CONCORD — Over the past two months, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission has been recognized nationally and locally for excellence in business, support for women in the wine industry and its long-standing commitment to community.
The commission was featured in Forbes — a widely read source for business executives in the country — for its efforts to emphasize the positive impact of women in the wine industry during its annual New Hampshire Wine Week.The commission brought together trailblazing female winemakers and winery owners to share their experiences in the wine industry with a sold-out audience.
Forbes also highlightedThe commission’s own “woman of wine,” Nicole Brassard Jordan, the first female director of marketing, merchandising, warehousing and sales for the commission, detailing her strategy for achieving work-life balance in the wine and spirits industry.
In addition, Brassard Jordan was recently recognized as one of NH Business Review’s 2018 Outstanding Women in Business and joined industry leaders from across the globe to speak at the Women of the Vine & Spirits 2018 Global Symposium.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities provided to me throughout my career, and I’m proud of the contributions I have been able to make to NHLC,” Brassard Jordan said. “The recognition I have received recently is truly validation for all 1,400 NHLC employees and the work that we do.”
Given New Hampshire’s reputation for innovation and sales success — which has been highlighted by the New York Times, Washington Post, Food & Wine and StateWays Magazine, among others — Brassard Jordan was invited to speak at the Women of the Vine & Spirits 2018 Global Symposium in Napa, California. In its fourth year, the annual event is recognized as the most sought-after, world-class symposium in the industry. Brassard Jordan, alongside noted leaders from all areas of the wine and spirits industry, delivered a presentation about the nuances of the 17 states that control the sale and distribution of alcohol and the benefits of doing business with the liquor commission.
In February, Brassard Jordan was honored by NH Business Review as a 2018 Outstanding Women in Business Award recipient. Alongside five other businesswomen from around the state in varying industries, She was recognized for her 29-year career with the commission, her efforts to empower women in the workplace and her commitment to family and community. She was also commended for being instrumental in establishing a number of annual events, such as New Hampshire Wine Week and the Winter Wine Spectacular to benefit Easterseals New Hampshire. Over the past 15 years, the Winter Wine Spectacular has raised more than $2 million for Easterseals New Hampshire. Colleagues, friends and family nominated Brassard Jordan for the 2018 Outstanding Women in Business Award by way of letters.
“By working with Nicole or interacting with her in the field, most people wouldn’t pick up on the magnitude of the position she holds. NHLC is a $700 million business, with 79 retail locations and 4,000 licensees — and we invite 11 million customers into our New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlets each year,” said commission Chairman Joseph Mollica. “Nicole has been instrumental in NHLC’s overall success and her impact in the industry is most evident in the growth and success of New Hampshire Wine Week. She created the event 13 years ago and now attracts the biggest names in the wine world, putting New Hampshire on the map nationally. She has earned the respect of wine producers from across the country and around the globe who choose to do business with New Hampshire in large part because of Nicole.”
Michael Mondavi, founder of Folio Fine Wine Partners, and known in the industry as “the godfather of California wine,” noted in his nomination that through her style and vision, Brassard Jordan “has been able to excel in what was a male-dominated industry.”
Lisa Gosselin, Wine Marketing Specialist for the commission, credits Brassard Jordan for showing her that, “despite the lack of women in this profession, women are just as strong as men and that by working side by side with our male colleagues, we can accomplish anything.”
“As the CEO of a leading wine importing firm and winery in Italy, I am honored to have Nicole as a leader in our industry,”Cristina Mariani-May, CEO of Banfi Vintners, stated. “As another woman leader, she is a tremendous role model for all women around the world.”
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