Carlo Barone brings his 30+ years of national accounts experience to a new venture with the debut of OneBar, a new national account representation and marketing firm. OneBar was developed to provide a turnkey solution to today’s beverage brands seeking presence in chain accounts, from introductions to key national account personnel to the development of sales strategies and creative materials, as well as the organization of product distribution. The firm has offices in Dallas and Chicago.
George Borello, founder of Top-Shelf Marketing and VP of marketing for Progressive Specialty Glass Co., was sworn in to the Chautauqua County Legislature (R-District 4) on Jan. 1. His plan is to bring “some private sector common sense to county government.”
Ruby Tuesday kicked off its “Gimme a Mini” program on New Year’s Day, offering customers a free Ruby Mini, Turkey Mini or Buffalo Chicken Mini burger and fresh, hot fries with their first $3 drink order all day. After Jan. 1, the restaurants are offering the free mini burgers when guests at the bar order their first drink of $3 or more after 9 p.m.
The World Association of the Alcohol Beverage Industries, Inc. (WAABI) will honor the Wirtz family of the Wirtz Beverage Group with its Annual Unity Award during its 2010 Leadership Conference, June 5-8 at the brand new Lodge at Deadwood, in Deadwood, S.D. WAABI has chosen this location and time so members can participate in the Sky Ranch Foundation’s 19th Annual Hall of Fame dinner (separate ticket event) to be held at the Lodge on Sunday, June 6. On June 7, all WAABI registrants (and Hall of Fame dinner guests) will be transported about 90 minutes away to Sky Ranch for Boys for special ceremonies marking the Ranch’s 50th Anniversary. See www.skyranchfoundation.org for details.
Pernod Ricard USA announces two key spirits marketing appointments: Jonas Renner Tahlin has been named vice president of marketing, vodkas; and Tim Murphy is appointed to the newly created role of vice president, marketing innovation. Tahlin previously was regional vice president/commercial director – Americas for The Absolut Company (a global unit of Pernod Ricard). Murphy was VP of marketing, vodkas and gins for Pernod Ricard USA, and has led Asbolut marketing in the U.S. for the past seven years.