Meet Chuck Bowe, Owner of Grand Wine & Spirits
Grand Wine & Spirits is a family owned business that has proudly served southeastern Connecticut for nearly 50 years. With a reputation for going beyond sales to be part of the community, it is no wonder that Owner Chuck Bowe carries Salute American Vodka and independently supports one of the brand’s top charitable partners, Work Vessels for Vets.
Building relationships and helping neighbors is the mission of Grand Wine & Spirits. Each month, all five locations support one of three charities, Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, Inc. and Work Vessels for Vets, through the sale of specific tagged spirits as well as counter can drives.
“There is a shift in the way that companies are doing business as they work to support initiatives that are important to their customers,” says Bowe. “Some companies try to capitalize on their philanthropic efforts. However, at Grand Wine & Spirits we aren’t like that. I grew up with the belief that this country is ours and everyone should be given opportunities. The community is what supports me as a business and so it’s important for me to give back to the community.”
Work Vessels for Vets, Inc., a national nonprofit based in Connecticut that equips America’s returning veterans with the tools they need to start a business or pursue career education or training, is Bowe’s first philanthropic priority. Although he is not a veteran himself, he is grateful for all servicemen and women who bravely put their lives on the line to fight for our freedom every day.
“Look at the world around you – we live the way we live because of the brave men and women who voluntarily serve in the United States military,” says Bowe. “Our stores have supported Work Vessels for Vets for years as a way to help pay it forward. Just last month, we were able to contribute more than $2,600 to the organization, excluding money raised through sales of Salute American Vodka.”
Bowe acquired Grand Wine & Spirits in Dec. 2003 and has since expanded the original two stores to five locations. Previously, he spent 20 years selling beer for a multi-brand house. With a background in the beverage industry and a passion for philanthropy, Salute American Vodka was a natural fit to sell in stores as the first dollar of every bottle sold goes to organizations the provide programs and services for veterans and other American heroes. Just last month, Grand Wine & Spirits sold 246 bottles of the charitable spirits.
“At Salute American Vodka, we partner with our retailers and distributors to localize the charitable dollar and help individuals and families living in their communities,” says Michael Lutz, Operations Manager for Salute American Vodka. “It is an honor to have Chuck as a partner as we work to expand our brand and become the number one contributor to the veteran community within the spirit industry.”
Salute American Vodka donates the first dollar of every bottle of vodka sold to organizations that support veterans and other American Heroes. To find a retailer that carries Salute American Vodka near you, click here.
