Recently OLCC presented our industry with a major development — a proposal that might permanently shut our retail channel out of the distilled spirits sales arena. Obviously, this is the same battle ONSA has been fighting since we began. ONSA members have worked hard to improve and maintain their status as RESPONSIBLE VENDORS of both alcohol and cigarettes. Why are we any less qualified to responsibly sell distilled spirits?

ONSA Board members, along with our legislative and legal counsels have been analyzing the OLCC proposal and exploring our options. It was my pleasure to serve as ONSA spokesman when a Statesman-Journal reporter interviewed me as Chairman about ONSA's position regarding the new proposal. The news article clearly stated our biggest concern,

But convenience-store operators worry the pilot project is the beginning of a large-scale roll-out of liquor stores inside supermarkets. The Oregon Neighborhood Store Association, a trade group for convenience-store operators, specifically objects to OLCC rules that restrict the liquor sections to large stores selling fresh meat and produce.

ONSA is now on the record and we will continue to actively oppose the OLCC pilot program to allow “large grocery stores” to sell liquor; but this issue makes a strong case for why every independent store owner needs to be a supporting member of ONSA. Support from all store owners will provide ONSA with a stronger base from which to coordinate efforts and help us deal with issues such as the OLCC proposal.

Why Not?

For anyone who is not a member of ONSA, I have a suggestion. On Monday, August 16th, ONSA retailers, associates, vendors, along with several legislators will be getting together in Salem for an afternoon of golf. This is an opportunity for non-members to support ONSA's legislative program with a donation to ONSA-PAC. You will have the chance to learn a little about ONSA's progress and to meet some of your colleagues, competitors and suppliers, all while enjoying an afternoon of golf!

Support for the Golf Tournament is another way of supporting ONSA's legislative efforts. Help us demonstrate just how important Oregon 's neighborhood store industry really is! Our numbers —in terms of store numbers as well as the economic impact that our industry has on the state— are every bit as impressive as the grocers association or any other organization.

Don't sit on the sidelines. ONSA needs your membership support and your contributions to ONSA-PAC now. This is an election year; so what better time to declare your priorities by adding your support to an organization that will continue to work for you throughout the entire year—ONSA.

I look forward to meeting some new faces at the August Tournament. Please stop me and introduce yourself at any point in the day —just not during my golf swing!

Terry McEvilly, ONSA Chairman