SAFFORD — Raven Linden has given the Gila Valley another option for tourism and economic development — trade shows.
Linden, the sales manager for Linden Distributing dba III Counties Distributing, put on a brewery trade show Wednesday at Manor 415.
“I don’t know of any other wholesalers that have done something like this, so if it is a first, I’m excited that we brought it to the community,” Raven said.
Raven and Linden Distributing owner Tim Linden, said 32 suppliers took part in the trade show, each showing one to six different brands. Tim said having them all in one place makes it easier for buyers to know what’s available for their customers.
“There’s so many brands out there, and there’s so many new brands every day,” Tim said. “Even all these people are coming up with new brands every single day, and it’s hard for sales reps that are out there seeing them every single week.”
Jessica Score, manager of Safford’s Beverage Palace, said having a chance to talk one-on-one with the brewers, and to sample their product, allows her to make informed recommendations to her customers.
“Honestly, what I’m looking for at an event like this, is to bring in new dynamics and new dimensions to this town,” Score said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
In addition to speaking with the experts, attendees had a chance to try something brand new — a beer that is exclusive to Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties.
John Russ, sales manager for Tombstone Brewing Company, said his newest golden ale has a local pedigree.
“Tim Linden, the owner of III Counties Distributing, asked us to make a beer just for his area, with a rodeo and bull rider theme, so we came up with 8 Second Ale (and) he named the beer,” Russ said.
Tim Linden said he was pleased with the response to the first area trade show, and he said the next will likely be in the Sierra Vista area.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
