WAABI FAQ'S

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WAABI FAQ'S What is WAABI? / History / The Four Pillars / Charities / Funding / Corporate Sponsers / Chapters / National Meetings / Officers / Membership Benefits What Is WAABI? WAABI is a national volunteer network composed of men and women from all tiers and segments of the alcohol beverage industry. WAABI assists the alcohol beverage industry by reaching their local communities with information on industry programs to combat alcohol abuse and on other issues. WAABI was formed in 1944 as a women's organization, but now accepts men and women members on an equal basis. Return to WAABI FAQ'S History WAABI was born in 1944 as the Women’s Association of the Allied Beverage Industries, Inc. Membership focused on women working in the beverage industry and on the wives of industry executives. Chapters quickly developed around the nation as WAABI focused its early efforts on “building good will for a good industry”. Charitable and community service programs were the primary focus of activities, along with social and industry education activities for the membership. Since the beginning, WAABI's actions have been guided by its credo: Moderation by word and example. Licensing of only orderly places of business. Strict observance and enforcement of the law. In 1990, WAABI “re-invented itself” with a new name, a new membership target, and a new focus of energy. The new name, “World Association of the Alcohol Beverage Industries, Inc.” plus a new mission statement reflected a desire to no longer obscure the industry with which we are associated, and a commitment to make it clear that the active participation of men, as well as women, is required to accomplish our mission. The traditional generosity and involvement of WAABI members in national and local charitable and community service efforts has not diminished. Return to WAABI FAQ'S The Four Pillars The WAABI National Board met in December 2006 to chart the course of the organization. The Board members discussed the history of WAABI - where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished and how we’ve changed over the last 60 years. They talked about the challenges the organization faces today - changes and consolidation in the industry, conflicting political views held by our members and increased demands on the time of our members. Finally, the Board concluded that if WAABI is to remain a viable organization we must streamline our operations, find common goals that each member could support, lessen the demands on our members’ time and focus our energies. To that end, the Board decided to focus on four ideas: Preventing Underage Drinking Preventing Drunk Driving Promoting Social Responsibility Serving Our Communities These principles are now known as The Four Pillars of WAABI. Return to WAABI FAQ'S Charities WAABI devotes special efforts to help the alcohol beverage industry's "adopted" charity, Sky Ranch for Boys, which is located in the South Dakota. Sky Ranch serves homeless, troubled and delinquent youth from all parts of America. In addition to financial support, each chapter "adopts" one or more of the kids at Sky Ranch and gives them important encouragement though birthday cards, letters and small gifts. Each chapter also has its own commitment to one or more local charities, depending on their financial capability. Return to WAABI FAQ'S Funding WAABI is supported primarily through membership dues. In a few cases companies will pay their employees' dues and expenses. Corporate memberships are being solicited to broaden the funding base available to WAABI. Return to WAABI FAQ'S Corporate Sponsores - Are you Interested? Contact Jill Hawkins, Executive Director The levels are as follows: Gold - $2500 Silver - $1500 Bronze - $750 Dues include National Corporate Membership, listing in each issue of our newsletter, and acknowledgement and link via our website. Return to WAABI FAQ'S Chapters The average WAABI chapter devotes at least 25 percent of its meeting time to industry information. They maintain bylaws, a membership roster, publish a newsletter and hold at least eight meetings per year, featuring programs of interest to members. Being involved with the activities of your chapter provides an opportunity for personal growth and networking with members of the alcohol beverage and related industries. Many chapters also host social and other events at which funds are raised to support local and national charities. Return to WAABI FAQ'S National Meetings There is a National WAABI Convention each summer between June 1 and September 15. The convention is held in a different city each year for the purpose of receiving reports of officers, electing officers or nominating committee members (in alternate years), adopting a budget and conducting any other important business. It is also a means of educating members on current issues. Return to WAABI FAQ'S Officers A Board of Directors, comprised of both appointed and elected officers, administers the national bylaws, develops new programs, and resolves all issues of national policy for WAABI. Each chapter has a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, various committee chairmen, and its own set of bylaws. Major operating responsibilities are delegated to committees at the national and chapter levels. Many opportunities are available for members to hold leadership positions at the local and national levels. Return to WAABI FAQ'S Member Benefits Like most opportunities in life, what you get out of WAABI depends largely on how much you put into it. For those who take a serious approach, there are many opportunities to learn new skills, learn more about the beverage industry, learn about organizational structure and management, achieve leadership positions, become involved with rewarding community improvement programs, make valuable professional contacts and lifelong personal friends. Return to WAABI FAQ'S