North Dakota Beer Distributors Association

History

Organized in the 1930s and incorporated in 1945, the North Dakota Beer Distributors Association (NDBDA) was
established “to promote the general welfare of those persons, firms, and corporations engaged in the wholesale
distribution of beer and ale in the State of North Dakota.”

On July 11, 1945, attorney Phil Vogel of the Fargo committee of beer wholesalers, urged incorporation of the association and offered draft bylaws. The motion to incorporate was passed, and the bylaws were accepted as submitted.

Recognizing the value of membership, our founders quickly affiliated with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA). In October of 1946, our association nominated its first director to represent its interests with the NBWA. The NDBDA’s relationship with NBWA remains strong to this day.

On August 14, 1946, the board approved the employment of attorney Lyle Huseby as the association’s Secretary. Mr. Huseby served for many years until 1955. The following year, the first NDBDA convention was held in Fargo in 1947. It was here that our first president, Roy Dwyer (of Fargo), was elected. Throughout the years, we’ve met at various historic hotels, including the Gardner Hotel in Fargo, and the
Patterson Hotel in Bismarck.

Additionally, in 1947, NDBWA discussed the importance of temperance education. Even today, North Dakota’s beer distributors continue to build on their commitment:

To ensure their products are enjoyed responsibly by implementing and supporting programs that combat illegal underage drinking, drunk driving, and championing responsible serving and consumption.