Great Lakes Wine & Spirits reinvests in local communities, champions philanthropy

June 20, 2024

Wholesale alcohol distributor committed to community involvement, enhancing the places they serve

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, a leading family-owned and operated wholesale alcohol distributor for nearly 80 years, is proud of its top talent and commitment to reinvesting in its local communities through outreach and charitable donations.

 

With over 1,200 employees and distributing over 12 million cases of 13,000 wines and spirits to 17,000 retail licensees, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits’ portfolio represents approximately 60% of the wine and 50% of the spirits sold in the State of Michigan. Owners Sydney Ross and J. Lewis Cooper III collectively bring over 100 years of sales and distribution experience in the alcohol business.

 

The Garden Party, a cherished Great Lakes Wine & Spirits tradition, stands as one of their largest annual fundraisers. This event brings together the distributor’s suppliers and some of the finest restaurants in metro Detroit, with all proceeds supporting local trade schools and fostering the education and development of the future workforce.

 

“From cold winter days to warm summer months, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits remains actively involved in giving back to enhance the communities in which we are so proud to live, work and serve,” Ross said. “For nearly 80 years, the essence of our success has been family, which includes our business neighbors and partners. We look forward to many more years of expanding our philanthropic footprint in our local communities and inspiring others to do the same.”

 

Ross is a driving force behind the wholesale alcohol distributor’s dedication to fostering strong, community-focused partnerships. For 35 years, Ross has been an active member of the Parade Company Board of Directors, playing a crucial role in beloved local events such as the Ford Fireworks on the Fourth of July and America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Detroit.

 

Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, headquartered in Highland Park, Michigan, has further demonstrated its commitment to the community by supporting local police and fire departments. The company recently provided a new patrol car for the police department and supplied dress uniforms for the fire department.

 

Community involvement is driven by a dedicated workforce and state-of-the-art resources to manage and grow the business. As a family-owned company, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits competes with large publicly held companies for employees and resources. The Qualified Business Income Tax Deduction (199A) helps level the playing field with these larger competitors. This deduction, established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Provision 11011 in 2017, is set to expire in 2025.

 

Great Lakes Wine & Spirits is Michigan’s largest wine and spirits distributor, serving all 83 counties with an extensive portfolio of renowned and innovative brands. The distributor is ‘local everywhere,’ dedicated to providing exceptional service, fostering community growth and maintaining a family-oriented culture.



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).