Columbia Distributing Announces Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative

A message from Chief Operating Officer Dave Stander

Columbia Teammates,

We have the privilege of working and living in one of the best corners of the country. We take great pride in living and working here, and with that pride comes the responsibility of keeping ourselves and our communities safe. Today we’re announcing plans to increase our awareness of a major threat to our safety, often hiding in plain sight – human trafficking.

Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transporting, obtaining or maintaining of a person by means of force, fraud or coercion for purposes of servitude, debt bondage, slavery, organ sales or participation in sex trade. It is a form of modern-day slavery, and it impacts every community in America. To learn more about trafficking in Oregon and Washington, click here.

Distributor employees are in a unique position to spot human trafficking activity because we have access to non-public areas of venues, bars, hotels, convenience stores, event arenas and more where this activity is more likely to occur.

In the coming weeks we will release these materials to all of you. You will see general education and awareness information and an online training video, mandatory for those of us on the front lines. We will also make our communities awareness of our commitment through public promotion and signage on our fleet.

As a fellow Columbia team member, a Washington resident and a father of two, I am very proud of this initiative and Columbia’s desire to participate. I hope you are as well and I look forward to sharing more with you soon. 


Dirty Pasta Water Martini: What is it and How to Prepare it

Spaghetti noodles in boiling water pot

For decades, cocktail enthusiasts have experimented with different ingredients and techniques to create unique recipes that sometimes become staples in restaurants and bars throughout the world. While not every concoction becomes a fan favorite, every now and then, these experiments result in unforgettable drinks. Such is the case with the dirty pasta water martini.

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Tequila Rose: What Is It and How to Mix It

Tequila Rose milkshakes in jars with straws and fresh strawberries

Tequila is made from a variety of brands and is the heart of many cocktail recipes, such as the ever-popular margarita. But did you know that it comes in a sweet, delicious cream liqueur? If you haven’t tried Tequila Rose yet, you’re in for a real treat. Here, Columbia Distributing discusses this delight and the many ways it can be enjoyed.

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How to Store Beer the Right Way

Nothing lasts forever, not even beer. Light, air, and sudden changes in temperature can all impact how long your beer remains good to drink. Knowing how to properly store it can help to retain the quality and flavor for longer periods. Here, Columbia Distributing goes over the proper ways to store your beer so that it tastes good whenever you decide to crack one open.

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Employee Profile: Salesforce Developer Brandon Radford

Brandon Radford in a cave

Columbia Distributing, a premier alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage distributor in Kent, Washington, and Wilsonville, Oregon, recently launched a new IT department. One of the roles in the department is Salesforce developer. Brandon Radford, a relative newcomer to the team and our first internal Salesforce developer, shares the duties of this new role and what it has been like working at Columbia Distributing.

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Columbia Distributing Employees Give Back to the Community with Their Time

Columbia Distributing team at TCU Men’s Shelter

There is more to Columbia Distributing than just making a profit. The impact of our organization goes beyond supplying alcoholic beverages and other drinks to establishments throughout Washington and Oregon. We strive to give back to our local community as much as we can and help make a difference where it’s needed.

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What Is Hard Kombucha? Everything You Need to Know

Different colored glasses of kombucha on table with fruit and ginger

If you want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with some health benefits, hard kombucha might be just what you’re looking for. This tangy fermented tea has become a popular beverage of choice thanks to being low in sugar and carbs. While some kombucha fans brew their own, the results aren’t always as tasty and healthy. When it comes to alcoholic beverages in Oregon or Washington, buying from professional manufacturers and distributors like Columbia Distributing may be a smarter choice. Here, we explore the ins and outs of hard kombucha and what makes it so popular.

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Is Hard Kombucha Good for You? Exploring Possible Health Benefits

Woman pouring hard kombucha into glass garnished with raspberry

Healthier alcoholic beverages with low calories and potentially no hangovers are popular these days. One such drink having its moment in the spotlight is hard kombucha, which has become the preferred alcoholic beverage among health-conscious individuals. The fermented drink is often considered to be a gut-friendly alternative to standard alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and hard seltzer because it’s touted as natural and rich in probiotics. But does it provide actual health benefits? Learn more about its health benefits from Columbia Distributing, serving Washington and Oregon.

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Drinks to Toast to 2023

Woman at party holds up glass of Champagne

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, and at the end of the night, you toast to health and goodwill for the coming year. As you prepare to wish 2022 farewell and ring in the coming new year, consider changing up your drink of choice and substitute it for a vibrant, delicious cocktail.

Columbia Distributing provides various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages found in most cocktails, and we work tirelessly to ensure businesses have access to the ingredients their bartenders or customers need. Here, we explore a few drink recipes to try this New Year’s Eve.

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Employee Profile: Business Development Director Brian Kampmann

Brian Kampmann drinking a beer

Columbia Distributing, a premier alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage distributor with hubs in Kent, Washington, and Wilsonville, Oregon, is known for supplying retailers with a variety of name brands. Our success is attributed to our dedicated and hard-working employees who have a passion for what they do.

One of those employees is business development director Brian Kampmann. With over 28 years of experience working in the industry, Kampmann shares his knowledge and provides insight into what it’s like working for Columbia Distributing.

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