Wisconsin Association of Distributors (WAD) is the only statewide trade association that represents the convenience store wholesale distributors on all levels across all state activities and governments.  Our member wholesale distributors sell and deliver a wide variety of convenience store products including, but not limited to, cigarettes, tobacco, candy, snacks, beverages, and foodservice products to nearly 3,000 convenience stores in the state.  WAD Wholesaler members are responsible for Wisconsin’s cigarette tax stamping program along with the collection and remittance of the cigarette and tobacco products taxes.  No other tax collection agent costs the state so little for revenue collected.  We work closely with the state across all fronts and provide this significant revenue in tax collection to the state.  

The Wisconsin Association of Distributors is a very active participant in the Wisconsin legislative process.  WAD offers full-time experienced legislative representation in Madison, specializing in effective interaction with the state legislature, with the administration, and with government regulators.  WAD supports and helps create legislation that supports our industry and works hard to defeat legislation that would hurt all of our businesses.  

Many of our members are individual or family-owned businesses – some second, third, and even fourth generation. Our businesses provide jobs and benefits for our employees throughout the state of Wisconsin, pay our fair share of taxes, and contribute to our local communities. Our members are very active, maintaining relationships with the legislators in their districts and ensuring our interests are represented. With constituents in almost every district, our voices are heard.  

We ask for fair treatment – to be allowed to compete on a level playing field without excessive regulation and taxation.

• Fair and reasonable regulation and taxation
• Fair compensation for tobacco tax collection and remittance
• Tax equalization on reduced harm products

Annually WAD holds a 2-day convention at Kohler, WI.  Attendees have access to all our wholesaler members through several events.  The business partnerships and relationships formed through our association are invaluable and can be called upon year-round.