A view of Valley Distributors' newly remodeled facility in Oakland, Maine
Valley Distributors, Inc. is proud to be a family-owned and operated business dating back to 1974. The company was originally founded by Bernard “Buck” Runser with a distribution facility in Waterville, Maine and served only two Anheuser-Busch products, Budweiser and Michelob. For over 35 years, the distributor has expanded its variety of products and grown the business, highlighted by the recent completion of a multi-million dollar expansion project at their current facility in Oakland, Maine.
Just a few years after Valley Distributors put their first truck on the road, the company grew quickly. By the late 1970s, management added more employees and expanded their product list to include Anheuser-Busch brands such as Busch, Natural Light and Michelob Light.
While the company started under the leadership of Bernard Runser, his son, Michael grew up in the family business as well. Michael learned the business in hopes to one day carry on the family legacy. Michael worked part time in all of Valley Distributor's departments while attending high school and during his college years at the University of New Hampshire.
With business booming, the company moved their facilities in 1980 to their current location on the Belgrade Road in Oakland, Maine. From this facility, the company is able to more efficiently serve Kennebec, Somerset, Waldo, Piscataquis and parts of Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties.
In 1982, Budweiser Light was introduced and was later renamed Bud Light. Today, Bud Light is America’s and Central Maine’s favorite beer.
By 1984 Michael Runser was working full time in the sales department as a merchandiser and eventually worked his way up to sales manager. In 2001, he became president of Valley Distributors and Bernard Runser moved to his current position of CEO.
In the mid 80's, Controlled Environment Warehousing was added to the distribution center to ensure that consumers would receive the freshest beer possible.
During the 1990’s numerous products were introduced such as Bud Ice, Bud Ice Light, Bud Dry, Busch N/A, O’Doul’s, Natural Ice and many others. Today, Anheuser-Busch products represent about 60% of the beer sold in Central Maine. In addition to ABInBev, Valley Distributors delivers a variety of local craft beers and a large variety of non alcoholic products. Valley Distributors portfolio also includes Maine products such as Belfast Bay, Carrabassett, Casco Bay, Eli’s Soda, and Maine Root.
In 2000, Anheuser-Busch named Valley Distributors the New England Wholesaler of the Year. Over the last ten years, Valley has continued to live up to the high expectations by increasing their volume and portfolio on a consistent basis.
Most recently, Valley has picked up new craft brew products, expanded capacity in the flavored malt beverage category and made substantial gains in their non-alcoholic business. Part of the growth has been a result of the growing popularity of such brands as Monster Energy, Cadbury, Polar, Snapple, AriZona, Nestlé Waters, Fiji, Nesquik and Poland Spring.
More recognition came for the company in 2009 when Valley Distributors was featured in the August edition of "Beverage World" as one of the most up-and-coming distributors in Maine.
In 2010, Valley Distributors completed a two-year, multi-million dollar expansion of their warehouse facilities to accommodate their rapid growth and plan for the future.
Community
As part of Alcohol Awareness Month in September 2010, Valley Distributors helped sponsor two presentations by national speaker Sarah Panzau at Waterville High School and Winslow High School.
Sarah Panzau is a 28 year-old woman who survived a near fatal drunk driving accident in 2003. Sarah's decision to drive drunk landed her in the hospital for several months and has resulted in more than 30 surgeries.
During both appearances, she reached out to students about underage drinking, drunk driving, making smart choices, respecting parents and rising above disabilities. She describes the physical and emotional pain of a life that is forever changed because of the poor decision she made.
Valley also makes charitable donations to the community on a regular basis including:
The American Red Cross
Alfond Youth Center/YMCA and Boys and Girls Club
Project graduation at local high schools
The United Way
American Lung Association
American Cancer Society
Inland Hospital
Employees at Valley Distributors also volunteer their time to participate in community organizations such as the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, the Alfond Youth Center and the Central Maine Growth Council.
In addition to Valley's local contributions, Anheuser-Busch and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation have established a legacy of giving back through charitable donations and corporate sponsorships. Since 1997, the company and charitable foundation have contributed more than $450 million to charitable organizations, including those that support education, the environment, economic development, disaster preparedness/relief and support of those who serve our country.
Working for Valley Distributors
In today's world, being part of a family-owned and operated business is a unique opportunity. The employees at Valley Distributors are hard-working men and women that are passionate about their jobs. Recently, the company has benefited from a relationship with Jobs for Maine Grads (JMG) to help Mainers find work in their community.
For over 35 years, Valley Distributors has provided great jobs and benefits for its employees. The company goes beyond providing a paycheck and works to improve the lives and incentivize their workers. In October, Valley Distributors will celebrate their annual Safety and Wellness Day for their employees. Awards will be presented for achievement of yearly objectives.
Employees at Valley Distributors are motivated to improve their skills through a variety of initiatives. In 2010, the Maine Development Foundation and its Maine Employers' Initiative recognized Valley Distributors among 22 greater Kennebec Valley Maine employers for their efforts in supporting employee higher education. The celebrated employers have support their employees' educational goals through a variety of actions ranging from celebrating employee completion of a degree or certification program, to creating or enhancing a formal tuition payment assistance program.
In April, Maine Governor John Baldacci honored Valley Distributors Inc. among nine groups, businesses and individuals for their fitness achievements at the 2010 Maine Fitness Awards. Valley Distributors Inc. in Oakland was selected by the Maine Governor's Council on Physical Activity as a winner of the 2010 Maine Fitness Award in the Healthy Workplace, Small Business category.
“We try to create a positive work environment where our employees enjoy coming into work every day—making sure we are compensating people fairly and providing good benefits,” says Michael Runser, president of Valley Distributors.
This commitment from management has made employees proud to be part of the company and share in its success. More than 30% of Valley’s employees have been working at the company for over 10 years.
A part of the company's future plans include their commitment to protecting the environment. Valley Distributors has installed low energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems in their newly remodeled facility. The company also recycles aluminum at their facility helping keep Maine roadsides clean and litter free.
In the years ahead, Valley Distributors plans to continue to grow their business with a commitment to quality service and the environment. To learn more, visit www.valley-dist.com.
