Louisville, KY, June 4, 2008 – Brown-Forman Corporation has been named a 2008 Restore America Hero by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The honor, presented June 3 at the National Trust/HGTV Restore America Gala at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., was given to Brown-Forman “for its long-standing commitment to historic preservation,” including:
- the renovation of the Founders Hall office building at the company’s headquarters at 850 Dixie Highway;
- the preservation and restoration of the 626 West Main Street complex (formerly known as the Bernheim Building
and St. Charles Hotel) in downtown Louisville;
- the restoration of the Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniel distilleries; and
- the conversion of two former whiskey barrel warehouses into corporate offices at its headquarters location.
In accepting the award, Brown-Forman Chief Executive Officer Paul Varga said, “Brown-Forman has thrived and endured for 138 years and this is in great part due to the continuous preservation of our company, our brands, our culture, and of course, the physical assets of our company and community. We share this recognition with all of the members of the Brown family, many of whom have made significant individual contributions to historic preservation in addition to Brown-Forman’s efforts.”
Owsley Brown II, former Brown-Forman chairman and CEO, joined Varga, other Brown family members and Brown-Forman employees in attending the gala celebration.
Brown-Forman Corporation is a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Fetzer and Bolla Wines, and Korbel California Champagnes.