New Orleans, Louisiana, July 7, 2020 — Republic National Distributing Company, a world-class distributor of fine wines and spirits in North America, announced today its measures and initiatives to address racial injustice and inequality head-on.
President and CEO, Tom Cole stated, “Previously I voiced my sentiments on the racial discrimination that has plagued black and brown communities for decades and committed to help foster sustainable long-term social change. Today, as promised, I am sharing our most-immediate initiatives. By implementing these measures, we will make a positive difference for our company and with the communities in which we live and serve.”
Investing in Social Justice
The RNDC Foundation donated $250,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) matching with our supplier partner, Pernod-Ricard. In addition, we made a $250,000 donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) Earl Warren Scholarship Fund. Both are respected organizations that champion equality and equity.
Anti-Racism Education
We have launched the RNDC Inclusion & Diversity Anti-Racism Resources Microsite on the Company’s intranet site to provide easy access of information for our associates.
Listening to Our Associates Voice
Over the next few months, we will:
- Launch a Black Leadership Advisory Council and develop locally-based Black-focused Associate Resources Groups (ARGs).
- Introduce the Spirit to Speak Series to provide a safe space for sharing personal experiences and learning from one another.
Celebrating Black Pioneers of the Alcohol Industry
We plan to showcase African Americans and their contributions to the liquor industry. Our Spirited Short Stories will also become part of our new hire onboarding.
Our Local Commitment to Racial Equality
While our current enterprise-wide social responsibility initiatives will continue, we are making additional commitments at the state level by:
- Supporting Black communities through RNDC Foundation donations and volunteer efforts with non-profits that benefit the Black community in areas of social and racial equality
- In 2021, launching a local Mentor Program for Black associates interested in a long-term career with the company.
- Making our Managing Unconscious Bias Education Workshop, in its fourth year at RNDC, available for all associates.
“These immediate initiatives are the first step in our journey to eliminate racial injustice,” said Cole. “Each of us – all of us – have to be accountable to making a positive difference that results in a more inclusive culture and society.“
About Republic National Distributing Company
RNDC, a world-class distributor of fine wines and spirits in North America, has operations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Young’s Market Company, a partner of RNDC, distributes wines, spirits, and select beverages in the western United States including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Visit www.RNDC-USA.com or www.
About the Equal Justice Initiative
The EJI is a human rights non-profit organization committed to challenging racial and economic injustice and ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States.
About the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund is a scholarship program established in 1940. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education the LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.
