Mechanicville>>The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Brewers Association (BA) have announced that DeCrescente Distributing Company of Mechanicville, N.Y., is a nominee for the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award. The award, now in its eighth year, recognizes an American beer distributor who goes above and beyond in their efforts to actively market, sell and promote craft beer.

“It’s truly humbling to be nominated for Craft Beer Distributor of the Year for the third time,” said Russ Teplitzky, General Manager of DeCrescente Distributing Company. “The rewards of hard work make it all worthwhile.”

There are approximately 3,300 beer distributors in the United States. Forty were nominated for this award, two of which are located in New York State, including DeCrescente Distributing Company and Oak Beverages Inc., located in Blauvelt, N.Y. This award will be presented on Oct. 4 at the Great American Beer Festival® hosted by the Brewers Association in Denver, Colo.

DeCrescente Distributing, which was named the 2013 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year, continues to focus on promoting its unique offerings of craft beer. With a state-of-the-art training center and fully operational pub, DeCrescente Distributing is committed to educating its employees and customers about craft beer and the variety of choices available to New York beer lovers.

NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser said, “The craft beer category continues to experience tremendous growth thanks in large part to the effectiveness of the independent distribution system and the strong relationships between craft brewers and beer distributors. Independent beer distributors take great pride in contributing to this American success story by serving as the vehicle to market craft beer brands and working tremendously hard with craft brewers to provide choice and variety to consumers.”

BA President Charlie Papazian applauded beer distributors for providing a valuable service by giving craft beers a presence in the marketplace. “This award recognizes the creativity, innovation and specialized services independent beer distributors are providing on behalf of independent craft brewers,” Papazian said.

Purser added, “DeCrescente Distributing Company has shown dedication to delivering unique and innovative craft beers to consumers.”

For more information about the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award visit nbwa.org.