Wolf has been with Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America for 18 years.
“Craig leaves the organization at the peak of its influence and effectiveness and on solid membership, financial and operational footing,” said WSWA Chairman Carmine Martignetti, President of Massachusetts-based Martignetti Cos.
It would be tough to top WSWA’s success in last year’s tax reform package, as WSWA was successful in its decade-long effort to protect tax provisions important to wholesalers and support tax relief for family-owned businesses.
The WSWA-Political Action Committee grew to more than $1million a year from $341,000 per year when Wolf took over, backing candidates in both parties who support issues important to wholesalers. During that same time, the organization’s staff grew to 23 and an $11 million annual budget from 12 staff members and a $6 million budget.
Even as major suppliers pushed for consolidation of wholesalers, WSWA’s membership ranks have expanded to include small and mid-size wholesalers, and its suite of member services have grown considerably during Wolf’s term—as has the success and market impact of the WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition, which has experienced seven straight years of growth.
Under Wolf’s leadership, the organization built WSWA’s State Law Database, an industry-leading research tool used by wholesalers, suppliers, associations and attorneys nationwide—a first of its kind product.
Wolf was also an advocate for expansion of the WSWA Council for Leadership Development and founded the Women’s Leadership Council to bolster the ranks of future industry leaders. Wolf created the WSWA Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships to children of wholesaler employees. And, he continued WSWA’s of social responsibility, including strict enforcement of anti-underage and anti-DUI, as well as drugged driving enforcement laws and policies.
WSWA’s Executive Committee has begun a nationwide search for Wolf’s successor.