Engaged Community Partners Represent Diverse Interests and Viewpoints

KOKOMO, Ind., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hoosiers who want the facts about Indiana's alcohol policies are invited to join the community coalition building efforts of Project RAD, a statewide initiative emphasizing responsible alcohol distribution in the state.

Project RAD's newly revised Web site launched today in Kokomo, where a dozen community partners are part of the locally based North Central Indiana Community group. The North Central Indiana group includes a dozen local elected and civic leaders, law enforcement officials, pastors and business executives.

Project RAD's other state and community partners include the Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking, the Drug-Free Coalition of Tippecanoe County and CHANCES for Indiana Youth in Vigo County. More are expected to join as Project RAD expands and grows its community partner base across the state.

Project RAD was established in 2002 by the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers (IABR) at a time when the state's responsible alcohol distribution and sales policies came under assault in the Indiana Legislature. That assault continues today with a push for Sunday sales in new retail outlets across the state, including gas stations, groceries, convenience stores, and big box chains.

"With a legislative study committee recently recommending against expanded alcohol sales on Sunday, we feel the time is right to educate Hoosiers about Indiana's sound public policies and reinforce how responsible retailers actually do their jobs," said Kyle Rayl, immediate past board chairman of IABR, which represents the interests of 1,000 package stores in Indiana.

Project RAD's updated site features a video, called "Six Days a Week," which was shown to lawmakers at a public hearing. The 10-minute video, shot at an Indiana package store, features candid conversations with owners, employees and customers.

Other Web site features include:

    --  A form for potential community partners to seek assistance with public
        service announcements or community campaigns
    --  A sign-up form for newsletters on upcoming debates about alcohol
        policies
    --  A contact form to reach elected officials on the state and Congressional
        level
    --  A contact list to reach newspapers across the state of Indiana
    --  A blog that allows updated posts and two-way conversations on
        alcohol-related policies across the nation

    --  A link to a national essay contest with a $5,000 prize on the topic:
        "Why state regulation is important..."

"The Web site is not only a place for Hoosiers to receive updated alerts on legislative action, but also provides a place for community leaders to build their own partnerships and spread the word about an industry that is strictly regulated by the state of Indiana," Rayl said. "We will be reaching a wide online audience with current and accurate information about our industry."

Rayl, co-owner of Soupley's Wine & Spirits, also owns 10 package stores in Howard County and has been in business 21 years. Community partners who joined Rayl Tuesday in making the Project RAD announcement included Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight, Howard County Sheriff Marshall Talbert and Howard County Commissioner Tyler Moore.

"If legislation is proposed next year to unravel the current protections in place for the sale of alcohol, Indiana voters will now be better prepared to make informed decisions based on this resource," Rayl said. "As more groups join in this effort across the state, we'll make sure everyone is notified about upcoming actions in the Indiana General Assembly."

For more information about the responsible distribution of alcohol in Indiana, visit: www.ProjectRAD.com or www.IndianaAlcoholSales.com.

About the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers (IABR)

The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers is a statewide membership group for package store owners licensed and regulated by the state of Indiana. Founded in 1936, the 73-year-old association's mission is to protect, promote and improve the package store industry in Indiana. The association represents Hoosier businesses with 8,000 employees.

SOURCE Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers