Aguera to Be Honored with 2009 ABL Top Shelf Award

The American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that Ralph D. Aguera has been selected as the 2009 ABL Top Shelf Award honoree.  Mr. Aguera is vice president, trade relations for Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies. The Top Shelf Award recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence over their careers in the beverage alcohol industry and have a successful history of positive influence on their communities. It is the highest honor given by ABL and will be presented to Mr. Aguera at the Top Shelf Award Banquet at the  7th Annual ABL Convention on March 2, 2009, in Las Vegas.

"Ralph has been a longstanding supporter of alcohol beverage retailers everywhere and is deserving of this recognition," said ABL Executive Director Harry Wiles. "His support of the Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year Program has become a symbol of industry unity and an example of his and Brown-Forman's willingness to stand by their retailer partners through thick and thin."

Aguera has been associated with the alcohol beverage industry for 48 years. In his current capacity, he is responsible for Trade Advertising, Industry Charity Donations and is Brown-Forman's liaison with industry affiliated associations including ABL, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, Wine & Spirits Guild of America, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, and the World Association of Alcohol Beverage Industries.

"Though it is difficult to imagine, Ralph's work and success in the alcohol beverage industry is only dwarfed by his passion for helping those less fortunate," said ABL president Kevin O'Laughlin. "His work on behalf of charitable causes- especially the Sky Ranch for Boys Foundation- has placed him on a level of his own.  Everyone in our great industry should be grateful for everything he has accomplished."

Aguera has been the president of the Sky Ranch for Boys Foundation since 1994 and is an active participant in their Mentor Program, writing personal letters of advice and encouragement to the boys at Sky Ranch. For this he has received the Mentor of the Year Award in 2002 and 2008.

Ralph's generosity is also shared with numerous boards and committees of industry charitable organizations. He is active in a number of volunteer activities in the Greater Louisville area, including Center for Interfaith Relations, Share Our Strength, Gilda's Club and Kentucky Derby Festival.  He is the recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for community service, National Hispanic Corporate Achiever of the Year, WAABI Unity Award, National Liquor Store Association Man of the Year, Sky Ranch Hall of Fame and American Cancer Society Hope Award.

Ralph and his wife, Judy, reside in Louisville, Kentucky. They are the proud parents of two children, Celeste and Ralph David and grandparents to Jack and Sofia.

For more information about the ABL Top Shelf Award Banquet and 2009 ABL Convention, which will be held on March 1-3, 2009 at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, please visit www.ablusa.org.