Letter From Lloyd

Our first year anniversary is just around the corner. Everyone should be extremely proud of their contributions that have made Empire Merchants a resounding success. In reflecting on the year, I am astounded at what we have accomplished.

I am very excited about the future. Empire Merchants is developing into a world class company. What has made us successful so far is you, the employee. You are the main component of our future success. Without your hard work, dedication, and commitment, Empire Merchants would not succeed. You had to learn about new products, new systems, new processes, learn how to deal with new personalities, develop new relationships, new office space, new everything! Was it easy – NO! Was it challenging – YES!

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Lloyd Sobel and Second Lieutenant Mark Wilborn (District Sales Manager) were honored by Employers Support of the Guard Reserve (ESGR). ESGR is a Department of Defense organization aimed at promoting cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers, and assists in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.
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-Randy Mass

We’re new, so that’s news! Trade Development is a newly created department at Empire Merchants. We serve as a liaison between sales and the supplier; developing local programming and identifying unique marketing opportunities, providing pertinent information to the sales force and tracking competitive activity, analyzing brands trends and financial budgets. Basically, we balance both sides and look for increased profitability wherever we can!
...Click here for more about Trade Development

Reserve Group

We’ve introduced many exciting new products, re-launched previously existing products, participated in some very successful blitzes and have announced a few well-deserved promotions. To top it off, Atlantic Wine & Spirits has grown more than 10 percent in the last three months. Needless to say, we’re busy and we’re happy.

Just as soon as Moet-Hennessy USA re-launched their Glenmorangie Single-Malt line, Atlantic jumped on board and placed new packages in more than 500 accounts. Meanwhile, Travis Bagby’s Off-Premise Division made over 150 placements all types) in a one day blitz. Congratulations on a stellar performance!

Speaking of spirits, we continue to drive amazing results with 10 Cane Rum. Not only did we boast six straight months of double-digit growth, but we also enjoyed great success in key on-premise accounts. Our Hennessy business remains strong, again with double-digit growth on both VS and VSOP, augmented by the new “Flaunt” advertising campaign. Last, but not least, we’re well positioned to attain our Champagne goals with Veuve Chicquot up 13%, Moet up 6% and Dom Perignon up 13%. In the wine world, we’re winning awards! AWS was thrilled to receive...
More from Atlantic including Diageo News and our Staff’s Milestones, page 3...click here

Empire Merchants Wine Company welcomes two new employees to the division, Steve Beteille, who has been appointed the business analyst for the division and Gregory Barry who begins as the E&J Gallo Winery Business Development Manager. Please help welcome these two great new hires. (pictured Gregory Barry)

Congratulations to John Sweeny IV and his wife Elisa on the birth of their first child, a beautiful baby girl named Riley Donatella Sweeny. Mom and baby are doing great and Dad looks exhausted! Also, in other Sweeny news, brother Stephen Sweeny was engaged to Jamie Potter—congratulations to the happy couple.

On November 13th, Empire Merchants Wine Company held a portfolio tasting at Lure Fish Bar in SoHo, highlighting the finest selections
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October was a very strong month for the Vintage Division. We experienced double-digit growth in both cases and revenue. Key goals were achieved, notably on Roederer Brut Premier, Rutherford Hill and Benziger.

At the Vintage Division, our top suppliers who "keep the lights on" are complemented by gem wineries. Click here for more on page 3

- Nina Miele

Knowing that our customers are our most valuable asset, we merged the Customer Service and Order Departments to provide a more efficient and knowledgeable Customer Care Department. With Susan Blohm’s guidance, Nina Miele developed the restructuring plan in March and received executive approval in April. Implementation of the training program began in May and continued through July, leaving plenty of time to work out the kinks before the busy holiday season. By cross-training our reps, we’ve vastly improved customer service to our accounts. We have created a team of agents who have all been trained on document imaging, allowing other departments to have quicker access to customer invoices. We are now able to use data from our phone systems to monitor wait times and adjust staffing more effectively, and we have implemented a system in support the AR Department as well.
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- Tony Magliocco, Chief Operating Officer

We had a very successful holiday season and I’d like to thank the Sales Department for making sure the trucks were full each day! I’m pleased to announce that we are making considerable headway on our High Jump Warehouse Management System Implementation. It’s going off without a hitch, thanks to the entire warehouse staff. In particular, I’d like to commend Jim Stahl, Paul Falletta, Jim Dejesus, Pat Wagner and Jim Ching for their extraordinary efforts in mapping our business processes. We couldn’t have done it without the IT Department, especially Armando Valerio. Thanks for securing the IT interface of High Jump to JDE and Contech. Please join me in welcoming Ronnie Rojas (Dispatch, Astoria) and Mike Martin (Dispatch, Astoria) to our Operations family.