We are honored to introduce another great Leading Lady Spotlight – Amy Brann Bloomhuff, Esq., CAE, Branch Ambassador, NKY/Cincy Branch

Bourbon Women

Bourbon Women is THE organization for women who are passionate about Bourbon culture, women and the promise of adventure when the two are combined.

As an independent forum bringing women of all walks of life together over a glass of bourbon, our focus is to:

• Initiate, cultivate & inspire deep meaningful relationships.
• Encourage the development of women personally, professionally and courageously, supporting members in their journey to become the best versions of themselves.
• Provide a safe inclusive environment for fun, discovery and learning.

Amy’s Contact Information

Website: bourbonwomen.org/ 

Bourbon Women Association
PO Box 43097
Louisville, KY 40253

Share more as well if you’d like on your job transition:
I am a strategic-minded manager of the Ps (people, products, programs, projects and processes) who is currently in transition. Most recently, I served as the acting Executive Director of a 501(c)(3) charitable scientific organization and professional membership association known as ACGIH.  ACGIH stands for the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and serves occupational and environmental health and safety professionals. I began my career there as the Communications Manager and quickly advanced to Director of Operations and then Associate Executive Director before serving in dual roles upon the departure of our previous Executive Director. While there, I worked and supervised all functional areas of the organization including, but not limited to administration and governance, finance, human resources, communications, marketing and publishing, meetings and events, member and customer service, and technology. Prior to that I spent 10 years in legal publishing.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business, Education and Human Services as well as my Juris Doctorate (law degree).  I am in admitted to practice law in Ohio.  In addition, I have been certified by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) as a Certified Association Executive (CAE).

My top skills/strengths are my character/interpersonal skills, my ability to wear many hats, and my ability to think strategically and execute tactically.

I’m seeking a new opportunity where I can use my diverse background and skills to improve the operations of and achieve the mission of a new organization whether nonprofit or for profit.

Not sure if you need any personal info but if so:

Amy lives in the Cool Springs community in Union, Ky with her husband Allen and her children.  Her daughter, Taylor is a 2020 graduate of Transylvania University who will continue graduate school at Eastern Kentucky University.  Her son, Allen (Jacob), will be a sophomore at Transylvania in the Fall.

When did the organization start and by whom?

Founded in 2011 by Peggy Noe Stevens

Her Letter:

From one Bourbon woman to another,

It was more of a pent-up feeling. Knowing for my entire life that I watched women enjoying bourbon, yet the industry did not recognize this market. As a Master Bourbon Taster it felt awkward to me, conducting tasting programs around the world where women sat in the back of the room and only asked questions afterwards. Working both inside and outside of the industry, a quest began to design the perfect platform to start the conversation with women, not a commercial sales pitch and advance their interest in spirits. And that is exactly what we did. We first reached out to YOU to start the conversation. And, we thank you.

No successful woman does it all on her own, so a tremendous, generous & accomplished pool of Kentucky women gathered together to brainstorm on the question: what do women want when it comes to whiskey education and time with their friends? Over many manhattans and a sincere desire to raise women’s awareness and celebrate their love for our amber elixir, Bourbon Women was born. We wanted to debunk some myths about women and whiskey and relay to the industry that brands did not need to “pinkify” the product for females. We love our brands just the way you are and, we now know through Bourbon Women’s research that women go for the stronger, spicier, higher proof and more robust flavors.

Proudly, Bourbon Women was the first female consumer group in the industry and since 2011, serves not only as a networking of women across the nation, but showcases the lifestyle and culture for which we choose. We are not a club; we are a movement. We work hard to help the industry and create a unique environment that is savored by the moments we share together. Mothers, aunts, sisters, nieces and daughters all gather together as individuals, but form a community of like-minded women, something I never saw in my 30 years of whiskey-soaked experiences. Seeing it now, and seeing Bourbon Women spread across the nation, and the globe, has been a great joy to me.

We are more than a demographic. Bourbon Women are confident and sophisticated with a love for adventure. The word “experience” says it all with Bourbon Women because once you truly experience this organization, you know you are part of something special in our industry.

To hear the stories of women in the industry and the brands that support our mission is fun but also so inspiring for those that may not have realized the historic past women have held as leaders and workers in the bourbon industry. It is with admiration and pure enjoyment that I meet our bourbon women across the nation because there is just something beautiful about a woman and her whiskey. By the response of support from the industry today, they think so too! I’m just one woman’s story among this fabulous organization. Let us hear your Bourbon story, I know a few women who will listen!

With gratitude,

Peggy Noe Stevens

Founder and Chair Emeritus

What makes your organization stand out among others?
Bourbon Women was the first female consumer group in the industry and since 2011, serves not only as a networking of women across the nation, but showcases the lifestyle and culture for which we choose. We are not a club; we are a movement. We work hard to help the industry and create a unique environment that is savored by the moments we share together. We believe in supporting women in the distilled spirits industry helping them realize their dreams as distillers, production managers or brand ambassadors.

What are the greatest needs of the organization?
We want to continue to spread our movement across the United States.  With 11 chapters nationwide, we are committed to opening two branches per year targeting cities and states with a bourbon/whiskey culture.

How can people get involved with the organization?
It’s easy to get involved – go to BourbonWomen.org and click on “Join Us.” Make sure to select Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati as your branch. You can also follow us on Facebook (national – https://www.facebook.com/BourbonWomen/ ; local – https://www.facebook.com/BourbonWomenNKYCincy/   Our local branch is always looking for ideas and help with local events like Meet & Neats, distillery tours and tastings, etc.

Anything else you would like to include?
Each August, spirited women (and men) from across the country gather for the Bourbon Women’s annual SIPosium conference.  This year’s conference will take place August 20-23 at the historic Seelbach Hilton in Louisville. The long weekend event provides exciting informative workshops, meetings with industry leaders and excursions to nearby distilleries.  We hope you can join us for a long weekend of libations, learning and laughter with good company – Bourbon Women.