DonateThe Magic of Neverland: Announcing our Honoree Michael Correra
We are thrilled to announce that Michael Correra will be honored at our 79th Annual Gala, “Neverland: L’Isola che non c’è.”
Michael A. Correra has been the owner of Michael-Towne Wines & Spirits in Brooklyn Heights since 1995. This establishment, originally licensed in 1934 (License #63), holds one of the first licenses issued after Prohibition ended. As a third-generation liquor store owner, Correra continues the family tradition started by his grandfather, father, uncles, and aunt.
Since 2008, Correra has also served as the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Package Store Association (“Metro”), a premier trade association founded in 1934 that advocates for the political and business interests of independently-owned liquor stores across New York State. Under his leadership, Metro has championed several initiatives supporting New York wineries and distilleries, promoting local wines and spirits in retail package stores. Correra and Metro’s lobbyist work to protect retailers under the three-tier system and public convenience and advantage licensing statutes.
Correra has participated in legislative roundtables and industry working groups to ensure the retailers’ perspective is considered in changes to New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control laws. Recently, he served on Governor Hochul’s Commission to Reform the Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws, representing retailers statewide.
Michael was raised on Staten Island and is an alumnus of Poly Prep Country Day School, St. Francis College, and has an MBA in Business and Managerial Economics from Wagner College. Michael is a member of the Retailers Alliance and The Retail Council of NYS and serves on the board of Poly Prep Country Day School, where he has been a trustee for 22 years. Michael and his life partner, Ann Fortugno, who also works in the liquor industry with Constellation, live in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and enjoy spending time with their niece, Gigi, and their families.
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