Dwayne Kratt Email & Phone Number

Johnson Brothers is a leading wine, beer, and spirits distributor in the United States. As a third-generation family company, Johnson Brothers continues to be driven by the values established by its founder Lynn Johnson in 1953: work ethic, passion, innovation, teamwork, excellence, and integrity. By partnering with the best suppliers worldwide, Johnson Brothers delivers outstanding brands and services to customers across 21 states.

Connecticut

Northeast region and South Carolina state government affairs representative responsible for alcohol public policy initiatives on behalf of Diageo. Strong record of legislative and regulatory achievement in the trade practice "sales environment" area as well in tax matters both proactive and defensive. All achievements designed to support key business initiatives.Key Accomplishments:• Successfully advocated for a change in Maryland’s brewery laws that has enabled Guinness to… Show more Northeast region and South Carolina state government affairs representative responsible for alcohol public policy initiatives on behalf of Diageo. Strong record of legislative and regulatory achievement in the trade practice "sales environment" area as well in tax matters both proactive and defensive. All achievements designed to support key business initiatives.Key Accomplishments:• Successfully advocated for a change in Maryland’s brewery laws that has enabled Guinness to build a new $80 million brewery. Also served as the media spokesman during the initiative and worked with a diverse group of industry stakeholders helping to forge agreeable legislation. The brewery will be the new home for Guinness Blonde and new innovation brews. It is also expected to attract as many as 250,000 visitors in its first full year of operation. • Helped to defeat more than 90% of all excise tax increase threats in the region.• Achieved numerous trade practice law and regulation changes resulting in a more open and competitive playing field for beer, wine and spirits sales.• Supported passage of Sunday and additional holiday sales for beer, wine and spirits in Connecticut providing more than 50 selling days. Show less

Greater Milwaukee Area

Issues management, regulatory affairs, state government affairs representative for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, corporate policy development regarding public policy issues.Key Accomplishments:Coordinated a Miller led industry effort to pass legislation in 20 states to help prevent keg loss. First year efforts contributed toward a 60% reduction in annual keg losses saving Miller Brewing Company roughly $4.7 million in replacement costsDeveloped state specific… Show more Issues management, regulatory affairs, state government affairs representative for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, corporate policy development regarding public policy issues.Key Accomplishments:Coordinated a Miller led industry effort to pass legislation in 20 states to help prevent keg loss. First year efforts contributed toward a 60% reduction in annual keg losses saving Miller Brewing Company roughly $4.7 million in replacement costsDeveloped state specific excise tax kit materials that helped defeat more than 90% of the beer excise tax increase proposals in the states over a four year periodSupported passage of Sunday sales legislation in Pennsylvania providing Miller with increased sales opportunitiesSupported passage of expanded tasting opportunities in New York providing Miller with increased sales opportunitiesAchieved regulatory approval on a revised pricing program in Minnesota saving Miller more than $600,000 Show less

Grand Rapids, Mi

Responsibilities:• Strategic communications counsel and message development• Focus group research and coalition building Key client work included the Children’s Scholarship Fund founded by financier Ted Forstmann.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Responsibilities:Developed and implemented communications public affairs strategies on behalf of corporate clients and not-for- profit organizationsDirected account activities and managed crisis and litigation communications on behalf of a group of former manufacturers of lead pigment used in paintKey clients included Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, The Civil Air Patrol, Cargill, and Lorillard Tobacco Company.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Responsibilities:Advised Members of Congress and their staff with communications strategies and planning Assisted Member offices with earned media strategy, coalition outreach, and direct mailConducted press secretary training

Michigan, New Jersey, Washington, Dc

• Electoral politics - Campaign Manager/Deputy Campaign Manager 1989 – 1996 Responsibilities - Overall management of seven state legislative and federal election political campaigns in Michigan and New Jersey; served as primary media spokesman• Natl. Republican Congressional Comm., Field Representative (NRCC) 1994• NJ Senate Republican Majority, Political Director 1992 – 1994• NJ Republican State Committee, Senior Staff Associate 1991 -… Show more • Electoral politics - Campaign Manager/Deputy Campaign Manager 1989 – 1996 Responsibilities - Overall management of seven state legislative and federal election political campaigns in Michigan and New Jersey; served as primary media spokesman• Natl. Republican Congressional Comm., Field Representative (NRCC) 1994• NJ Senate Republican Majority, Political Director 1992 – 1994• NJ Republican State Committee, Senior Staff Associate 1991 - 1992• NJ Senate Majority Office, Constituent Services Officer 1992 – 1992 Responsibilities - Supported first term state legislators in the development of their legislative agenda and earned media communications strategies Show less

Bachelors, Poly Sci/History

A One Week Per Year Three Year Continuing Education Program Conducted By The Public Affairs Council