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StateWays | www.stateways.com | May/June 2017 24 "Stephanie has done a fantastic job of focusing on com- munication with our partners and using change to our ad- vantage," Deloney says. "My theme is very similar to [former NABCA Chairman] Jeff Anderson's theme from a few years ago [Collaboration Creates Opportunity]. I learned a lot from Jeff by being a part of his efforts, and he and I have had conversations about it. A lot of these topics for our themes are born and conceived by what we observe in our states, seeing what's happening in other states and what's going on in industry." FOCUS ON SAFETY In addition to bridging di- vides, Deloney says that NABCA also needs to continue ef- forts to make sure products are safe. He is quick to point out that, with a tremendous increase in both the types of prod- ucts available and the numbers of producers of all sizes, the fact that product safety has become more of a concern for states is not cause for panic. It's quite the opposite, as addi- tional producers and product offerings signal a vibrant econ- omy. However, licensees and customers want to know that products are safe. Education and enforcement have always been at the forefront of the work conducted by the MLCC, and Deloney says that product information and safety have The MLCC oversees more than 17,000 retailers holding more than 27,000 licenses for on- and off-premise consumption, as well as 13,800 manufa- turer and wholesaler licenses and 7,200 one-day special licenses. become even more relevant throughout the nation in recent years. He urges discussion with industry and regulators from all states. "We need to make sure that we are supportive of a thriv- ing small producer economy, but we also need to be mind- ful that we are dealing with a controlled substance," Deloney says. "We have a responsibility as regulators to bring product information and education to the forefront of our conversa- tions going forward." Deloney's tenure as NABCA chairman offi cially begins at the association's an- nual conference scheduled for May 22 - 25 in Marco Island, Florida. Until then, he will continue focusing on improvement within the MLCC and thinking about how to apply everything he's learned in Michigan on a national scale. • MELISSA NIKSIC is a freelance writer and market- ing communications strategist from Chicago, IL. Her work has appeared in Chicago's Daily Herald newspaper, Time Out Chicago, Suburban Life newspapers, and various magazines. She is also the author of several children's books. Follow her @MelissaNiksic. "Andy is very much a listener, and when he talks, people listen. He's excellent at understanding circumstances and breaking down perceived barriers, and taking time to bridge the gap with skill, substance and style." — STEPHANIE O'BRIEN, OUTGOING NABCA CHAIRMAN agency agency profile INCOMING CHAIRMAN PROFILE