The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) is proud to announce that Jim Matesich, president and CEO of Matesich Distributing Co. in Newark, Ohio, has been named chairman of NBWA’s Board of Directors for the 2017–2018 term. He assumed the position during NBWA’s 80th Annual Convention and Trade Show held Oct. 8 – 11 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Matesich will play a leading role in the association’s advocacy efforts and help beer distributors to strengthen relationships among their peers and state partners, and add more good-paying jobs in communities across America.
“Jim has a proven track record as a leader in his community, state, company and at NBWA,” said NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser. “He has tremendous value to add to our organization, and we’re honored to have him serving as NBWA’s chairman.”
NBWA and America’s beer distributors support a robust and competitive system of independent beer distribution, which provides access to market and a level playing field for brewers of all sizes. Beer distributors serve as the critical link in the American beer distribution system, sourcing products from brewers and importers and delivering products to state-licensed retailers. This effective system is driven by consumer choice – enabling American consumers to choose from the widest selection of products in the world – and works to ensure that only safe, fresh beer reaches American consumers of legal drinking age.
Matesich is the third generation to own and manage the day-to-day operations of Matesich Distributing Co., a family business that started in 1928. Matesich Distributing Co. services 11 counties in Southeast Ohio and represents Anheuser-Busch, Yuengling, New Belgium Brewing and many other domestic, imports and craft beer. The company proudly employs more than 100 people.
Matesich also is chairman of the Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio and past member and chairman of the Board of Directors of Hospice of Central Ohio. In addition, he is a member of the Licking Memorial Hospital Development Council, serving as co-chair of the Major Gifts Committee with his wife, Amy.
Matesich is past president of the Board of Directors of the Wholesale Beer & Wine Association of Ohio (WBWAO) and past chairman of the WBWAO Technology and Insurance Committees. He is past co-chairman of the Beer Industry Electronic Commerce Coalition, a national organization that represents the combined interests of wholesalers and brewers in the development of electronic commerce throughout the beer industry. He also was a five-year board member of the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation Board of Directors.
He has served on the Ohio Small Business Advisory Council, a group that advises the governor on small business issues. Matesich also was an elected director of Unizan Bank, NA, and is the past chairman of Licking County Area Action Council of N.F.I.B.
