CEO of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is stepping down
Just as Governor Corbett revived talks of privatizing the state’s liquor stores, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has announced a pending change in leadership.
According to the Associated Press, a statement released today says that the PLCB’s current CEO, Joe Conti will retire on Feb. 2, “to pursue future opportunities in higher education and the private sector.”
Conti will stay on for now to help with the transition.No word yet as to his replacement.
In an interview Conti did with Shaken News Daily just over a year ago on Jan. 6, 2012, the CEO was asked what was the best argument for maintaining the status quo.
His response?
“We are a significant asset that has $1.5 billion in sales and was able to generate $80 million in profit last year and cover all expenses for our operation. We also collect $400 million in taxes annually. So you have the benefits of a nice return for Pennsylvania taxpayers, and then you have the public safety issue. We think there’s a lot of merit in the controlled nature of wine and spirits sales.”
Conti also cited the state’s “great future in e-commerce,” through the website, finewinesandgoodspirits.com and is on record as believing that the people of Pennsylvania are best served by the current PLCB system.
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