2 minute read
Drink Local, Do Good!
BY SULLY PINOS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER
Spicy, Savory, or Sweet? These are some of the questions to ask yourself as you explore your next cocktail menu and see the Holla Vodka brand name, locally sourced in York County.
Holla Spirits, a producer of top-shelf quality vodka in 13+ flavors using mindful ingredients, has experienced a transformation since launching in 2013. The company was created by Patrick Shorb after he was diagnosed with two rare genetic diseases and is now a certified disability-owned business enterprise (DOBE) by DisabilityIN. As a growing family business, Pat enlisted the guidance of his father, Bill, to join their ownership and leadership team. Since 2019, the business has maintained and expanded its headquarters in the West Manchester area in York.
In the Fall of 2023, Holla Spirits secured a loan investment from the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center for support with payroll and a growing sales and marketing team to deploy their state and national growth model and inventory. With this investment, the company aims to create five new full-time jobs over the next two years. “Talent acquisition is a strategic imperative for Holla and the additional resources have allowed us to attract seasoned spirits industry associates from across the state,” said Pat. “It is especially gratifying to have them fully embrace the brand ethos and fun team culture in a highly competitive market.”
Most recently, Holla’s Watermelon Lollipop Vodka was used in naming PA’s cocktail of the year! Following this statewide designation, Holla announced that a donation would be made to “Uplifting Athletes,” a nonprofit that raises money to address rare diseases. Other local causes supported by Holla include “Pink Power” and the recognizable Pink Bottle, to help raise funds and awareness for those impacted by Breast Cancer.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND HOLLA?
PA Wine & Fine Spirits Stores, and retailers across the US, as well as local restaurants
Hollywood Casino York and other branded casinos
Hershey Resort Venues - The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup martini
“The BLOOM loan came at a very opportune time for the company as we were able to add significant resources to our Pennsylvania sales initiatives, enabling exponential revenue growth,” Pat Shorb, CEO.
To learn more about BLOOM Loans, visit BLOOMYork.org/Loans to set up a meeting!
