2019 Convention Program 2019 Final Program - Web Version | Page 3

Texas Package Stores
Association
Greetings from TPSA President
Austin Keith
Welcome to the 72nd Annual Texas Package Stores Association Convention & Trade Show! On behalf of the Executive
Committee, Board of Directors and our members, we welcome you to Dallas.
The Texas Package Stores Association once again had an incredibly successful legislative session. The Texas Alcoholic
Beverage Commission was under sunset review this year, which meant the legislature reviewed their processes and agency
efficiency to ensure the industry and public’s interest were being met. Sunset sessions always put the focus on the industry,
and 2019 was no different.
The sunset bill is always a dangerous proposition. The bill is germane to any and all alcohol related amendments, including
Sunday sales and allowing companies like Walmart to sell liquor. Getting the bill out of the House and the Senate in a format
that was acceptable to the majority is always difficult to manage. TPSA fought to the end to do the best that it could for the
package store industry and kept some very bad language out of the bill.
Beyond the Sunset process, the theme this legislative session seemed to be legislation intent on tearing down the three-
tiered system. More bills were filed this session than any before, to allow more direct sales to consumers from breweries,
wineries and distilleries. We need to do a better job as an industry to educate our customers on the importance of keeping
and maintaining a strong three-tiered system.
We have many legislative challenges ahead including the fight against Walmart in our pending lawsuit. It has never been
more imperative that package store owners across Texas join our efforts to help protect the very backbone of the Texas
economy, the small business owner.
The Texas Package Stores Association cannot remain a leader on alcohol-related issues without the grassroots participation
of our members. I want to encourage each one of you to get involved. I know we are all busy with our businesses and our
lives, but if every member could take time and devote it to something that involves our industry, imagine the things we could
get done not just locally but statewide.
I want to thank the many wholesalers, suppliers and representatives who support TPSA as an Associate Member and as
hosts of various convention functions. Much of our success is due to their continued support.
Again, welcome to the 2019 Convention & Trade Show. It is my honor and privilege to serve all of you as TPSA president. I
look forward to creating new relationships, strengthening existing ties and recognizing individuals who have contributed to
our success.
TPSA is committed to promoting our motto “we support those who support us!“
2019 TPSA Convention-3