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October 2009

Board Member Highlight

With the intent of unveiling areas that show us Board members' passion and unique background in the tourism industry, the Board Member Highlight is designed to better familiarize members with the personalities and opinions of key leaders. This month, we are pleased to feature Tracy Uffelman, Vice President of Legislative & Community Relations at Alliance Beverage Distributing Company LLC. 

Tracy has a 39-year history serving in the beverage and hospitality industry. Tracy grew up in Elk Grove, California and attended Sacramento City College. He has worked for a number of regional and national suppliers.

Tracy started his career in Phoenix at Key Wine and Spirits, which was owned by the Pierce Family at that time. Later he ran the Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada markets for Almaden Vineyards eventually ending his career at Almaden as National Sales Manager for the Charles LeFranc Import Division. When Almaden was sold he accepted the job as Vice President of Sauza Tequila managing North America and Europe.  Tracy worked for William Grant and Sons running the Western U.S. 

In 1991 Tracy moved back to Arizona and began his career with Arizona Beverage, which is now Alliance Beverage Distributing Company LLC. He has found his true passion at Alliance Beverage as Vice President of Legislative and Community Relations. His position has given him the opportunity to give back to an industry that has given him so much. Tracy has been married to his wife for 42 years this past July 29 and together they have three children and seven grandchildren.

 Tracy enjoys the outdoors and is an avid fisherman, bird hunter and golfer. He and Donna enjoy traveling around America especially in wine country.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be working in the industry you are in now?

A: After my first week on the job here in Arizona. I loved the activity and products (wine) I was learning about.

Q: Who has had the most influence on your life?

A: That's easy --- Jesus Christ my Savior!

Q: What would you like to be known as your legacy?

A: That I was a person who raised a great family and treated people fairly.

Q:  How does your company contribute to the tourism industry in the State of Arizona?     

A: As a wholesaler we supply great products that make people's visit to Arizona memorable. We operate in an ethical manner and work tirelessly to give back to the industry by our support for or against political issues that either positively or negatively affect our business. You can no longer sit on the side lines and hope someone else saves the day.

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