day on Sept. 22.

As a member of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association Women's Advocacy Committee, Iaccino elevates her industry peers, celebrating their collective and individual accomplishments and their roles as champions for the industry. Iaccino’s dedication to her profession is further evidenced by her involvement with the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association (WSWA) Council for Leadership Development, the MB&WWA MLCC Advocacy Committee and the Ross Family Foundation.


Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry employs more than 5,200 full-time workers with competitive salaries and benefits. The industry also makes significant contributions to community initiatives, investing more than $6.5 million annually in over 2,200 charitable organizations.

As our industry grows, so does the number of women advancing to leadership roles in distributorships. Whether they’re working in warehouses, engaging with customers, or spearheading community initiatives, these women leaders are catalysts for positive change, bringing unique perspectives and a commitment to excellence.


Our industry has a bright future here in Michigan, and we are thrilled to see women continue to be a key part of our success now and in the years to come.


Brandi Tribell

Senior vice president, Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association

Detroit News: Celebrating Michigan’s Family-Owned Beer and Wine Distributors

By Rebecca Stow • June 23, 2026
On June 23, National Family-Owned and Operated Businesses Day offers an opportunity to recognize the local companies that form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Among them are the state’s beer and wine distributors—independent, family-owned businesses that have been serving their communities for decades. These are multigenerational operations rooted in Michigan communities, where leadership is often passed from one generation to the next. Their longevity reflects not only business success, but a deep commitment to the people and places they serve. When I began my work with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association two decades ago, the industry looked very different. Today, Michigan consumers enjoy an unprecedented variety of choices, supported by advanced logistics, compliance systems, and strong retail partnerships. That evolution has been driven in large part by family-owned distributors who continue to invest in their people, infrastructure and communities. Their local ownership gives them a unique understanding of the retailers and consumers they serve. It also means decisions are made with a long-term perspective—focused not just on growth, but on sustainability and community impact. Thoughtful alcohol policy helps ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, protects public health and safety, and allows businesses of all sizes to thrive. By maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers and industry partners, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have helped modernize laws while preserving the structure and accountability of the proven three-tier system. As we recognize family-owned businesses across the state this June, it is worth celebrating the role Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have played for decades and will continue to play in the years ahead. Their strength lies not only in their ability to adapt, but in the values that have guided them from the beginning: local ownership, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Spencer Nevins is president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).