Hello Spring

The March equinox happened on Tuesday, March 19, at 5:24 A.M. EDT. In the Northern Hemisphere, this date marks the start of the spring season.

Happy Purim

Purim is celebrated this Saturday starting on March 23. We hope everyone has a happy Purim.

Read more about Purim in our DEI section.

Happy Holi

Holi is celebrated this coming Monday on March 25. We hope everyone has a colorful and happy Holi.

Read more about Holi in our DEI section.

Mentorship Program

We are excited to announce the 6th year of Martignetti Companies Mentorship Program. This 6 month program will run through September with a Kick Off Meeting being held March 21st and includes participants from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. We are pleased to share that we will have 120 participants which is over double the number of participants from last year! 

The program vision: "A companywide effort to collaborate and unlock the power and potential of individuals through job enrichment, skill development and connectedness, ensuring the future success." 

Some of the objectives of the Mentorship Program are to identify and develop talent, motivate, facilitate networking, and increase job satisfaction.

According to a survey by Moving-Ahead, "87% of mentors and mentees agree that their mentoring connections provide them a feeling of empowerment and help them grow a stronger sense of self."

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

Join a Financial Workshop

Wherever you are in your life, whatever your priorities, Bank of America wants to help you pursue your financial goals. Join them for these informative events.

Click HERE for a all upcoming events.

We invite you to join Morgan Stanley at Work’s Webinar Wednesday series. Financial education can help you make the most of your equity compensation plan and play a vital role in building a better future.

To learn more and register click HERE

Congratulations!

Please join us in congratulating these well deserved promotions!

Dylan Leonard

From: Merchandiser, Volume Supply

Promoted to: Merchandiser, Century, MA

Date: 3/11/24

This section is where employees can share updates from home. Here are a few topics that employees might be interested in seeing and sharing.

• Family, Kids, Animals (including names)
• Activities (boating, camping, parks, biking, swimming, hiking, skating, sledding)
• Life Events (weddings, graduations, anniversaries, purchase a new house)
• Outdoors (show off your garden, sunset, landscape)
• Home Renovations (before and after pictures)
• Food and Drink (date night, family night, home cooking, drinks)

If you have something to share please send in pictures for the following categories to thegrapevine@martignetti.com

Spring is HERE!

We are excited about spring! Longer days, gardening, activities, trips, meals and drinks. If you have any pictures from home please send them to thegrapevine@martignetti.com

Purim

The jolly Jewish holiday of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar. Purim 2024 begins on Saturday night, March 23 and continues through Sunday, March 24, (extending through Monday in Jerusalem).

The story of Purim is told in the Jewish Bible Tanakh under The Megillah. The heroes of the story are Esther, a beautiful young Jewish woman living in Persia, and her cousin Mordecai, who raised her as if she were his daughter.

The villain of the story is Haman, an arrogant, egotistical advisor to the king. Haman hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, so Haman plotted to destroy the Jewish people.

Mordecai persuaded Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jewish people. This was a dangerous thing for Esther to do, because anyone who came into the king's presence without being summoned could be put to death, and she had not been summoned. Esther fasted for three days to prepare herself, then went into the king. He welcomed her. Later, she told him of Haman's plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved.

Read more HERE

Holi

At celebrations for the ancient Hindu festival of Holi, you might see bonfires, colorful powders flow through the air, dancing and other festivities. 

The holiday marks the advent of springtime in India, Nepal and communities around the world, and it’s also a time to gather with family and loved ones. These traditions are rooted in Hindu texts and stories honoring devotion to deities, love and more. 

Holi is one of the two main festivals in India related with the religion Hinduism, the other is Diwali, the festival of lights that usually falls in October or November.

The holiday is tied to several stories from Hindu texts.

Read more HERE

Women's History Month

In celebration of Women's History Month this March we are honored to celebrate the many accomplishments of women in history and in our industry. 

Throughout the month of March we will be spotlighting women winemakers, distillers and owners of products we carry in all states. These strong and talented women have years of experience making some of the finest wines and spirits across the globe. We hope that you are inspired by their stories, as much as our customers enjoy drinking their wines and spirits.

WHM Spotlights:

KOVAL Distillery

Meet the trailblazer in craft spirits Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart.

Prior to sharing her passion for craft spirits and opening KOVAL Distillery, one of the largest independent and woman-owned craft distilleries in the US, Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart spent over a decade as a full professor. She gave up tenure in hopes of a different life; one that would afford an opportunity for her to work with her husband, give up commuting, and return to the city she loved: Chicago.

As President of KOVAL, she has spearheaded development, distribution, and marketing, turning her family business into an international presence. In addition to her leadership at KOVAL, Sonat is also involved in a number of philanthropic and public service organizations.



KOVAL Distillery is proud to be a woman-owned distillery and Chicago’s first since the mid-1800s. Cheers to celebrating forward thinking women leaders this month and all year long.

Campo Viejo

Campo Viejo is dedicated to Rioja winemaking and they make their wines to be the most vibrant expression of the grapes they are made from. Using the most advanced techniques available to allow this team, many who are women, to create modern twists on traditional winemaking methods, they are proud to deliver progressive styles of Rioja wines that satisfy today’s discerning palates.

During Women's History Month we are spotlighting these amazing women winemakers:

• Irene Pérez, Senior Winemaker
• Elena Suárez, Winemaker
• Nagore Cobo, Winemaker

Read more about women in wine HERE

Fruitations

Born from her belief that better ingredients make better tasting drinks, Fruitations founder, Allison Goldberg of Massachusetts, crafted a cranberry syrup in her kitchen to meet the requests for soda alternative in the house. Mixed first with club soda, then vodka was next and all of a sudden this drink mixer delivered a restaurant quality vodka-cran!

These days Fruitations Craft Mixers are still made with the same three ingredients: fruit (or root), pure cane and water – that’s it! Their 100% all natural mixers have become a favorite of spirit brand ambassadors and craft bartenders, enhancing their own original and classic cocktail creations.

Lighthouse Gin

Every drop of Lighthouse Gin is handmade by Rachel Hall, New Zealand’s first female Head Distiller, and crafted in small batches using natural spring water from the Remutaka Range’s ancient aquifer.

Rachael Hall is a passionate craftswoman, unaffected by hype and solely focused on crafting a remarkable gin and sharing it with the world. Some refer to Rachel as an “accidental purist” as she is meticulous in the sourcing of Lighthouse’s ingredients. She drives her truck up to source the spring water herself and hand zests the Yen Ben lemons to achieve the hallmark Lighthouse style of clarity and smoothness.

Equal Pay Act Turns 60

What To Know About the Gender Wage Gap as the Equal Pay Act Turns 60 (Article)

New analysis by the Center for American Progress shows that working women have cumulatively lost $61 trillion in wages since 1967.

Read article HERE

What People Miss About the Gender Wage Gap

When there is talk about the gender wage gap, often the statistic heard is, “Women earn 79 cents for every dollar a man makes.” While this is factually correct, it does not encompass the nuances of the wage gap. The answer is in the complexity of this problem. 

Watch video HERE

This Month’s Training Highlight:

Outlook – Recall or Replace a Sent Email

Learn how to recall or replace an email message that you sent. This is helpful if you send a message and realize you made an error or forgot to attach a document.

Click HERE to launch the training.

Employee Awareness Information:

What is PEAK?

PEAK (Paylocity Education and Knowledge) is a resource center that allows employees to search for information and directions to many of Paylocity’s processes and functionalities. 

Users can search for questions like:

• How to update my address 

• Update my direct deposit information

• Assign training

• And more!

Web browser access:

• In the upper right-hand corner of any Paylocity menu, click the “help” button.

• Select “Knowledge Base” and use the “Search” field to locate an article by entering a keyword or phrase.

• Scroll through the page to locate and select an article to view or a video to watch.

Mobile App access:

• From the menu select “Knowledge Base.”

• Use the “Search” field to locate an article by entering keywords.

• Use the “All Topics” dropdown menu to specify a topic for searching.

• Scroll through the page to locate and select an article to view or a video to watch.

We encourage employees to utilize PEAK in partnership with our Ask HR and Ask Payroll Community groups!

View the PDF HERE

80’s Prom at Mechanics Hall

Quality Beverage is the exclusive beer and can cocktail sponsor of the upcoming 80’s Prom at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.

We will have our Bud Light, Mich Ultra and Nutrl brands showcased and available for purchase at the event.

We have some tickets with our sponsorship. Please reach out to Craig Colonero, General Manager & Director of Sales/Marketing, Quality Beverage, MA craig.colonero@qblp.com if interested in attending.

Joke of the Week

Why is the letter A like a flower?

Because a B comes after it!

Raspberri Lime Rickey

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz Absolut Raspberri

• 1 oz Lime Juice

• .5 oz Raspberry Syrup

• 4 oz Club Soda

• Garnish: Sliced Lime and Raspberries

DIRECTIONS:

Add the lime juice, Absolut Raspberri Vodka, and syrup to highball glass and stir. Fill with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with lime slices and fresh raspberries.

Quality Beverage | Root Beer Mint Julep

INGREDIENTS:

• 2.5 oz Sugarlands Shine Root Beer Moonshine

• 1.5 tsp Sugar

• Splash of Seltzer Water

• 10 Mint Leaves

• 1 Mint Sprig

DIRECTIONS:

Place mint leaves at the bottom of the glass and top with sugar. Muddle together and add a splash of seltzer water, fill the glass 3/4 full with crushed ice and add Root Beer Moonshine. Top with another splash of seltzer water. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Featured Job of the Week

Sales Representative,

Carolina Heritage Division, Cape Cod, MA

Responsible for all sales activities and goal attainment in assigned accounts, developing business relationships with assigned customers, manage and execute all marketing and merchandising activities. A Sales Representative is a business manager and coordinator for company activities for their respective accounts.

Click HERE to Apply!

2024 Sales Certification Program

We kicked off our 2024 Sales Certification Program the last week of January and we’re almost finished with the classroom learning portion. This formal training program teaches key selling skills and sales technology proficiency through classroom sessions, interactive coursework and group exercises. Twenty-six participants are working toward their Merchandiser Sales Certification and twelve participants are working toward they Sales Specialist Certification.

This training program is lead by Holly Mohre, Jessica Cyr and 25 Leaders to Teachers across the company. After the classroom learning portion, participants will take on-line and hands-on tests and then present a final Capstone Presentation. 

Congratulations and all the best to everyone enrolled!

Top Rosés

Great Top Rosés display program.

➤ Liquor World, Sharon, MA

Carolina Division, MA

Winemaker Rotem Saoma Visit

Classic was thrilled to receive winemaker Rotem Saoma in market on Monday and Tuesday, March 11 and 12 for a trade lunch at Eastern Standard, consumer dinner at Pellana and breakfast at Rochambeau with members of the Classic team.

Read more about these wines and Rotem HERE

➤ Eastern Standard, Boston, MA

➤ Pellana, Peabody, MA

➤ Rochambeau, Boston, MA

Classic Division, MA

Oyster Bay Display

51 case Oyster Bay display at Austin Liquors.

➤ Austin Liquors, Worcester, MA

Andrew Condos

Sales Representative, Carolina

Owen Madigan Fried

Wine Merchandiser, MA

Cheers Discount Liquors

Outside storage unit wrap designed by Quality Beverage, Chicopee, MA, Gabby Dulude, Graphics Department and Matt Carvalho, Sales Representative and executed by our Merchandising team.

➤ Cheers Discount Liquors, Agawam, MA

Quality Beverage, MA

Wine Dinner at The Landing

Carolina Heritage Wine Dinner at The Landing on March 15 with guest host... out of retirement, Freddy Cicerchia!

➤ The Landing, Marblehead, MA

Carolina Division, MA

Quality Beverage Sales Division

is featuring Sugarlands Shine Root Beer Moonshine.

Since 2014, Sugarlands Shine has been producing authentic award-winning moonshine from the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Our original recipe moonshines come in many assorted flavors, some of which feature partnerships with cast members from Discovery’s wildly popular, “Moonshiners,” television show.

Our Root Beer Moonshine is simple, almost bubbly, and has the perfect touch of sweetness. The mellow taste of sassafras root, vanilla, and wintergreen make this offering a timeless classic.

Root Beer moonshine brings a hint of nostalgia as it is reminiscent of the root beer candies we all ate as children. It’s also a really nice blend of a high - proof spirit and tons of flavor!

5% ALC/VOL | 70 PROOF

Connecticut Sales Division

is featuring Bellissima Prosecco Rosé DOC.

A new take on a classic. Prosecco Rosé DOC is a beautiful expression of harmony and balance between the freshness of the Glera grapes and the structure of Pinot Nero, with refined notes of red fruits.

Bellissima Prosecco Rosé DOC is a Brut Millesimato Sparkling Wine made from 90% organic Glera grapes (called Prosecco grapes until 2009) and 10% organic Pinot Nero grapes.

Glera and Pinot Nero grapes are vinified separately, then assembled before the secondary fermentation with the “Charmat Method”, which lasts at least 60 days.

Fine and persistent perlage, fresh on the palate with delicate floral notes and fruity hints of apple, pear, and raspberry.

Bellissima Prosecco Rosé DOC: Amazing on its own and well paired with appetizers and light dishes such as grilled vegetables. This Prosecco Rosé is a true crowd pleaser.

This wine contains ~11 g/L sugar, making it the sweetest among our Sparkling Wines.

Century Sales Division

is featuring NEW Astral Margarita RTD.

Diageo is shaking up the cocktail scene with the launch of the Astral Margarita, the sixth and latest offering in its popular line of ready-to-serve cocktails, The Cocktail Collection. This news arrives on the heels of the Astral Margarita's recent recognition at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2023), where it was awarded a Double Gold medal rating—an accolade achieved by very few spirits entries. The Astral Margarita now joins the ranks of the already acclaimed collection, which includes the Ketel One Espresso Martini, the Ketel One Cosmopolitan, the Bulleit Old Fashioned, the Bulleit Manhattan, and the Tanqueray Negroni. The new serve promises to deliver cocktail fans yet another bartender-quality classic - no mixology skills needed - perfectly timed for escaping the winter doldrums and gearing up for spring cocktailing.

Astral Margarita is crafted with quality ingredients and precision, this ready-to-serve sensation captures the essence of Astral Tequila, which utilizes a traditional, time-intensive process to achieve a smooth, bright profile with bursts of citrus and notes of agave. The signature serve combines blanco tequila, zesty lime juice, and triple sec, delivering a tasty medley of agave, juicy, tart lime, tangerine, and a soft vanilla finish. Presented in a striking blue bottle adorned with stars that pay homage to its celestial name, the Astral Margarita is a true embodiment of the brand's ethos, 'of the stars.'

Classic Sales Division

is featuring NEW Lighthouse Gin.

Inspired by the Cape Palliser Lighthouse at the southernmost remote tip of New Zealand’s North Island.

Lighthouse Gin offers wanderlust flavor seekers a bright, balanced, and unadulterated beacon – an essential gin experience from a remote corner of the world. The gin contains nine botanicals including hand-zested Yen Ben lemons that gives way to a low juniper, citrus forward taste profile that is clean, fresh, and vibrant. The gin is distilled in copper pot stills first with the botanicals included, and then a second time without them, creating a refined, smooth, and flavorsome spirit.

Quality Beverage and United Sales Division

is featuring NEW Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini.

Cutwater’s Lemon Drop Martini is a zesty libation. Featuring Cutwater’s award-winning vodka and notes of bright lemon. Enjoy in a chilled martini glass with a lemon twist or straight from the can. Perfect start to the Spring season.

United Sales Division

is also featuring Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc.

Adorning every label on every bottle of Rapaura Springs Wines is a simple symbol – a circle of rocks that signify the pure spring in their home vineyard. These classic, highly rated, wines capture the most vibrant flavors that reflect the best of Marlborough, New Zealand.

Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc pure and vibrant with layers of passionfruit, tropical fruit and ripe citrus. Juicy fruit flavors and soft acidity combine to deliver a mouth-watering finish. Capturing all the trademark sub-regional flavors of Marlborough, this Sauvignon Blanc is sure to impress.

Commonwealth Sales Division

is featuring Vibe by Vendange NEW flavors Peach and Mango.

ViBE by Vendange comes in a convenient 500 ml Tetra Pak. One package has three 5.7 oz beverages that tastes best when served chilled or over ice. The Tetra Pak keeps your drink fresh tasting, flavorful and has 60% less carbon footprint than the same size in glass. Alcohol 12% by volume.

ViBE by Vendange Peach is full of peachy deliciousness with ripe, juicy fruit flavor.

ViBE by Vendange Mango take your taste buds on a trip to the tropics bursting with mouthwatering fruit flavor.

Carolina Sales Division

is featuring NEW Decoy Featherweight Sauvignon Blanc

Decoy Featherweight Sauvignon Blanc with a sleek 80 calories per serving, is lively and enticing, crafted to the highest standards using grapes from the finest vineyards in California. From post-work happy hours to poolside afternoons, this lower-in-calorie* Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for life’s lighter moments.

Connoisseur Sales Division

is featuring organic, sustainable Grandeur Wines.

At Grandeur Wines, our mission is simple: to craft unforgettable wines in harmony with our planet. We are committed to creating a more sustainable wine, one bottle at a time.

Grandeur Rosé Fruity and crisp, Grandeur Rosé accents delicate stone fruit with notes of juicy watermelon and wet stone minerality. Aromas of peach and pear make this light- to medium-bodied rosé the perfect aperitif to enjoy alone or alongside charcuterie (and friends).

93 Points, Tasting Panel

Grandeur Red Blend Blackberry, elderberry, and plum combine with ripe fig and vanilla for a pour as indulgent as it is refined. With a rich mouthfeel, bold structure, and lingering sweet oak finish, this red blend pairs beautifully with a festive meal—and a full table.

92 Points Tasting Panel

* Sales Division portfolios may include products that are not available in all states.

Modern Assistance Program - MA / NNE / CT

We realize that employees may be experiencing a variety of stressful life events. Modern Assistance Program remains accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or a family member needs assistance, please call (617)-774-0331 or (800)-878-2004 to speak directly with a licensed clinician.

Services Include, but are not limited to:

• Short-term mental health support.

• Critical incident and after-hours crisis intervention.

• Assistance with wellness and stress management.

• Advocacy in court or registry of motor vehicle matters.

• Referral services for financial challenges.

Visit Website HERE

Life Balance UNUM - MA / NNE

P: 800-854-1446

Services Include, but not are limited to:

• Access to licensed professional counselors.

• Support for grief and loss.

• Assists with work/life balance.

• Assistance with legal questions and referral to an attorney.

• Assists with fraud resolution & identity theft.

Visit Website HERE

User ID and password: "lifebalance"

Anthem Life - Resource Advisor - CT

P: 888-209-7840



Services Include, but are not limited to:

• Access to licensed professional counselors.

• Financial & Legal matters.

• Support for grief and loss.

• ID Theft Recovery.

Visit Website HERE

Log in with the program name: AnthemResourceAdvisor for more information.

Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is HERE – which means it’s time to get your home in tip-top shape. A good, deep spring clean-up is a tradition that not only promotes wellness by keeping your environment clean and organized, it also helps carry the fresh-start feeling brought on by a new year well into the summer.

We’ve compiled some of the best DIY spring cleaning tips so you can declutter and deep clean your house to make it sparkle all year round.

1. Remove water stains with lemon for a natural faucet fix.

2. Clean your microwave by heating lemon juice and rinds in water.

3. Use white vinegar to beat shower head buildup.

4. Clean stainless steel sinks with baking soda.

5. Use newspaper to clean dirty windows and mirrors.

6. Organize your fridge and cabinets with rotating turntables.

7. Place a wet dryer sheet on your ceramic stovetop to remove burnt-on residue.

8. Clean your grill with an onion.

9. Let coffee filters do more than put a spring in your step.

10. Unpack and stack your spring/summer clothes vertically.

11. Use cream of tartar to clean toasters and tea kettles.

12. Know your couch or rug before cleaning it.

13. Use a window squeegee to scrape pet hair from your carpet or rug.

14. Avoid scratching floors by placing clean towels under furniture while rearranging.

15. Use Velcro strips to keep drawer organizers in place.

16. Put the spring back in your dirty keyboards with cotton swabs.

17. Use a dustpan to help fill a large mop bucket.

18. Use a butter knife to clean air vents.

19. Wrap a towel over a broom to clean hard-to-reach places.

20. Recycle old socks to use as dusting mitts.

21. Declutter your home.

22. Organize and freshen up.