Whiskey Maker Launches One for All Project to Aid Fire Departments
Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey announces the launch of the One for All Project, a nationwide initiative addressing the severe funding crisis facing fire departments across the United States. Proper No. Twelve has always stood behind the courageous heroes who fight for us every day, having donated over $5 million to first responders since the brand’s inception. Now, rooted in its core values of loyalty, camaraderie, and community, the brand is deepening that commitment through a long-term, strategic effort to support firefighters across America.
The reality for the firefighter community is stark: 72% of career and volunteer fire departments report not having enough funding to cover basic operations, compelling firefighters to use personal funds for necessary equipment like safety gear and specialized tools. According to the National Fire Protection Association, every $1 invested in disaster mitigation saves communities $6 in reduced damage and emergency costs, yet departments continue to face significant financial challenges. The One for All Project represents Proper No. Twelve’s commitment to addressing this critical—and unacceptable—issue.
In the program’s initial phase, Proper No. Twelve provided 12 firehouses with $10,000 grants to help cover the costs of essential safety gear, equipment, and station repairs. One of these firehouses – The Jersey City Fire Department, Engine 11 – was selected to receive $40,000 of additional funding to complete a transformational project, revitalizing a critical community resource.
Proper No. Twelve is proud to announce that applications are now open for 12 additional firehouses to receive $10,000 grants. Firehouses are encouraged to visit ProperTwelveOneForAll.com for more information on the program and to apply.
For Engine 11, funding is enabling upgrades of two vital spaces in disrepair: Gear storage will be upgraded from cramped cages that are not up to code to state-of-the-art lockers that allow for proper drying of gear and quicker access. Their kitchen—a critical communal space where firefighters rest, recharge, and share meals—will be transformed into a modern, functional area. “Nationwide, fire departments like ours are facing a growing funding crisis, making it harder to secure the basic tools and equipment needed to keep ourselves and our communities safe,” said Chief Robert Daly of the Jersey City Fire Department. “This incredible support from the One For All Project will help us bridge that gap, ensuring that our firefighters can do their jobs safely and effectively. Just as Proper No. Twelve stands for loyalty and camaraderie, our firehouse is built on those same values—we’re a tight-knit community serving our community.”
To learn more about the One For All Project and the 12 inaugural grantees from Jersey City, NJ; Sahuarita, AZ; North Mankato, MN; Livingston, TN; Krum, TX; Jasper, GA; Grand Ridge, IL; Tallahassee, FL; Santa Monica, CA; Eustis, FL; Denver, CO; and Orlando, FL, visit ProperTwelveOneForAll.com.
Proper No. Twelve invites all eligible firehouses with 501(c)(3) status to apply now at ProperTwelveOneForAll.com by June 24. The public will also have the chance to make a direct impact by voting for the firehouses that will receive this essential funding between July 1 and July 8.
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Southern Glazer’s Opens Louisiana Distribution Center
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits – a global distributor of beverage alcohol – announced the opening of its state-of-the-art distribution center in Geismar, La. The 375,000-square-foot facility, located at 6602 Industrial Drive, will continue to enhance supply chain efficiency and service levels for customers and suppliers.
Designed to support Southern Glazer’s long-term growth in the market, the Geismar facility serves as a strategic anchor in Louisiana, ensuring scalability for the next 30 years. The emerging technology incorporated in the distribution center allows for improved order fulfillment, leading to enhanced delivery service, faster turnaround times, and greater product availability.
“As we continue to invest in our supply chain infrastructure, this facility in Geismar reflects our commitment to providing best-in-class service for our customers and suppliers,” said David Gneo, Vice President, National Operations, Southern Glazer’s. “We are constantly working to strengthen our ability to meet growing demand while also prioritizing sustainability and operational excellence.”
The Geismar facility incorporates several emerging technologies and sustainability initiatives, including:
- Upgraded conveyor system with palletizer, improving material handling and order processing efficiency;
- Energy-efficient climate control to maintain optimal storage conditions while reducing energy consumption;
- LED lighting throughout the facility, enhancing visibility and sustainability efforts; and
- A partnership with Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation, to integrate advanced material handling systems with future expansion capabilities.
“This facility represents a pivotal investment in the future of our Louisiana operations,” said Jason Witty, Vice President, Operations, Central Region, Southern Glazer’s. “By increasing capacity and optimizing technology, we are strengthening our ability to serve customers with greater efficiency, ensuring they have access to the products they need when they need them.”
“Our team is excited to be operating in this high-tech distribution center,” said Juliana Purcello, Vice President, Operations, Louisiana, Southern Glazer’s. “This expansion reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers throughout the market.”
For more information about Southern Glazer’s and its commitment to operational excellence, visit www.southernglazers.com.
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The Fresh Market Opens 1st Spirits & Wine Store
The Fresh Market announced the opening of its first-ever Spirits & Wine store. The premium grocer officially opened the doors of its new store Friday, March 7 and is excited to bring the same exceptional shopping experience to its new adult beverages concept.
The new Spirits & Wine store is located adjacent to The Fresh Market’s Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., grocery store location and features a wide selection of premium spirits, wines and craft beer, plus assorted mixers, snacks, glassware, and wine by the glass. Guests can expect more than 7,000 square feet of retail space dedicated to a carefully curated range of spirits including bourbon, whiskies, rums and vodkas, alongside a comprehensive wine selection ranging from European to domestic offerings, craft beers, and chilled beverage coolers.
“The opening of our Spirits & Wine store is an incredible opportunity to expand on our popular beverage program,” said The Fresh Market CEO, Brian Johnson. “Our guests already trust us to provide the highest quality ingredients and finest flavors from around the world. Now, with our Spirits & Wine store, they can enjoy the same impeccable hospitality paired with our new, top-shelf beverage offerings to help make their shopping experience extraordinary.”
Voted #1 in three categories by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024—”Best Grocery Store Bakery”, “Best Grocery Store Deli” and “Best Grocery Store Prepared Foods”—and recognized for three years in a row as the “Best Grocery Store in America”, and as a top 5 most trusted grocery retail brand for specialty and natural/organic foods in the 2022 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards, The Fresh Market helps guests discover the best with time-saving meal solutions, unique ingredients, and delicious food for any occasion.
From fresh produce and exceptional meat and seafood to signature baked goods and thousands of organic options, the specialty grocer has something to please every palate. The Fresh Market currently operates more than 165 grocery stores in 22 states across the U.S. and one Spirits & Wine store, inspiring guests to discover new flavors and cook with confidence. For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com or follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and Pinterest.
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