MEMBERSHIP FACTS

The IVSA is the largest body of beverage alcohol import agents in Canada - A proud distinction we earned in 2009. As of Deceber 2009, in British Columbia we have 90 Agent members, 16 Associate members and 5 Consular members. In Alberta, as part of a proposed merger with the Beverage Alcohol Importers Council of Alberta (BAICA), 44 Agent companies have recently joined the new IVSA Alberta. These agents represent approximately 85% of all imported beverage alcohol in both provinces.

THE IVSA BOARD

The IVSA-BC Board of Directors is made up of 11 members, including the President, Past-president, and 9 Directors.  Terms for these positions are two years, with an election of officers held at the Annual General Meeting in Vancouver. There is presently one vacancy. The executive meet monthly to discuss issues which are brought to liaison meetings held quarterly with the Liquor Distribution Branch.  Between such meetings, specific committees within the executive meet with the LDB and political leaders to work on various projects and report back to the executive. The new Alberta IVSA Interim Executive is a temporary Board comprised of 8 volunteers. These individuals have agreed to serve until Spring 2010, at which time there will be a vote on the proposed merger. If this vote is successful, a new executive will be elected at that time. General meetings are held three or four times a year but members are free to contact any member of the executive anytime to bring forth issues for discussion and, hopefully, resolution. The IVSA works hard to promote new products which have been introduced into BC and Alberta. To that end, the IVSA holds “New Product Salons” 5 to 6 times a year in Vancouver and Victoria. Only IVSA members are invited to participate with any new products they have. The cost in Vancouver is $35 per item (SKU) poured and if a second table is needed and available, an additional $200. In Victoria, the price is $25 per item (SKU). There are rules for participation in the New Product Salons in order to give all members an equal exposure to the industry guests. The IVSA recently held started hosting New Product Salons in Calgary and Edmonton, and is presently planning for three more -- in each city during 2010.

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

Current Executive Members are:

BRITISH COLUMBIA Carmen D'Onofrio, Jr. - President Peter Lindenlaub - Past President Paul Martin - Director Richard Loewen - Director Jack Segal - Director Gary Jones - Director Vicky Ainley - Director Art Kendall - Director Ted Latimer - Director Flame Eadie - Director ALBERTA Kelly Abbey - Director Ken Fraser - Director Dave Gordon - Director Mark Kuspira - Director Paul Lymer - Director Tony Perri - Director Todd Ramsey - Director Chris Stewart - Director