Helfert nominated for 'Top Shelf'
By Paul Vang
Montana Tavern Times
Shauna Helfert, administrator of the Liquor Control Division of the Montana Department of Revenue (DOR), is this year's Montana Tavern Association nominee for the American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Top Shelf award – ABL's top honor.
The award was created to recognize people in the industry who have demonstrated excellence in business as well as service to the industry and their communities.
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Shauna Helfert
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ABL's member organizations, which includes the MTA, submit nominations to ABL. ABL, in turn, selects one person for the prestigious award. A committee of MTA's past presidents serve as the nominating committee for the award.
Helfert is a graduate of Montana State University, with a major in accounting, and earned a Certified Public Accountant certification upon graduation.
After graduation she began her career with the Montana Department of Revenue as a corporation tax auditor. After four years she moved into the Liquor Control Division. She has been Administrator of the Division for four years and was appointed by current DOR Director Dan Bucks.
Helfert sees her mission as administrator of the division “to educate the public on the laws of the state and help them be in compliance with the laws.”
Helfert says she has 30 employees in her division, ranging from warehouse workers to licensing staff, and administrative support staff. She notes that while Montana liquor sales have been increasing 5 to 7 percent annually, the division's staff has not increased.
In addition to her duties with Liquor Control, Helfert currently serves as president of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association. Helfert explains that 19 states have liquor control and distribution laws similar to Montana. Of her position, Helfert says, “It's a great honor, as well as a responsibility.”
Of the association, Helfert says, “We try to help to deter movement of controlled products to unregulated outlets as well as educate the public to the potentially harmful effects of alcohol. I think it's significant that per capita consumption of alcohol is 16 percent less in our states than in non-controlled states.”
MTA Past President Darrel Keck serves as head of the committee of past presidents, the nominating committee for the award. “She's outstanding,” Keck said. “She works with us as equals, not as an adversary, which has happened at times in the past.
“We have our differences at times, but it's always a respectful and cordial relationship. She recognizes us as not just bar owners but business people.
“I think it's significant that Shauna is the first state regulator ever nominated for this award – from any state.”
In private life, Shauna Helfert is married and has two sons, ages 12 and 3. Her husband is a general contractor. She says her highest priorities in life are her family and church, and also enjoys camping and boating.
She adds, “I'm a big fan of stock car racing. My father and a brother have been stock car race drivers, and I've always supported them.”
Helfert talked to the
Tavern Times at the 2009 MTA convention in Missoula, and apologized for cutting the conversation short, as she had to get back home to Helena where she was taking a group of kids from her church on an outing that evening.
“I like to live life to the fullest,” she said in conclusion.