The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control announced that dollar sales of spirituous liquor reached a record level in 2011, totaling $793.7 million.  This was an increase of 5.3%, exceeding last year's total by $40 million.

"Better inventory management and improved customer service helps us meet the needs of consumers," said David Goodman, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce.

After a slump in which wholesale dollar sales (liquor purchased by retail permit holders such as restaurants, bars and clubs) decreased three of the past four years, 2011 experienced a 4.7% increase.  Total wholesale sales reached $244 million, exceeding last year by $10.9 million.

"This is a positive indicator for Ohio's economy, showing that Ohioans are again patronizing restaurants and entertainment businesses," Goodman said.

The Ohio Restaurant Association is also noticing the growth. "Whether linked to expanded happy hour offerings or a larger selection of flavored spirits, consumers appear to be enjoying more specialty drinks and pairing their meals with more sophisticated products," said Jarrod Clabaugh, Director of Communications for the Ohio Restaurant Association.

Dollar sales grew more than consumption in 2011.  The Division sold a total of 11.4 million gallons of spirituous liquor through its 457 Contract Liquor Agencies, an increase of 3.9% over the previous year.

"As consumer tastes become increasingly more sophisticated, they tend to buy more of the premium products," said Goodman.

The following were the top 10 selling brands of spirituous liquor in Ohio for 2011 (by gallons sold):

1.            Kamchatka Vodka - 401,148 gallons

2.            Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey - 349,589 gallons

Harley-Davidson will welcome donations at its nearly 650 dealerships throughout the country on behalf of the United Service Organizations (USO). 

The company will accept donations through December 31st. All money will go towards making care packages for troops overseas.

 "We're honored to support such a well-respected organization as part of our military appreciation efforts this year," said Mike McCann, Director of Core Customer and Military Marketing for Harley-Davidson. "We want to show our support for those living away from home and protecting our country."

Every care package distributed by the USO in 2012 will include a pair of tickets to the Harley-Davidson Museum - approximately 250,000 tickets in total.

"We're incredibly grateful for Harley-Davidson's support of our efforts to lift the spirits of our brave men and women serving overseas by providing them with care packages that, among other things, offer a touch of home and a way to connect with their families," said USO Sr. VP and Chief Development Officer Kelli Seely. "Like the USO, Harley- Davidson has a long history of supporting U.S. troops, so we are proud of this new partnership and know together we will have a great impact on our troops in the coming year."

Harley-Davidson's history with the U.S. military dates to World War I and World War II.

Harley-Davidson also recently sponsored three tours of Bikes Over Baghdad, which brought a team of the biggest names in action sports to bases in Iraq, Kuwait and other parts of the Middle East to perform BMX shows for thousands of troops. For two of the three tours, Harley-Davidson sent one of its own employees along to show the company's personal gratitude.

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