Pepin Distributing Joins Nationwide Fight Against Human Trafficking
As Super Bowl LV Approaches in Tampa
Pepin Distributing Company has partnered with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) for an awareness training to educate employees on recognizing and reporting the warning signs of human trafficking. Pepin Distributing’s efforts are part of a nationwide campaign to help combat human trafficking in communities across the United States, and comes just in time as Super Bowl LV arrives to Tampa on February 7th.
“Pepin Distributing Company is always looking for ways to make a difference in our community,” said Bill Gieseking, Director of Marketing at Pepin. “Sadly, every community is vulnerable to the horrors of human trafficking, and Tampa is no exception. The hardworking men and women of Pepin, who visit hundreds of licensed retail locations each week, are now prepared to be an extra set of eyes and ears on the ground in the fight against human trafficking. We saw the honor of hosting the Super Bowl in our city as an opportunity to educate our team to be an extra vigilant and report any red flags or signs of exploitation this upcoming weekend, and any other time ongoing forward.”
The 380 employees of Pepin Distributing understand human trafficking, identify the signs, and respond if they suspect this heinous crime is happening, the team at Pepin has put together video training sessions, initiated one on one conversations, installed decals on their trucks and also launched their own social media campaign featuring testimonials and pledge of support. The employees were also equipped with the contact info of National Human Trafficking Hotline, which is (888) 373–7888 or 233733 (BEFREE) as a text.
Human trafficking is a $150 billion dollar industry, with over half of human trafficking cases in the US being child sex trafficking cases. Pepin will be participating in a press conference with Attorney General Moody on February 4th at 10am at Florida Highway Patrol Division C – 11305 N. McKinley Dr. Tampa, FL 33612.
About Pepin Distributing Company
Since incorporating the company in 1963 in Gainesville, Florida, and being awarded the Tampa market place in 1967, the Pepin family has built a beverage business that has experienced constant growth, and has diversified their portfolio of products. Pepin Distributing Company currently employs over 350 employees.
Together with brewers throughout America and a vast network of shippers, Pepin provides the most extensive and effective beer distribution system in the brewing industry. Refrigerated warehouse and computer-based inventory systems make sure the retailers and customers get the freshest, highest-quality beer available anywhere.