Glen Garioch celebrates its reinstated malt floors and direct-fire still
One of the oldest operational distilleries in Scotland returns to traditional production processes and reduces its carbon footprint
The Oldmeldrum Distillery is welcoming the public back by inviting them to ‘Bottle Your Own’ cask experience, with the launch of the 1991 Bourbon Single Cask

Tuesday 22nd March 2022, Glen Garioch’s famous Oldmeldrum distillery announces its re-opening to the public for the first time in two years, following a £6 million investment by owner Beam Suntory to fully renovate the distillery, returning to traditional processes and reducing its carbon footprint. The reopening will toast to reinstated malt floors and direct-fire still.

Visitors can see the behind the scenes of this renovation, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of the distillery. Alongside this, Glen Garioch is launching a 1991 Bourbon Single Cask, from which visitors can bottle their own whisky straight from the cask in one of the distillery’s historic warehouses. 

The significant investment in Glen Garioch has successfully fulfilled its ambition to restore and upgrade one of oldest operating distilleries in Scotland, returning to its roots to further enhance the quality and complexity of its legendary small batch, hand-crafted Highland single malt, honouring its 225 years of heritage. 

The renovation has involved the reintroduction of floor maltings as well as the installation of direct-fired heating to the wash still – traditional methods still used by only a handful of distilleries to enhance the quality and complexity of their whiskies. To complement this return to tradition, Glen Garioch has developed a state-of-the-art, highly efficient and safe method for direct-fired distillation, which is expected to reduce the distillery’s carbon footprint by around 15%. 

Kwanele Mdluli, Distillery Manager of Glen Garioch, commented: “It’s been amazing to re-open the distillery up to the public after all this time, and especially to show them all the work that has been done so far to reinstate our traditional processes and drive towards our vision of a more sustainable future. It’s truly an exciting and milestone moment for Glen Garioch as we open this new chapter in our history and invite others to share a dram of our iconic whisky.”  

Glen Garioch 1991 Bourbon Single Cask | 46.4% ABV 

NOSE – Sweet nutty with notes of dried fruits, white peach and oak spices, gorse flowers and subtle smoke.

PALATE – Heather honey with vanilla cream, salted toffee and a hint of roasted walnuts, malty notes of shortbread and oak spice.

FINISH – Sweet finish with oak spices with a drying mouthfeel.

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden, Knob Creek and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.  
 
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

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Media Contact
For global market enquiries please contact bsi@hopeandglorypr.com 
 

Paying Homage to Maker's 46, Spiceology's Spice Blend Flight Amplifies Family Classics That Have Been Passed Down From Generation to Generation

SPOKANE, Wash., April 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Spiceology, Inc., the fastest-growing spice company in America, today announced a partnership with Maker's Mark and debuted a custom four-pack spice blend which takes America's most beloved family dishes to the next level. Bill Samuels, Jr. – son of the founders of Maker's Mark – went on a similar journey when he reimagined his family legacy recipe with the creation of Maker's Mark 46 bourbon. This inspired the two flavor-forward brands to identify America's favorite passed-down generational recipes and transform them into spice blends that would offer a new twist on family classics.

To select which family recipes Spiceology and Maker's Mark would bring to life, the two brands collected data from a commissioned survey conducted by market research company OnePoll. In addition to the generational Maker's 46 recipe, the inspiration behind this special spice collection, the survey also revealed three other beloved family recipes, including: fried chicken, meatballs and potato salad.

Last month, the Maker's Mark Distillery unveiled a new look for Maker's 46 that highlights the brand's handmade values and better tells the story of the beloved and distinguished liquid fans have come to know and love. The relaunch puts the uniqueness of the liquid on full display, differentiating itself with the proprietary French oaked process that gives Maker's 46 its characteristic layers of multi-faceted flavor. The brand's focus on flavor and legacy as a family-operated company makes this partnership with Spiceology a natural progression and an exciting opportunity for consumers to taste unique flavor profiles within each carefully developed blend.

"Maker's 46 is, itself, an elevated take on a classic family recipe," said Rob Samuels, Eighth Generation Whisky Maker & Managing Director. "My dad, Bill Samuels, Jr., successfully amplified the flavors of the original Maker's Mark recipe in 2010 with the creation of Maker's 46. In the same spirit, we partnered with Spiceology to see how we could do the same with other family classics - we believe we've done just that."

As part of the Maker's Mark 46 Family Recipes, Reimagined Spice Blend Flight, consumers will enjoy:

• Bill's Recipe #46 Bourbon-Inspired Spice Blend: Inspired by the innovation and layers of flavor Maker's Mark 46® is known for, this versatile all-purpose blend is a complex combination of spicy, smoky, and earthy-sweet ingredients with evocative flavor notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice on spice. Try it on beef, pork, chicken, roasted vegetables, rice, potatoes, soups, in compound butter, and more.  
• Fried & True Umami Chicken Blend: Whoever said chicken is boring hasn't tasted the garlic, paprika, mustard, chipotle, maple, honey, and more in a blend that honors an American favorite: fried chicken. With savory sweet-heat flavor notes, this versatile blend is more than just a chicken seasoning. Try it on your favorite protein, eggs, veggies like squash and greens, and on popcorn and fries. 
• Mom's Meatballs Sweet & Sour Blend: It's time for meatballs to have their moment, and we're bringing more flavor to the table with lemongrass, rice vinegar, tamari, pineapple, chili flake, and more. This versatile sweet and sour blend pairs perfectly with chicken, pork, tofu, shrimp, white fish, soups, salads, rice, dressings and marinades, stir fry, grilled and sauteed veggies, and more. 
• Everything Potato Herbaceous Blend: Move over mayo-drenched traditional tater salad, and meet your new favorite (everything) potato blend with garlic, green bell pepper, lemon, and more. This ultra-versatile and herbaceous blend is zesty and savory and goes great in dips, marinades, dressings, and compound butter, and on seafood, chicken, tofu, roasted veggies, rice, pasta, chips, fancy toast and of course, next-level potato salad.

"I've always enjoyed the idea of adding a new twist to a classic," said Chef Tony Reed, Senior Director of Innovation and Partnerships at Spiceology. "Once we learned more about the history of Maker's Mark 46 and the importance of amplifying those original whisky flavors, we saw an instant parallel to what we do at Spiceology. We're thrilled with what we've created with Maker's Mark and look forward to seeing consumers build on their own, or create new, favorite family recipes using these incredibly special blends."

The Maker's Mark 46 Collection is available for pre-order beginning April 6, 2022. Individual spice blends retail for $14.95 and the box set for $29.95. For more information, visit Spiceology.com/Makers46.

About Spiceology
Founded in 2013, Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in America and is on a mission to bring the magic back to spices, the world's first currency. The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped fresh to consumers and chefs. Spiceology's "experiment with flavor" ethos is not only embraced through excellent ingredients and unique combinations, but also through responsible business practices designed to create a better world with diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of the workforce. Spiceology products can be found on spiceology.com, in specialty retailers and grocers, in restaurants around the US, and as far away as Australia and Dubai. Visit spiceology.com for more information or to place an order,or follow Spiceology on Facebook and Instagram. For recipe inspiration, visit here.

About Maker's Mark® Bourbon
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a "commodity" into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker's Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way. That time-tested approach seems to still be working just fine 60+ years later, as Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded a Double Gold medal at the esteemed San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2021. In recent years, Maker's Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker's Mark 46, Maker's Mark Cask Strength and Maker's Mark Private Selection, the brand's first-ever custom barrel program. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker's Mark 46® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky Barrel Finished with 10 French Oak Staves, 47% Alc./Vol. ©2022 Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.

“I’ve been to 56 countries, taken sailing lessons, and been cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa - definitely the wildest thing I have ever done. I have a passion and curiosity for experiencing new things, which I think comes from how I grew up. I was born in Spain, where my family is from, but moved abroad when I was two years old due to my father’s job. I moved around a lot and spent my childhood growing up across North and South America and Europe. I regularly had to adapt to new surroundings and was exposed to many different cultures and backgrounds. This is, in part, why I became so involved with SALUD [Beam Suntory’s Hispanic & Latinx Employee Impact Group] - because I’m both Hispanic in the sense that I come from Spain, and Latina in the sense that I grew up in Latin America.

Back in March 2021, the Hornitos® Tequila Marketing team was running an internal contest to help employees make their Shot Worth Taking happen. I filled out the survey saying that I’d ‘mastered’ water and land through surfing lessons and running a half marathon, but wanted to experience the air by learning to fly a plane next. My application was selected, and a few months later, I had my first lesson. It was a very cool experience, flying over Chicago and looking down to see the lakeshore, my neighborhood and the downtown area. You can feel every little bump while you’re up there… I was a bit nauseous at first! My parents were definitely relieved when I wrapped up my first flight safely. They are always a little nervous when I start brewing up my next adventure, but I always tell them: If you didn’t want me to seek out new adventures, you shouldn’t have had me traveling since I was two years old!

I’m a bit of a free spirit, even in my professional journey. While I do think through decisions carefully like most folks, I try not to let fear or uncertainty stop me from taking a leap. I’m fortunate that Beam Suntory encourages me to continue forging my own path and to take risks, and I’m excited for my current adventure in the Jim Beam® Global Brand House. Jim Beam® is all about community and creating experiences and moments that matter, which couldn’t be more important today. It’s an honor to be one of many behind this global icon, and to be charged with helping to use its platform to connect and lift up people.”

- Reme Fernandez, Associate Brand Manager, Jim Beam® Global

Beam Suntory is proud to join the How2Recycle® label program to assess the recyclability of its packaging in the United States and Canada. The company will use its smart label system to clearly communicate transparent recycling instructions on-pack, empowering consumers to take proper action when recycling or disposing of their brands’ various packaging elements. 
 
“It’s a priority of ours to minimize our portfolio’s impact on the environment across each brand’s packaging life cycle. Addressing the recyclability of our portfolio is just one of the ways we can do that,” said Kim Marotta, Vice President - Global Head of Environmental Sustainability. “Working with How2Recycle, we’re able to take a two-prong approach that accounts for both the business and societal implications when it comes to recycling. Recycling requirements and programs vary across countries and localities, and it can be difficult for a business to navigate and even more confusing for a consumer. By using How2Recycle labels, it will be easier for consumers to decipher what components of our brands’ packaging can be recycled – and what can’t, so together, we can reduce the amount reaching the landfill and our environmental footprint.” 

This partnership supports the company’s ambitious, long-term packaging goals as part of its $1 billion Proof Positive sustainability strategy. The company aims to achieve 40 percent recycled materials by weight across its packaging portfolio and use 100 percent recyclable packaging by 2030. 

After going through the How2Recycle program’s standardized assessment, each Beam Suntory brand will be classified as either Widely Recyclable, Sometimes Recyclable/Check Locally, Not Yet Recyclable, or Store Drop-off recyclable, and Beam Suntory will leverage available insights to inform ongoing design improvements. As defined by How2Recycle, packaging is only deemed recyclable if it can be collected, sorted, reprocessed, and ultimately reused in manufacturing or making another item. Brand members can then add How2Recycle label(s) to packaging to communicate the recyclability of each main packaging component, clearly and transparently.

“We are proud to be among the first beverage alcohol companies to take this step with How2Recycle,” said Kim Marotta. “We see it as an important milestone in our sustainable packaging journey and proud to share it with our community.” 
 

 

"This is great news for the hard working men and women who produce Bourbon whiskey and for consumers in the UK. Tariff-free spirits trade benefited trading partners on both sides of the Atlantic for more than two decades prior to the imposition of the retaliatory tariffs, so the removal of these tariffs will enable Bourbon to resume a great American export success story. Beam Suntory appreciates the efforts of the Biden Administration, all in Congress who advocated for this outcome, and their counterparts in the UK who championed this agreement."

With Industry-Leading Environmental and Community Focused Efforts,
Iconic Kentucky Bourbon Joins a Growing Global Movement of Companies Using Business for Good

LORETTO, KY (January 26, 2022) – Maker’s Mark has earned B Corporation Certification, making it the largest distillery in the world and the first in Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Country to achieve the distinction, which recognizes companies working to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The B Corp Certification affirms years of industry-leading efforts by Maker’s Mark intended to benefit the greater good and signals a major milestone on the brand’s environmentally conscious mission to “Make Your Mark. Leave No Trace” – now and for the future.

“Since 1953, my grandparents instilled a sense of responsibility here at Maker’s Mark that started with the way we make our bourbon and extended to the way we impact the lives of our teams, our customers, our communities and our shared environment,” said Rob Samuels, 8th Generation Whisky Maker and Grandson of the Founders at Maker’s Mark. “That commitment to a higher purpose continues to live on, both here in Kentucky and beyond. I am so proud of our team’s tireless efforts that have earned us B Corp certification, and I’m even more excited to continue pioneering social and environmental initiatives that benefit the future of bourbon and greater good for all.”

Maker’s Mark achieved B Corp Certification by meeting and exceeding rigorous benchmarks across five categories of the B Impact Assessment: Community, Customers, Environment, Governance and Workers. Key efforts recognized as part of the scoring and certification include the following: 

• Maker’s Mark is a spirits industry leader in its environmental practices, implementing innovative programs at its property on Star Hill Farm to preserve the natural resources that go into making its whisky and better the world around it. Initiatives include a distillery-wide zero landfill initiative; an onsite recycling program that is the first in Marion County, Ky. and open to community members;       the establishment of a natural water sanctuary protecting the watershed at Star Hill Farm; and the implementation of a solar array that powers the extensive Maker’s Mark warehouse complex.
• The bourbon producer is renowned for its community and philanthropic efforts, having invested millions of dollars in the hospitality industry, local Kentucky causes and the arts since its founding more than 65 years ago. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has acted as a principal partner to The LEE Initiative, which aims to address issues of equality and diversity in the restaurant industry.  During the COVID-19 global pandemic, Maker’s Mark and The LEE Initiative have worked together to feed more than 1.5 million hospitality workers in cities across the United States.
• Maker’s Mark has earned a decades-long reputation as an employer with workplace opportunities that exceed the industry standard. The company offers generous benefits and compensation, including the highest wages in its community; opportunities for advancement, job training and tuition assistance for employees; and six months paid maternity leave.

B Corp Certification is just one step Maker’s Mark is taking to “Make Your Mark. Leave No Trace,” as part of its long-term environmentally-focused mission which couples bold, regenerative actions with comprehensive efforts to leave nothing harmful behind. Beyond the initiatives assessed as part of B Corp Certification, Maker’s Mark has introduced several innovative efforts to create a more sustainable future for the spirits industry, including the establishment of the world’s largest repository of American White Oak trees for research purposes; a first-of-its-kind genome mapping project of the American White Oak species; and regenerative farming practices to enrich soil for more robust and flavorful varieties of grain.

Maker’s Mark joins more than 4,000 Certified B Corporations around the world – including Patagonia, Allbirds, Burton Snowboards and Sipsmith® Gin – that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. Aspiring to use the power of business to address social and environmental issues, B Corps become certified through rigorous verification by B Lab and undergo verification every three years. The Certification is designed to help consumers identify companies with a mission that align with their values. 

For more information about Maker’s Mark and its efforts for good, visit www.MakersMark.com.
For more information about B Corp visit www.Bcorporation.net. 

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Media Contacts:
Maker’s Mark // EVINS Communications: Drew Tybus
Email: Drew.Tybus@evins.com
Phone: 212-377-3597

About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a "commodity" into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker's Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way. That time-tested approach seems to still be working just fine 60+ years later, as Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded a Double Gold medal at the esteemed San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2021. In recent years, Maker's Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker's Mark 46, Maker's Mark Cask Strength and Maker's Mark Private Selection, the brand's first-ever custom barrel program. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

About B Corporation
Certified B Corporations meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, legally expand their corporate responsibilities to include consideration of stakeholder interests and build collective voice through the power of the unifying B Corporation brand. There are more than 4,000 certified B Corporations from over 150 industries and over 75 countries, representing a diverse multi-billion-dollar marketplace with 1 unifying goal.

About B Lab 
B Lab is transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates standards, policies, tools, and programs for business, and we certify companies—known as B Corps—who are leading the way. To date, our community includes 280,000 workers in over 4,000 B Corps across 77 countries and 153 industries, and more than 150,000 companies manage. To learn, visit www.bcorporation.net.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY.  PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker's Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2022 Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.

March 08, 2022 - Beam Suntory has suspended shipments to Russia. The company, together with the broader Suntory Group, has committed $600,000 to international charities working to address the humanitarian crisis. Beam Suntory will additionally match all employee donations.

 

 

 

New role will advance Beam Suntory’s vision of creating a global brand led organization that is putting its brands at the heart of the business.

CHICAGO and LONDON, February 28, 2022 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has named Jerry Daykin Vice President – Global Media. In this role, Daykin will advance the transformation of Beam Suntory’s media strategy to deliver on its premiumization and growth ambitions by further elevating the company’s brands onto a global stage to receive the iconic status that they deserve. 

Daykin’s hire will help enable Beam Suntory’s premiumization journey. Driven by a unique value-creation model, the work begins with consumer centricity, relies on incredible quality and superior storytelling, key to Daykin’s role, and ends with executional excellence across consumer touchpoints. This superior storytelling is made possible by a culture that is empowering its people to unlock the histories of the company’s premium brands, which are deeply authentic and personal, to fuel more powerful global consumer engagement and build the future of Beam Suntory. 

Based in London, Daykin will advance Beam Suntory’s global digital transformation with a media playbook that equates Beam Suntory with a premium house of brands, and leverages their ability to captivate consumers on a global scale. He will be supported by a team of digital and media leaders who represent new talent to the business, reflective of Beam Suntory’s mission to hire the brightest, most passionate and deeply human and empathetic leaders who are central to realizing its vision of putting its brands at the heart of the business.

“Jerry is an excellent example of how we are enabling transformative leadership through an organizational structure that unleashes creativity and limitless possibilities for human connection and growth,” said Jessica Spence, President of Brands. “Recognized as a global leader with a track record of driving brand growth through digital media transformation, Jerry shares our fundamental belief in the business model that brands create value. As we shake things up to unleash the full potential of our brands, Jerry will help to further evolve our global media capabilities and partnerships by putting our brands at the heart of the business and bringing their incredible legacies into the future.”

Daykin’s breadth of experience encompasses leading global media strategy and partnerships for Diageo where he pioneered the company’s ‘Trusted Marketplace,’ an approach that increases the quality and impact of a brand’s media, as well as co-developed its ‘Future Media Model.’ Most recently he led digital media transformation for GSK Consumer Healthcare across more than 50 EMEA markets, and served as the global co-lead of GSK’s #RepresentationMatters initiative to drive more diverse and inclusive marketing. 

A strong believer in the impact that media and marketing can have on society, Daykin co-chairs the World Federation of Advertisers’ (WFA) Diversity Task Force where he is helping to steer the industry’s efforts to improve diversity and inclusion and mitigate bias across the creative process. In addition, he is writing a book on inclusive marketing that is scheduled to publish in October 2022. A passionate advocate for increasing diversity, representation and inclusion within media and marketing, Daykin will lead by example by instilling in his teams that each person has access to a blank canvas and the unique opportunity to play a role in designing a deeply human experience that has yet to be consumed by today’s global market.

"I'm thrilled to be joining a business so determined to accelerate its global digital media transformation, with premium brands that have a right to win, and working back in a category I love,” said Daykin. “Media has the potential to be a growth driving competitive advantage, with a socially conscious presence that funds a positive content landscape around it, and we'll be building a team to scale that globally. The Beam Suntory experience is deeply human, and we will translate that into real life experiences for consumers across each and every brand.”

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails. 

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. 

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© 2022 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654
 

“I grew up on the South Side of Chicago. I saw a lot of people in my community either not trusting doctors or being misinformed about healthcare. In undergrad, one of my projects in a public health class was asking students at a predominantly white institution (PWI) and a historically Black college (HBCU) the first word or phrase they thought of around a specific health issue. Students at the PWI focused more on hope and understanding. Whereas students at the HBCU pointed more to fear, hopelessness, and inequity. There was a clear disparity. That’s how I developed a passion to help increase the health literacy of people in underserved communities. It’s what led me to pursue a career in communications and get a Master’s in Health Communications. After graduating, I put on a health fair, called The Art of Health, in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. It was sponsored and funded by a Chicago non-profit who also provided me with a few trainings. The experience left an imprint on me, in more ways than one. 

One of the things I’ve come to understand is information is power. And access to it can empower people, give them important tools, and sometimes, help solve critical issues. But it’s important that the information is communicated clearly, in a way that people feel connected to the message and know how to act. 

At Beam Suntory, I’m constantly challenging myself to consider the message receiver – we have people around the world. Whether it’s to sign up for health benefits or set career goals, I like to find creative ways to communicate and engage employees to act. I like the variety and the challenge. It's not just writing emails or, you know, creating PowerPoints. It's strategizing the best way to roll out important information. And what’s great is I’m comfortable sharing new ideas and have a decent amount of autonomy to test them out, which is something I've never had before.

As part of the Beam Suntory’s Together for Good, I led one of our volunteer events at a local food pantry. We were sorting and packing food like a well-oiled machine. It was surprisingly fun! What I realized through the experience is while I’m no longer in the healthcare industry, I can still have a positive impact. It reignited my drive to get back to my community and serve those in need – and I can do it in the way I want.”

- Jamal Spraggins, Corporate Communications Specialist & Co-Creator of People of Beam Suntory, USA

Beam Suntory’s Black Employee Impact Group, BOLD, recently hosted a discussion about racial equity with Nikki R. Lanier, J.D., CEO of Harper Slade Racial Equity Advisory, and Mercedes Hill, Associate General Counsel and Executive Sponsor of BOLD. 
 
Nikki shared her perspective on the relationship between race, economics and the workplace, and how understanding and advancing racial equity can ensure improved outcomes for everyone:
 
"We have to find a way to activate, in a fulsome way, the contributions of Black and Brown Americans as an economic imperative. There's an urgency now that, in my view, requires an equity lens... to determine what has happened to this particular group of people that continues to, as a matter of structure and as a matter of policy and has nothing to do with individual choice... usurp and thwart and diminish the full activation of the American dream such that we can now assure there is at least a level playing field for contributions to the overall macroeconomic wellbeing of this country."