Will Conniff, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois, Kentucky & Minnesota -- three divisions of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., (Southern), the nation's largest wine and spirits distributor -- is proud to announce today that the DePaul University School of Hospitality Leadership (SHL) in Chicago, Illinois, is to award Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois (SWS-IL) with its SHL "Industry Award" for 2014. DePaul will commend Southern's record of superior educational support, according to Dr. Chris Roberts, Director and Professor at DePaul University's School of Hospitality Leadership within the Driehaus School of Business.

In a letter to Conniff, Dr. Roberts stated, "In recognition of your firm's numerous contributions to the success of our students and our program, the School of Hospitality Leadership is pleased to confer our SHL Industry Award for 2014. Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois has given in many, many ways, aiding greatly in that education process."

In acknowledging the DePaul SHL honor, Conniff remarked, "We are all extremely humbled and honored with the DePaul award. On behalf of our entire Illinois team, I want to underscore not only the importance that our Illinois division attaches to supporting area educational initiatives and institutions, but also the high level of commitment our corporate parent places on giving back to the communities across the nation where we live and do business."

Conniff added, "I would also like to recognize the superb contributions that our SWS-IL Training and Education Team members have made to the DePaul effort, including -- among others -- Bridget Albert, Regional Director of Mixology; Serafin Alvarado, Director of Wine Education & Master Sommelier; Mary Barranco, Vice President, National Director of Training; Debbi Peek, Director of Mixology; Brian Orlik, Director of Education & Trade Relations; and Matt Schoenberger, Field Training Manager."

The award ceremony is to take place in Chicago on February 24, 2014.

About DePaul University, Driehaus School of Business, School of Hospitality Leadership

The School of Hospitality Leadership, located within the prestigious Driehaus College of Business, was established with the support of a $7.5 million gift from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Since 2009, the school prepares students for leadership roles within hotels, restaurants, convention and tourism ventures, private clubs, spas and related leisure industries. See: http://driehaus.depaul.edu.

About Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (Southern) is the nation's largest wine and spirits distributor and broker with operations in 35 markets. Southern currently operates in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. Southern also holds operating licenses and permits in Nebraska and Texas. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs nearly 14,500 team members. Southern urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information about Southern and its responsible consumption program, see: http://www.southernwine.com.

DePaul University
Dr. Chris Roberts, 312-362-6777
Director
School of Hospitality Leadership
Driehaus College of Business
or
Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
Lee Brian Schrager, 305-625-4171 x 1040
Vice President, Corporate Communications