Within minutes of her announcement that Gov. Whitmer had appointed Patrick Gagliardi and Geralyn Lasher to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission this afternoon, the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association of Michigan applauded both appointments as strong advocates.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer today appointed Gagliardi and Lasher to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, and designated Mr. Gagliardi as Chair of the Commission, saying, “The Michigan Liquor Control Commission is a critical component to the success and economic growth of businesses here in our state.” The Governor added, “I’m certain that both Patrick and Geralyn will perform their duties intelligently and thoroughly while serving on the commission.”
Gagliardi is a Democrat from East Lansing who is currently a consultant and owner of Gagliardi Associates, LLC. He is a former member of the House of Representatives where he also served as the Democratic Floor Leader, and chair of the Tourism Committee and the Oversight and Ethics Committee. Since his time in the House of Representatives, he has served as a commissioner on the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and director of corporate and foundation relations for Lake Superior State University.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Lake Superior State University, and is appointed to succeed Teri Quimby, whose term expired June 12th, for a term commencing August 26th, 2019 and expiring June 12th, 2023.
Lasher is a Republican from Okemos who is currently the senior deputy director for External Relations and Communications for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. With nearly 30 years of experience in public service, she has served as the interim executive director of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, director of communications for former Governor Rick Snyder and director of communications for the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Lasher earned a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from Michigan State University, and is appointed to succeed Andrew Deloney, whose term expired June 12th, for a term commencing September 9th, 2019 and expiring June 12th, 2023.
Both appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Just minutes after the Governor’s announcement, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) applauded her for appointing two strong advocates for Michigan’s alcohol regulations and safeguards, which promote choice and competition.
Spencer Nevins is President of the Association. He says, “Pat Gagliardi and Geralyn Lasher are outstanding choices to serve on Michigan’s Liquor Control Commission and will be strong advocates for Michigan’s alcohol regulations and safeguards, which create a level playing field and fosters choice and competition.” Nevins adds, “We look forward to working with Pat and Geralyn and the entire Commission to further strengthen Michigan’s beer and wine industries and build on the Michigan success story that has made us the Great Beer State.”
According to the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, “Michigan is a Top 5 beer producing state and Top 10 wine producing state in the country, thanks to a three-tier system that helps breweries and wineries big and small compete, grow and thrive on a level playing field. In total, Michigan’s beer and wine industries have a more than $10-billion impact on the state’s economy.”
The Liquor Control Commission is responsible for being the sole wholesaler for all spirit products in the state, and the licensing of the manufacture and sale of all beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed spirit drinks in Michigan. The Commission is responsible for the enforcement of the state’s liquor laws and the collection of excise and specific taxes on beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed spirit drinks.
