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Kentucky Distillers’ Association hires government exec
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) has appointed Jack Mazurak as director of governmental and regulatory affairs.
Mazurak joins the trade group from US government agency the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, where he spent more than six years as director and executive director of its office of marketing and public affairs.
KDA president Eric Gregory said: “Jack knows that Bourbon is more than just a drink – it’s jobs, investment, tourism and more. He has a strong track record of working with industries and government to improve the vibrancy of our Commonwealth and our communities.
“He is driven, determined and passionate about our industry’s growth and success, and his communications experience will be vital in carrying that message to elected officials and opinion leaders. We are proud to welcome him to our talented team of successful advocates.”
A native of upstate New York, Mazurak received a bachelor’s degree in journalism/mass communication from St Bonaventure University and a master’s in journalism from Quinnipiac University.
Mazurak added: “In working with the distilling industry the past six years, I’ve seen first-hand how Bourbon creates jobs, draws tourists from across the world, generates new tax revenue and builds more dynamic communities.
“I’m grateful to the KDA – its board, member companies and staff – for this opportunity. I look forward to working with elected officials at all levels of government to further develop spirits industry growth and ensure Kentucky’s rightful title as the one, true home of Bourbon.”
The KDA is calling for an end to ‘discriminatory’ taxes on barrels, which have rocketed by 140% over the last decade. Kentucky distillers pay about US$2 billion annually to the government in taxes, the KDA said.
The industry achieved a new record in 2020 for the number of Kentucky Bourbon barrels filled in a single year – nearly 2.5m. Kentucky Bourbon production has soared by 436% since 1999, the KDA found.
Last month, the KDA co-hosted a charity auction that raised more than US$3 million to help communities affected by the tornado outbreak in Kentucky.