Bill Text: VA HJR978 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Brown family.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-02-23 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ978ER) [HJR978 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-HJR978-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, over the past 100 years, the Richmond-based Brown Distributing Company, owned by the Brown family, has grown from a producer of a single cherry soda to a nationally acclaimed, highly regarded beverage distribution business that operates in two states; and
WHEREAS, in 1919, brothers Abraham and Isadore Brown formed a soda-bottling business where they produced a cherry-flavored soft drink; the company soon grew to become a Pepsi bottler and distributor, serving the Richmond-Petersburg market area; and
WHEREAS, the end of Prohibition in 1933 allowed the Brown family to add their first beer, the Maryland-brewed "Wolf Beer," to their operation; and
WHEREAS, as a result of their tremendous growth within the beer business, in 1935, the Brown family became the Anheuser-Busch wholesaler for the Richmond-Petersburg market area; and
WHEREAS, that same year, a second generation of the Brown family, Abraham Brown's son, Jacob, joined the business; and
WHEREAS, in 1951, Abraham and Jacob Brown formed Brown Distributing Company in Richmond to manage the beer side of the business; and
WHEREAS, in 1969, the Brown family sold its Pepsi operation in order to focus on its beer distribution; during this period, a third generation of the family, Jacob Brown's son, Larry, was instrumental in expanding their business when they acquired an Anheuser-Busch franchise in Petersburg in the footprint of the family's original Pepsi bottling operation; and
WHEREAS, in 1999 and 2006 respectively, a fourth generation of the family, Larry Brown's sons, Jason and Reid, joined the business and began enlarging its scope, adding a non-alcohol portfolio including teas, waters, and juices; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, Brown Distributing Company acquired Legendary Distributing, a Richmond start-up craft distribution company, which allowed the Brown family to start selling a variety of local and regional craft beers; and
WHEREAS, after 100 years in business, the Brown family now distributes more than 700 brands of beer and other beverages, operates a fleet of more than 115 vehicles, and employs more than 550 individuals; and
WHEREAS, the Brown family makes significant investments in alcohol awareness and education programs, as well as designated driver programs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Brown family for its 100 years of success in the beverage industry; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Brown family as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the longevity of their business and their commitment to the community.
