2011 May/June On Premise

Official publication of the tavern league of wisconsin

MAY • JU N E 2 011 t l w.o rg

MAY is Tavern Month!

Take Pride in Owning

“The Friendliest Place in Town!”

TLW Members

Raise Over $9 Million

for Friends, Family and Community

™

Glasses. Ice. Coasters. Society.

It’s what you need to do business.

ting the drink specials No matter how friendly the bartender, how temp lete without TRIM comp isn’t just n taver a or how diverse the jukebox, ly serve up some proud we ® ty Socie At ance. coverage from Society Insur ble. And, best of all, of the broadest property/liability coverages availa tavern owners like you. our TRIM program was concocted specifically for ess, swing over If you’re thirsty for coverage made for your busin got on tap. to societyinsurance.com and check out what we’ve Society Insurance is a corporate sponsor of the Tavern League of Wisconsin:

™

150 Camelot Dr ive P.O. Box 1029 Fond du Lac, W I 54936 888-5-SOCIET Y (888-576-243 8) societyinsuranc e.com

M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 1 V o l um e 2 9 , N o . 3

Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin

In this issue: May Is Tavern Month

F e at u r e s 16 TLW 76th Annual Spring Conference Summary Conference summary, nominating committee report and tradeshow exhibitors American Beverage Licensees 5 American Beverage 9th ANNUAL Licensees Annual CONVENTION Convention

Sunday, June 12 - Tuesday, June 14, 2011 Hilton Milwaukee City Center Milwaukee, WI

June 12th, 2011, Milwaukee, WI

REGISTRATION FORM INFORMATION

LE A G U E S P OTL I G H T 24 Clark County Clark Tavern League NAME

GUEST NAME

COMPANY/ESTABLISHMENT ADDRESS CITY

COUNTY

STATE

DAYTIME PHONE

ZIP

FAX

League Profile

EMAIL

This is my first time attending the ABL Convention: (select one) YES

PAYMENT

Milwaukee Brewers Game

NO

26 SunUp Saloon

Admission to the Milwaukee Brewers game, courtesy of MillerCoors, on Sunday, June 12 at 1:10pm is included for pre-paid FULL convention registrants only.

ABL Member Convention Registration Fee (Per Person) $250 x ____________________ = $ _____________

Business Spotlight

ABL Non-Member Convention Registration Fee (Per Person) $275 x ____________________ = $ _____________

Do you plan on attending the ballgame? (select one) YES NO

28 Special Olympics – Neillsville

● Fee Includes All Events, Seminars/Sessions and Hospitality Events ● CANCELLATION REFUND FEE: $25.00 PER PERSON ● Call ABL at 1-888-656-3241with any questions ● Visit www.ablusa.org for updates

MAIL THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAYMENT

BY CHECK TODAY! American Beverage Licensees (ABL) 5101 River Road, Suite 108 Bethesda, MD 20816

Charity Spotlight

ACCOMMODATIONS s o cia l n e t w o r k

10 Cov er S tory

May Is Tavern Month Raising $9 Million for Our Communities at “The Friendliest Place in Town!”

The Hilton Milwaukee City Center - ABL’s Convention Hotel - is offering very attractive rates of just $139 (+ state & local taxes) per night, single or double occupancy. ● Make your room reservations now by calling the Room Reservations Department at 1-800-HILTONS or 414/935-5940. ● Indentify yourself as part of ABL in order to receive the special room rate. ● Please have your credit card, arrival and departure dates on hand when you call.

www.tlw.org

facebook.com

twitter.com/TavernLeague

D E P A RT M E N T 4 President’s Perspective 6 Front Rail 8 Corporate Sponsors 30 corporate spotlight 32 featured Affiliates 34 new members

Tavern League of Wisconsin

37 affiliate members 38 LEgislative Notes 39 Promo Pub 40 Accounting Help 41 LOCAL LEAGUE UPDATES 46 Advertiser Index 2011 May/June On Premise

3

By Robert Swearingen TLW President

Thank You Green Bay – Hello ABL, Milwaukee!

A

s I write this article the TLW has just concluded our 2011 Spring Conference in Green Bay. I would like to take time to congratulate Sue Robinson and the Brown County Tavern League for hosting another fantastic event. Well done!

The four day event started with a Miller Lite VIP tour of Lambeau Field. Over 150 TLW Members and friends were able to walk through the famous tunnel onto the home turf of the World Champion Green Bay Packers. What a treat!

Our Green Bay event drew over 600 attendees to network and discuss TLW issues and concerns.

The final session on Thursday included a visit

he received his TLW Past President’s ring, the ring commemorates his service as Association President from 1989-1990. Congratulations Roger!

As we say “Thanks” to Brown County and Green Bay, it’s time to look ahead to June for another important industry gathering. Our national association, The American Beverage Licensees, is coming to Milwaukee! The downtown Milwaukee Hilton will be the host of this year’s ABL National Convention slated for June 12-14, 2011.

It should come as no surprise, and it was by no accident that the ABL Board of Directors

“I urge all TLW members to exercise the home court advantage and register for the June ABL event.”

industry. Milwaukee is the home of ABL Sponsor MillerCoors and their new craft brew division “Tenth and Blake,” makers of Leinenkugel’s and Blue Moon. As usual, MillerCoors has rolled out the red carpet of hospitality and is inviting everyone to a full day of tours, tastings and a huge reception right in the heart of Miller Valley.

Now is your chance to see how YOUR national association conducts business. I urge all TLW Members to exercise the home court advantage of Milwaukee and register for the June ABL event. The three-day full registration includes a TLW/MillerCoors sponsored Brewer game and tailgate party, private reception at the Milwaukee Public Museum, general sessions, sponsored breakfasts, lunch, afterglow parties and a final night “Top Shelf” dinner sponsored

by DISCUS. (See page 8 for registration info).

I guarantee you will come away with a fountain of information as well as some great opportunities to network with fellow ABL Members from across the nation. If you’re not careful you may even meet some new friends. Join us! ●●●

Cheers, and a presentation by the Packers organization.

Be sure to get all the info on the “Packers Everywhere” program on the TLW website.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Roger Breske on his retirement from the State of Wisconsin. Roger was on hand to receive the TLW Presidents Award in Green Bay. Roger has long been recognized by the TLW for his continuing interest and support of our Association even while serving in the Wisconsin Legislature. To cap off Roger’s presentation, 4

On Premise 2011 May/June

picked Milwaukee, Wisconsin as their location for 2011 Annual Meeting and Convention. The biggest reason is because of the Members of the TLW! ABL State Affiliates will be traveling to Wisconsin to experience how the TLW works together and maintains the largest trade association of its kind in the country. We have extended the invitation and they have accepted.

I hope everyone will be able to join us in Milwaukee.

Rob

The focus of this year’s ABL event is on beer, specifically the growing craft beer segment of our www.tlw.org

American Beverage Licensees 9th ANNUAL CONVENTION Sunday, June 12 - Tuesday, June 14, 2011 Hilton Milwaukee City Center Milwaukee, WI

REGISTRATION FORM INFORMATION NAME

GUEST NAME

COMPANY/ESTABLISHMENT ADDRESS CITY

STATE

DAYTIME PHONE

ZIP FAX

EMAIL This is my first time attending the ABL Convention: (select one) YES

NO

PAYMENT

Admission to the Milwaukee Brewers game, courtesy of MillerCoors, on Sunday, June 12 at 1:10pm is included for pre-paid FULL convention registrants only.

ABL Member Convention Registration Fee (Per Person) $250 x ____________________ = $ _____________ ABL Non-Member Convention Registration Fee (Per Person) $275 x ____________________ = $ _____________

● Fee Includes All Events, Seminars/Sessions and Hospitality Events ● CANCELLATION REFUND FEE: $25.00 PER PERSON ● Call ABL at 1-888-656-3241with any questions ● Visit www.ablusa.org for updates

Milwaukee Brewers Game

Do you plan on attending the ballgame? (select one) YES NO

MAIL THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAYMENT

BY CHECK TODAY! American Beverage Licensees (ABL) 5101 River Road, Suite 108 Bethesda, MD 20816

ACCOMMODATIONS The Hilton Milwaukee City Center - ABL’s Convention Hotel - is offering very attractive rates of just $139 (+ state & local taxes) per night, single or double occupancy. ● Make your room reservations now by calling the Room Reservations Department at 1-800-HILTONS or 414/935-5940. ● Indentify yourself as part of ABL in order to receive the special room rate. ● Please have your credit card, arrival and departure dates on hand when you call.

Tavern League of Wisconsin

2011 May/June On Premise

5

By Pete Madland TLW Executive Director

Tavern Month – A Reason to be Proud

E

ven though this edition of On Premise may not be out until June, I want to take a moment to celebrate “May, National Tavern Month”. What better time to step back and reflect on the positive impact you and your industry have on your community and our state?

While many are busy trying to demean our industry and demonize the products we sell, we should seize this opportunity to shout out with pride the contributions we make. Now is not the time to be shy; now is the time to do some bragging.

Some still view the local tavern as a seedy, smokefilled room filled with individuals of questionable reputations. Nothing could be further from the truth. The local Tavern, Bar, Pub, Supper Club, Grille, Watering Hole, Saloon, Nightclub or whatever you call it, plays an important role. In Wisconsin, it is a gathering place for reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and any other occasion when people gather and celebrate.

In fact the term “Pub” is short for “Public House”.

A Public House was the term used in olde England and Ireland for a place where people could gather to discuss events of the day and enjoy some camaraderie. It was the focal point of the town.

Much has changed, but really not that much has changed. While businesses are much more sophisticated, and laws are much more complicated, in Wisconsin the tavern is still the focal point of the community. Try as they (the neoprohibitionists) do to discourage it, people still like to gather and celebrate at the local pub.

It is no secret that business is not what it used to be, but that does not mean we should not be proud of who we are and what we do! When people ask “What do you do for a living?” our answer should be “I am a Tavern Owner!” not a timid “I own a business”. Our employees should be saying “I am a Bartender” or “I am a Waitress” and not apologetically state “I am a bartender (waitress)”.

We should be proud of what we do and how we do it.

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On Premise 2011 May/June

Keep in mind we provide hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout Wisconsin. Not many industries can make that claim. We pay millions of dollars in taxes and fees as we are one of the most regulated industries in the state and the products we sell are among the highest taxed. No one can doubt that we do our share to keep Wisconsin’s economy healthy.

We must talk more, with pride, about the good we do. It is our job to make certain our customers and officials know about the over $9,000,000 we donated, last year alone, to thousands of Wisconsin charities. Who else can make that claim? We must educate the public about our SafeRide Program and the 60,000+ free rides given last year, thanks to the efforts of our Members throughout Wisconsin.

Along with taking pride in your business and the job you do, take pride in your trade association. I know we say it time and time again, but it has never been truer than it is today; we are the premiere Beverage Licensed Association in the country, if not the world. It took 75 years to get to where we are today, a political force to be reckoned with while serving the needs of our Members.

While many are quick to demonize our industry and the legal products we serve, can you imagine Wisconsin without the local tavern? Where would people gather to discuss politics, sports or the events of the day? Close your eyes and try to imagine your town or neighborhood without the local watering hole. I believe it is a scary scene even for those who choose not to take a drink. Like it or not the tavern is the pulse of our communities and if they ever disappeared, as some would like, I cannot imagine anything taking their place.

of a Supper Club, Liquor Store or Pub, remember all of the hard work and dedication of the people behind the bar. The Members of the Tavern League of Wisconsin are committed to providing a safe, supervised environment where friends and family can gather and enjoy one another’s company. It is a rich tradition that we all can be proud of and a tradition that must be carried on.

Allow me to close with an excerpt from the famous Whiskey Speech, delivered by Judge Noah S. “Soggy” Sweat on April 4, 1952: “But if, when you say whiskey, you mean the oil of conversation, the philosophic wine, the ale that is consumed when good fellows get together, that puts a song in their hearts and laughter on their lips and the warm glow of contentment in their eyes’; if you mean Christmas cheer; if you mean the stimulating drink that puts the spring in the old gentleman’s step on a frosty, crispy morning’; if you mean the drink which enables a man to magnify his joy and his happiness and to forget, if only for a little while, life’s great tragedies and heartaches and sorrows; if you mean that drink the sale of which pours into our treasuries untold millions of dollars, which are used to provide tender care for our little crippled children, our blind, our deaf, our dumb, our pitiful aged and infirm to build highways and hospitals and schools, then certainly I am for it. This is my stand. I will not retreat from it. I will not compromise.”

Hats off to all fellow Members of the Tavern League of Wisconsin! ●●●

So the next time you see that TLW decal in a tavern window or the TLW metal sign hanging on the side www.tlw.org

President: Rob Swearingen Senior Vice President: Barb Mercer Secretary: Sue Bonte Lee Treasurer: Tom Dahlen Southern Zone Vice Presidents: Chris Marsicano, Jim Pickett Eastern Zone Vice Presidents: Gene Loose, Dale VandenLangenberg Central Zone Vice Presidents: Lori Frommgen, Robert “Bubba” Sprenger Northern Zone Vice Presidents: Dan Corbin, Pete Olson

Editor: Pete Madland, Executive Director Tavern League of Wisconsin Publisher: Barbara Slack Slack Attack Communications Advertising Sales: Heidi Koch Slack Attack Communications heidi@slackattack.com Art Director: Ann Christianson Slack Attack Communications Contributing Writers: Pete Madland, Patti Marsicano, Kimberly Ruef, Rob Swearingen, Scott Stenger, Amanda Wagner, Kelly Wolf Printed By: Reindl Printing, Inc. Merrill,Wisconsin On Premise (ISSN #1051-4562) is a bi-monthly publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc., 2817 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, WI 53713, phone: (800) 445-9221.

Published by Slack Attack Communications, 5113 Monona Drive, Madison,WI 53716, phone: (608) 222-7630.

Printing is by Reindl Printing, Inc., Merrill,WI 54452. For advertising information, contact Slack Attack Communications.

Subscriptions included in TLW membership dues; non-member subscriptions: $15 per year.

Address corrections should be sent to the Tavern League of Wisconsin Office, 2817 Fish Hatchery Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53713-5005.

Second class postage paid at Madison, WI and other additional offices. © Copyright 2011 by the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc. Permission to reprint must be secured in advance of publication and credit given to author and On Premise

TLW Celebrating 75 years.

2011 May/June On Premise

7

Support those who

support our association

Platinum Sponsors $50,000+ per yr

Gold Sponsors $25,000+ per year

Anheuser-Busch Silver Sponsors $10,000+ per year

Bronze Sponsors $5,000+ per year

Wisconsin Amusement & Music Operators, Inc.

Make sure to thank these groups for their support, and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call the TLW office (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support those who support us.�

8

On Premise 2011 May/June

www.tlw.org

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2010 Charitable giving report

Raising Money at the “ ” Friendliest Place in Town This year the TLW announces a new record, demonstrating its Member’s generosity. In 2010, the Tavern League of Wisconsin and its Members donated over $9,200,000 to over 8,400 Wisconsin charities. “Our members recognize the importance of these charities and take the task of raising and donating money very seriously”, commented TLW President Rob Swearingen.

From providing jobs to paying taxes to raising money for thousands of Wisconsin charities, the Members of the Tavern League of Wisconsin once again demonstrate they truly are “Friends and Neighbors Helping Friends and Neighbors”.

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On Premise 2011 May/June

www.tlw.org

County Name Amount Given

Adams County Ashland/Bayfield Cty. Barron County Brown County Burnett County Calumet County Chippewa County Clark County Columbia County Crawford County Dodge County Door County Eau Claire City/County Forest County Grant/Iowa County Greater Northwoods Green Lake Area Jackson County Jefferson County Juneau County Kenosha City Kenosha County Kewaunee County La Crosse City/County Lakeland Area Langlade County Madison/Dane County Manitowoc County Marathon County Marinette County Marquette County

$46,575 $90,000 $48,125 $1,297,243 $46,615 $25,539 $59,897 $47,400 $83,000 $84,000 $55,070 $82,177 $75,099 $200 $511,000 $52,000 $52,250 $51,250 $50,050 $9,364 $148,387 $118,692 $133,350 $122,862 $128,500 $438,000 $79,365 $174,663 $104,220 $63,750 $48,062

Milwaukee Cty. Hospitality $1,005,672 Monroe County $42,600

$

# of Charities

52 600 163 801 196 202 73 18 150 950 85 97 318 1 400 44 109 10 83 125 34 87 54 150 53 52 4 238 22 20 21

County Name Amount Given

Oconto County Oneida County Oshkosh City Outagamie County Ozaukee County Pepin County Pierce County Polk County Portage County Price County Racine City Racine County Rock County Sauk County Sawyer County Shawano County Sheboygan County St. Croix County Superior/Douglas Cty. Tomahawk/Merrill Area Trempealeau/Buffalo Cty. Vilas County Walworth County Washington County Waukesha County Waupaca County Waushara County Winnebago Wood County State Office of TLW

# of Charities

$17,875 56 $98,800 517 $20,000 12 $72,647 182 $39,485 104 $61,170 69 $97,500 67 $12,200 5 $90,893 420 $184,500 47 $21,869 62 $216,388 23 $48,000 28 $2,000,000 150 $2,100 6 $97,216 67 $2,900 80 $43,921 334 $174,000 85 $42,500 39 $150,000 350 $100,000 50 $40,476 154 $14,749 19 $177,000 14 $24,128 64 $40,875 32 $8,755 17 $21,264 50 $32,300 —

10 126

9 , 280 , 488

to 8,423 Local Charities Tavern League of Wisconsin

2011 May/June On Premise

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2010 Charitable giving report continued... ...2010 Raising Money continued from page 11

It’s never easy to ask for money, but Wisconsin’s Tavern League Members seem to excel at it.

“It’s our way of letting the community know we’re here,” says Karen Lenzner, who owns Dickie Do’s All Right Inn in Antigo with her husband, Dick. “When anything goes on, taverns are the first place people go to for a donation.”

“A lot of bars,” says Nate Fleming, owner of Ellsworth’s Snowball’s, “do fundraisers because they help bring the community together. When you have someone who is sick or has a problem, or a group that needs money, they come to the bars, because that’s where the gatherings happen.”

In the last year, Wisconsin’s Taverns, Restaurants, Nightclubs, Golf Courses and other League members have fulfilled those requests, rallying their patrons to help their respective causes as well.

But it hasn’t been easy.

“So many taverns have shamrocks hanging, hearts hanging … it’s not for us, it’s for our customers,” says Lenzner, who’s also Secretary of the Langlade County Tavern League. “It can be hard on customers when you’re selling raffle tickets for six different fundraisers; they only have so much money, so you have to be careful how many times you ask, but they still keep coming through.”

The numbers have also come through, and the Tavern League of Wisconsin has outdone itself: This year the organization’s generous members raised over $9,280,488 for more than 8,423 different charities around the state. Here are a few examples:

Price County: (Above) Birch Island Resort’s annual Wild Game Feed.

(Left) Dan Virnig speaking at the Wild Game Feed.

Feeding the Masses in Price County It’s one of the few times people aren’t afraid of the “mystery meat.”

For nine years people have been coming to Birch Island Resort for the annual Wild Game Feed.

Held the last weekend in March (or first weekend in April, depending on the calendar), this annual event supports charities in Price County.

“I want our events to benefit all people of Price County, not just the high school football team,” says Dan Virnig, who owns the resort with his wife, Holly. “It’s a stipulation I set.”

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On Premise 2011 May/June

Past benefactors include the local ambulance service and Fire Department, Flambeau Hospice, the local Women’s Health Alliance and many more. This year, St. Vincent de Paul was the recipient of Birch Island Resort and Price County’s generosity. About $8,500 was raised for the organization, bringing the Wild Game Feed’s donations to a total of $48,000 to date.

For the Wild Game Feed, “everyone who walks through the door pays five dollars,” says Virnig, and that money goes directly to charity. Between 2,500 and 3,000 raffle tickets are also sold; all the proceeds from the raffle, minus expenses to put on the event, also go to the charity. The designated charity, says Virnig, is required to help with the event. They solicit raffle items, hang posters, sell tickets and more.

All the meat for the feed is donated either by Virnig himself, who’s an avid hunter, or others in the community. On the buffet line, it’s not uncommon to have bear, elk, mule deer, moose, pheasant, grouse, gamefish, and that mystery meat.

www.tlw.org

“The event is big enough that when people go on hunting or fishing trips, they bring meat in for the event.” Virnig, who has a culinary background, serves up the meat in a variety of ways, from rotisserie-style to ham-smoked boar with au gratin potatoes.

“The community has always been very receptive. It gets bigger and bigger every year. It gives people the opportunity to taste items they haven’t before.”

Fleming believes that his mother started participating in, and raising money for, the cause about 20 years ago. Each year, the bar sponsors a team and gets people to register and raise money.

Snowball’s and the Pierce County Tavern League donate to a variety of benefits and fundraisers, but Cancer research and support holds a special place in his and the Local League Member’s hearts.

Snowball’s raises, on average of $4,000 annually and estimates the grand total to date is close to $50,000.

“It would be nice if someday we could totally cure Cancer. We’ve come a long way in the last 20 years, but there are still a lot of people, both kids and adults, dealing with Cancer. I think it’s one of the best things we can give to.”

This year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Ellsworth is July 23. In honor of his

In fact, the event has gotten so big that Virnig had to open early for this year’s event. “We try to start at 2 p.m., but we had to open at noon because so many people were waiting outside.”

In a county of blue-collar workers and one of the lowest household income levels in the state, the Wild Game Feed has become an important event for the people of Price County.

“There are a lot of disadvantaged people here,” says Virnig, “and the people and organizations really appreciate the assistance. Plus it gives the community something to do together.”

In Pierce County, This Relay is for Life For years, the Pierce County Tavern League Members have made donations to and sponsored teams to participate in local run/walks to support the American Cancer Society.

The Sum is Greater than the Parts in Langlade In the grand scheme of things $22 is a small amount. But when you break down the numbers in Langlade County, it’s actually a lot. This county’s Tavern League raised $438,000 through its charity work in 2010. That’s $21.76 for each resident in this northeastern Wisconsin county.

“We do the cancer walk every year,” says Nate Fleming, owner of Snowball’s bar in Ellsworth.

“We’ve taken first place in fundraising quite a few years.”

But this year it’s personal. Fleming lost his mother, Joanie Forss, a 20-plus-year member of the League, to Pancreatic Cancer in November.

Joanie’s father died of the same Cancer about 13 years ago.

Pierce County: (Above) American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life walk in Ellsworth.

Joanie walking for the cause in 2010.

(Left) “This one’s for you!” in 2011. Joanie and husband Jerry Forss from Snowball’s.

mother, Fleming is pushing the event and registration this year. He’s also raising additional funds by selling buttons and hosting a post-walk street dance and party at Snowball’s.

“We are still working out all the details, but do know all the money will get donated to the American Cancer Society,” says Fleming.

Tavern League of Wisconsin

“We invite anyone who would like us to donate money or host a fundraiser to just ask,” says Karen Lenzner, co-owner of Antigo’s Dickie Do’s All Right Inn. Why the open invitation? “Our local customers — are our bread and butter. Those who aren’t local, they’re gravy. We have to be here for our community, because without them, we wouldn’t be here. They aren’t just our customers. They are our friends, our families and our neighbors.”

The Langlade County league donates to a wide variety of causes — 17 total! Medical fundraisers make up the majority of league donations, representing more than half of the $438,000 total. Other major benefactors include the local hospital, Boys & Girls Club and animal welfare groups. Plus they make many other small but 2011 May/June On Premise

13

2010 Charitable giving report continued... ...2010 Raising Money continued from page 13

important donations throughout the year: $100 to sponsor a bench, $160 to support transportation to and from medical appointments, $100 to a local health care facility for Bingo prizes.

Langlade County: (Below, Right) Rick’s 45 Roadhouse Poker Run, in Antigo.

Langlade County: (Left, Above) A benefit for JD Kautzer included ice bowling and music at Rick’s 45 Roadhouse, Antigo.

The League is helping out one of their own as well.

One county member is dealing with a major heart problem and “we’re doing as much as we can for him,” says Lenzner.

This League also tries to maximize the state’s matching funds. “We watch our donations very closely so we can apply matching funds wisely,” she reports.

Combining resources is actually a common theme.

While many taverns do their own fundraisers, pooling resources has helped the Langlade County Tavern League become one of the top-performing leagues when it comes to annual donations.

“It’s not one of us doing anything real special, but all of us working together,” says Lenzner.

“Customers might not realize what we do for the community, but when the figures are put in front of them, it’s pretty impressive. We’re helping just about everyone in the county with our work.”

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On Premise 2011 May/June

A Bevy of Bowlathons in Waukesha County Party planning is part of the package when individuals plan a charity bowlathon at Fox Run Lanes in Waukesha. “We have a team to help support the fundraisers,” says Terrie Boehnen, who owns the bowling alley with her husband, Bob. “Myself, my daughter or someone from our alley will meet with the families or the organization to help them set up everything, and we keep in touch until the event takes place.” Fox Run Lanes hosts between 10 and 14 bowlathons each year. In 2010, Fox Run hosted bowlathons for ACAP, or Adaptive Community Approach Program, which serves individuals with special needs; four bowlathons to raise funds for Breast Cancer; one for children’s Leukemia; and a few for sports programs. They’ve also hosted bowlathons for individuals who need help due to mounting medical expenses or other extraordinary circumstances.

“We’ve done quite a number of them,” says Boehnen.

The alley doesn’t put on any of their own bowlathons but provides in-kind services and support

for the groups that use the facility for their fundraisers. In 2010, Boehnen says, Fox Run’s contribution to the fundraisers was equal to about $80,000.

In addition to recruiting bowlers from the alley’s leagues to participate, Boehnen donates prizes, food, lane time and more. Bartenders have been known to give up half their tips as donations as well. Bowlathons, says Boehnen, have always been a part of business, which the husband-wife team have owned for 16 years. The Boehnens also own Wonderland Tap in Waukesha and On The Rocks in Neosho.

“We’ve had more requests. With the economic things going on, we have seen an increase every year; in fact, we’ve done five or six since the first of the year. When leagues are done, especially in the summer, we have one almost every other weekend,” says Boehnen.

Most of the requests come from word-ofmouth referrals, friends and families of customers who are in need of assistance or work with an organization seeking to raise funds.

“But even if someone called out of the blue, we’d just do it,” says Boehnen. “It’s the right, Christian thing to do. We’re part of their community and they’re part of ours. That’s why we do it.” ●●●

www.tlw.org

Wisconsin TLW Members Truly are “Friends and Neighbors Helping Friends and Neighbors” May is National Tavern Month and Members of the Tavern League of Wisconsin wish to remind you of the important role your local tavern plays in communities throughout Wisconsin. Wisconsin holds a special place in its culture for the family tavern and Wisconsinites understand the contributions they make every day helping make Wisconsin a better place to live.

“Along with providing jobs and paying taxes, the local tavern has served as a place to gather, socialize and discuss issues of the day for hundreds of years”, said Pete Madland, Executive Director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, which represents approximately 5,000 small businesses throughout Wisconsin.

This year the TLW announces a new record, demonstrating its members’ generosity.

In 2010, the Tavern League of Wisconsin and its Members donated over $9,200,000 to over 8,400 Wisconsin charities. “Our Members recognize the importance of these charities and take the task of raising and donating money very seriously”, commented TLW President Rob Swearingen.

From providing jobs to paying taxes to raising money for thousands of Wisconsin charities, the Members of the Tavern League of Wisconsin once again demonstrate they truly are “Friends and Neighbors Helping Friends and Neighbors”.

For more information about the Tavern League of Wisconsin go to www.tlw.org.

Take pride in owning “The Friendliest Place in Town!”

Press release courtesy of ABL. On behalf of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, we encourage everyone to join us in recognizing “May is Tavern Month”. Tavern Month is a chance to raise awareness of the long-standing role of local bars and taverns in communities large and small across Wisconsin.

Long known as “The Friendliest Place in Town”, America’s bars and taverns represent the best of American social culture and the community spirit that is at the core of the country’s civil fabric. They also give to thousands of charities, provide millions of jobs and entertain tens of millions of patrons each year.

Bar and tavern owners continue to place a strong emphasis on responsible service by training employees and incorporating programs to prevent drunk driving. They also work with the Tavern League of Wisconsin and elected officials to support sensible beverage alcohol policy.

Bars and taverns are also places where trends and tastes are developed, and customers can sample from a vast variety of products. Whether it’s a wine bar, a corner pub, a trendy lounge or a family-owned and operated tavern, they all provide a setting for meetings, remembrances and celebrations that is unique to their town, region and customers.

So raise a glass because May is Tavern Month…Let’s Celebrate!

Tavern League of Wisconsin

2011 May/June On Premise

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SPRING CONFERENCE SUMMARY The 76th annual TLW Spring Conference was held April 4-8 in Green Bay. Coming to Spring Conference this year was a win – win. Great cocktails, products, meetings and friends. The Conference got off to a fast start with the Board Members attending committee meetings Sunday evening.

MONDAY a full, quarterly board meeting was held and in session for

over 7 hours, covering all items of concern. It was a busy work day for some before the real fun began. Next, some Members took time to take the Lambeau Field tour and they were not disappointed with this insider’s view. If that wasn’t enough for our first day, the TLW wrapped Monday up with a great welcome party held

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at Stadium View. The band Star Six Nine rocked the night away and members enjoyed the great food.

Brown County put together not only a great welcome party but also a great week for the TLW members to come together.

Tuesday morning the general business meeting was well attended.

Dale VandenLangenberg welcomed the membership and introduced Brown County President Sue Robinson. Next up was a series of reports by TLW Senior Vice President

Barb Mercer, TLW President Rob Swearingen, Secretary Sue Bonte, Treasurer Tom Dahlen and Executive Director Pete Madland. Tom Dahlen reported that TLW finances were solid, and Sue Bonte shared information from the previous day’s Board Meeting. Keynote speaker Adam Chafetz spoke on the role of the tavern in the community and reminded us all of the important contributions taverns make to society; social, charitable and otherwise.

Wrapping things up President Rob Swearingen presented Senator and TLW Past President Roger Breske with the President’s Award. He has made a great impact on our industry and was also honored with his Past

Presidents Ring (he had to wait until he was no longer a public servant to accept the ring).

Members also squeezed in a League Leaders meeting and a SafeRide review session.

Later on Tuesday many eager bidders participated in the Silent Auction and attended the Tradeshow of over 106 booths throughout the day. There were many innovative new products, food and cocktails to be sampled. Some attended the seminar Checking ID’s put on by Roger Johnson as well as the Speed Round Video Tournament for TIPAC at the Tradeshow.

Tuesday evening members gathered for the Cocktail and Costume Party and Live Auction. Many great items were purchased for a great cause.

Thank You to all who donated and purchased items. The band Spin kept the crowd dancing late into the night.

A p r i l 4 – 7, 2011

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SUMMARY OF EVENTS

Brown County President Sue Robinson

Social Networking Seminar Bryan Simkus

Keynote Note Speaker Adam Chafetz

East Zone Vice President Dale VandenLangenberg

Brown County Executive Tom Hintz

Former State Senator and Past TLW President Roger Breske

Central Zone Vice President Robert “Bubba” Sprenger

Governmental Affairs Director Scott Stenger

Wednesday’s meeting provided Members with valuable information as well. Robert “Bubba” Sprenger shared the ABL Report which included specifics about the credit card issue, swipe fees and more. Scott Stenger shared important details including a report on the activity in Madison and pending Legislation.

The seminar, Untapping Social Media presented by Bryan Simkus, was offered in the afternoon and many Members enjoyed learning about online marketing via social sites.

Wednesday evening the President’s Cocktail Reception was sponsored by Precision Pours and Rick Sandvik.

Members were busy at District caucuses and the tradeshow as well.

Thursday morning came all too fast. Joyce Bartelt gave the Sky Ranch Report followed by Keynote Speaker Pepper Burruss shared a video presentation about our 2011 Super Bowl Champions, the Green Bay Packers.

The Nominating Committee Report was reviewed and we had the Parade of Candidates. Later some members joined Brown County President Sue Robinson at the County President’s Reception at Bourbon Street. A fitting end to a great week in Green Bay.

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TLW Past Presidents honor Roger Breske with ring

Nominating Committee Report: The following members have been nominated for the office and term noted.

They will stand for election at the Fall Convention unless running unopposed.

President Senior VP Secretary Treasurer Southern Zone VP: Southern Zone VP: Eastern Zone VP: Central Zone VP: Central Zone VP: Northern Zone VP: First District Director: Second District Director: Second District Director: Third District Director: Third District Director: Fourth District Director: Fifth District Director: Fifth District Director: Sixth District Director: Sixth District Director: Seventh District Director: Seventh District Director: Eighth District Director: Eighth District Director: Ninth District Director:

A p r i l 4 – 7, 2011

2 year 2 year 2 year 2 year 2 year 1 year 1 year 2 year 1 year 1 year 2 year 2 year 1 year 2 year 1 year 2 year 2 year 1 year 2 year 1 year 2 year 1 year 2 year 1 year 2 year

Rob Swearingen Barb Mercer Sue Bonte Lee Tom Dahlen Chris Marsicano Jim Pickett Dale VandenLangenberg Robert “Bubba” Sprenger Lori Frommgen Dan Corbin Dennis Salverson Terrie Boehnen; Dick Story Steve Hepp Dan “Tuna” Frisch Todd Giraud Jim Klabechek Ray “Bear” Bruch Tom Dorsey; Harlon Wright Judy Vandenhouten Terry Harvath Sally Jo Birtzer Rob Summerfield Erin Farrar Jim Seliger; Paul Werner Robert “Sam” Grosch

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tradeshow exhibitors

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Brakebush Brothers

Carpetball USA

Edge One, Inc.

Facilitec Central

General Beverage Sales Co.

Greater Insurance Service Corp.

Green Bay Seven-Up Bottling Co.

Iconik Etchings

Insurance Group of WI — Lee & Associates

Magnuson Industries, Inc.

Mass Appeal Specialities, Inc.

Meyer Brothers

Pep’s Pizza

Special Olympics of Wisconsin

Travis Hasse’s Pie Liqueurs

Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps

THE 13th ANNUAL TAVERN LEAGUE OF WISCONSIN STATE GOLF OUTING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011 Inshalla Country Club N11060 Clear Lake Rd • Tomahawk, WI 54487-9468 • 715-453-3130 REGISTRATION: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM LUNCH: 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM SHOTGUN START: 12:00 PM FOUR PERSON SCRAMBLE EVENT

$100.00 PER PERSON INCLUDES: GOLF • CART • BEVERAGE TICKETS • LUNCH • DINNER • AWARDS GUEST DINNER ONLY- $20.00 Please complete the form below and return with a check for $100 per person to: Wisconsin TL Foundation, Inc., 2817 Fish Hatchery Rd, Fitchburg, WI, 53713.

The event is limited to the first 36 teams.

Team Name/Tavern_____________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person_____________________________________________________Phone #____________________________ Name______________________________________________________________ Shirt Size____________________________ Name______________________________________________________________ Shirt Size____________________________ Name______________________________________________________________ Shirt Size____________________________ Name______________________________________________________________ Shirt Size____________________________

$0

Guest Dinner Only #________________________ @ $20 =_______________________

$0

Golf Registrations #________________________ @ $100 =_______________________

❏ I would like to be a hole sponsor at a cost of $100. Enclose money with application.

22

On Premise 2011 May/June

www.tlw.org

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23

CLARK County Tavern League

council. After all, trail users need to refuel their bodies and quench their thirst sometime.

Photo Courtesy of the Clark County Economic Development and Tourism Bureau.

W

ith 60 members across this central Wisconsin county, Clark County Tavern League (CCTL) Treasurer Tom Dahlen, owner of Tommy’s Hilltop in Granton, chuckles when he says his county is “not a real exciting League.” But in truth, they keep plenty busy in Clark County.

Fundraisers, social events and Member/customer appreciation events are all the norm for the CCTL. Vice President Denny Zais, owner of Double D Saloon, Bar & Grill and Good Times Pub, both located in Boyd, notes that the county league does not charge a membership fee. As such, events that aren’t earmarked for a specific organization go back to supporting the Local League and help pay for a percentage of Convention rooms for league members.

“We don’t charge extra for dues,” says Zais, “and our members appreciate that. But we have to make up the administrative costs somewhere. So we have fun doing it.”

Building rapport among Members and customers is a common theme for the CCTL. They recently wrapped up their Fun Run, which ran August through February. Sold to customers for five dollars, Fun Run books get stamped at participating bars; completed books are entered in a drawing for a prize.

“It’s a camaraderie thing for the owners,” says Zais. “For the customers, it’s a chance to get acquainted with bars and their owners. And it’s pretty successful.”

The annual Christmas Party, held the second 24

On Premise 2010 May/June

weekend in January, is open to both Members and customers. The party also features a live auction that’s “always popular,” says Zais. “The owners and the public get to connect in a different way, outside of the bar.”

Even the monthly meetings are a place for connection and camaraderie. Held in the afternoon on the second Monday of each month, a nominal fee gets members who attend a beverage and a light meal. The meetings rotate among CCTL Members.

An annual bowling tournament supports the Special Olympics Wisconsin Neillsville Agency.

The CCTL also donates to other organizations as requested. Last Fall, for instance, the League worked with the Camo Quilt Drive, an organization that makes quilts for the troops. “We’ll do fundraisers for different things,” says Dahlen.

“Some groups we just donate money from what’s been brought in at our other events.”

Another event, says President Gary Mann, of Silver Spur Saloon & Grill in Curtiss, is the League’s Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament. Qualifiers play at Member bars, and the finals rotate among different Member bars each year. Tavern League Members can score prizes at the Annual Golf Outing in August, and this year, there’s a 7th District Golf Outing as well, reports Mann, and also a Fall Gun Raffle.

“We absolutely try to keep up with what’s going on event-wise here,” says Zais. “Our members always have concerns about what the DNR is doing as well, so we try to stay involved and give a heads-up to our members of any changes.”

The CCTL is also politically involved, taking great interest in local elections.

“It’s a very good organization; you have to fight for your rights and for the bars,” says Rick Truckey, owner of Thorp’s SunUp Saloon, a League Director for his area. “That’s our livelihood, and if you’re not involved, you’re not going to know what’s going on. I wanted to belong to the TLW because of that: standing up for our rights and our businesses.”

While the smoking ban affected many Tavern League of Wisconsin Members, rural members have especially felt the pinch and are in a tough predicament.

“Some of our owners did try to make accommodations, but many don’t have the resources or room to do so.” says Zais.

Dahlen, a longstanding League member of 28 years and also Treasurer of the State League, reports that of the CCTL’s 60 members, about 20 are active.

“We don’t have any fancy recruiting strategies, but new membership is always a priority. When a new bar opens up, someone stops by, welcomes them to the community, offers to sit down and discuss the benefits of being a member.”

Zais commented. ●●●

In the heart of Central Wisconsin, Clark County is home to beautiful rustic roads and miles upon miles of snowmobile and ATV trails. As such, the CCTL stays connected with the local tourism www.tlw.org

Upcoming tlw events Fall 2011 Convention & Tradeshow October 3 - 6, 2011 Paper Valley Hotel 333 W College Ave Appleton, WI 54911 (920) 733-8000

Spring 2012 Conference & Tradeshow

Brewers Tavern OF THE GAME

Tavern League members can win Milwaukee Brewers tickets in the “Miller Lite Beer Pen”.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Fox Sports Wisconsin are pleased to have such great fans in the Tavern League of Wisconsin and such a great partner in Miller Lite.

Selected winners of the Tavern of the game contest win 40 tickets for a Milwaukee Brewers 2011 Friday night home game. The winner will receive tickets in the right field Loge

April 2 -5, 2012 Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel and Convention Center 4747 S Howell Ave Milwaukee, WI 53207

Fall 2012 Convention & Tradeshow October 21 - 25, 2012 Kalahari Resort 1305 Kalahari Drive Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Spring 2013 Conference & Tradeshow April 8 -11, 2013 Plaza Hotel & Suites & Conf. Ctr. 1202 W Clairemont Ave Eau Claire, WI 54701

Fall 2013 Convention & Tradeshow October 7 -10, 2013 Hotel Sierra 333 Main St Green Bay, WI 54301

Spring 2014 Conference & Tradeshow April 6 - 10, 2014 Radisson Hotel & La Crosse Center 200 Harborview Plaza La Crosse, WI 54601

Fall 2014 Convention & Tradeshow October 6 - 9, 2014 Kalahari Resort 1305 Kalahari Drive Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Bleachers. For Friday night games, this area of Miller Park is turned into the Miller Lite Beer Pen, where the Miller Lite Girls will be providing entertainment (individuals must be 21 years of age to receive any free give-aways).

Tavern League of WI members are eligible simply by filling out and submitting the entry form. Then stay tuned to Milwaukee Brewers games on Fox Sports Wisconsin to see if your establishment is chosen.

Good luck and Go Brewers!

2011 Miller Lite Tavern of the Game Entry Form Tavern Name: ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Tavern Address: __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Tavern Phone Number: ____________________________________________ Contact Name at Tavern: ___________________________________________ Contact Phone Number at Tavern: ____________________________________ MillerCoors Distributor: ____________________________________________ Distributor Sales Representative Name: _______________________________ MAIL OR FAX TO • Fax: 414-902-4056 Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club Attn: Tavern of the Game Miller Park, One Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI 53214

TLW Celebrating 75 years.

2010 May/June On Premise

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SunUp Saloon

S

unUp Saloon is one part nostalgia, one part good times and one part John Wayne.

“I used to hang out at this bar before I bought it,” says Rick Truckey, owner of the Thorp bar. “Plus, my parents owned a bar for 20-some years, and I worked for them tending bar, so I kind of knew the business.”

Formerly working in cold storage, Truckey bought his old hangout in September 2006. Originally called Time Out, he changed the name to SunUp Saloon, inspired by his favorite Western movie actor.

“It’s a John Wayne thing. I’m a John Wayne buff,” says Truckey, who is also a Director for the Clark County Tavern League. “I was asking friends what they thought a good name would be and was not coming up with anything unique. One night, I was sitting there watching a John Wayne movie, Tall in the Saddle, and it came to me: SunUp Saloon.”

SunUp Saloon’s Tiki bar has become the smoking room; a server is back there “when business calls for it.”

After taking over the established bar and “spicing the place up,” Truckey says business has stayed strong. He’s maintained many of the customers who patronized the bar before he bought it, and he’s attracted a younger crowd as well.

“It just kind of got called the Tiki bar,” says Truckey, who has been an active member of the Clark County Tavern League since he opened the SunUp Saloon five years ago. “It has some grassy stuff, but the bar really has more of a lodge feel.”

He’s accomplished that, in part, by positioning SunUp Saloon as “the place to hang out, party and be yourself.” He’s made it easy for his patrons to do just that. In addition to regularly scheduled bands and DJs, Truckey has converted a grassy field out back into a Tiki bar.

Truckey also hosts a number of special events.

February brings his Cabin Fever break-out party.

In June or July, Truckey invokes the Tiki spirit with a luau, complete with a pig roast, beach volleyball and a limbo competition. Finally, SunUp Sinner Days, in September serves as his Anniversary party and features a mechanical bull, dunk tank and DJs inside and out. Last year, Truckey and his fiancé, Jamie Hoehnen, turned the Sinner Days celebration into a charitable event.

Proceeds from the dunk tank went to support

His bar, he says, came with an empty lot, alongside and behind it that was not well maintained.

The spring after it opened, Truckey put up an eight-foot tall wood fence, added a volleyball court and horseshoe pits, and put in a brick patio and a stocked bar. Now open year-round, the 26

On Premise 2011 May/June

Ovarian Cancer in honor of Hoehnen’s mother, who has the disease.

Packer game days are also big business for the bar; there are often cook-outs at the bar these days. Plus, lucky fans can score a free shot of Packer Punch (Apple Pucker and orange juice) each time the Pack scores a touchdown. Truckey is hopeful the NFL and the NFL Players Union will resolve their issues before the next season starts.

“We have a really good Packer turn-out. We finally learned to call it Sunday Funday. Well, actually we try to make every day a fun day around here.

We are a party place!”●●● Rick Truckey, Owner • SunUp Saloon 207 N. Washington St., Thorp, WI 54771 715-669-5484

www.tlw.org

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Neillsville Agency

“I

really don’t know,” says Dean Glaze, “what we’d do without their generosity.” Glaze is referring to the Clark County Tavern League (CCTL), which regularly donates money to the Neillsville Agency of Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI). Glaze is the Agency Manager and a coach. Each year, the CCTL hosts an annual bowling tournament and dedicates the proceeds to the Neillsville chapter. Usually held the first weekend in March, this donation helps support the approximately 22 athletes in Neillsville and surrounding communities, including Loyal, Granton, Augusta and more “We’ve been doing it for quite a bit,” says Tom Dahlen, Treasurer of the CCTL, “so we don’t even tell them we’re going to do it; we just donate all the money. We like our donation to stay in our community, which is why we chose Special Olympics.”

The most recent bowling tournament, held at Strike Time in Neillsville, brought in $1,000.

The Neillsville SOWI agency offers six sports for its athletes: bowling in the Fall; snow sports, including snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Winter; and track and field in the Spring. The organization is open to any individual with a cognitive disability, eight years of age and older. Jerry Lyon, Sports Director of SOWI’s North Central Area 2, which includes the Neillsville Agency says that some athletes are referred to the organization by other athletes and volunteers, but many come on their own after seeing a sporting or fundraising event in the media.

Part of SOWI’s mission is to give athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, as well as participate in the sharing of gifts, 28

On Premise 2011 May/June

skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Lyon has witnessed that mission accomplished first hand, and says donations from groups such as the Tavern League make that happen.

“I have witnessed athletes literally come out of their shell through our program. We have had athletes that were barely audible when speaking become some of our best public speakers. They have given speeches throughout the state, nation and world. I have also witnessed many athletes on the awards stand with an incredible smile on their face for what they have accomplished. It does not matter what place they took, our athletes are proud of their achievements.”

The organization, at all levels, says Lyon, is always in search of new funds. Lyon notes that Special Olympics does not receive any state or federal funding and must raise all money they need to operate. This is why the CCTL’s annual donation is so important.

are the sons and daughters of friends, neighbors, coworkers, business owners.”

Special Olympics is always on the lookout for new volunteers and supporters. “Support is valuable to us whether it is a $100,000 corporate contribution or a $10 personal donation,” says Lyon. “Every penny counts for us to provide our athletes with the opportunities they deserve.” ●●● Special Olympics Wisconsin, Neillsville Agency Dean Glaze • 715-743-8755 • skiglaze@hotmail.com Special Olympics Wisconsin, North Central Area 2 Jerry Lyon • 715-848-0550 jlyon@specialolympicswisconsin.org

“I’m not even sure how long they’ve been supporting us,” says Glaze, “but it’s really critical to our programming. And because it’s so ongoing, we’ve come to rely on their support to buy equipment and sustain our work.” Plus, says Glaze, “you can’t beat the local connection.”

“People like to give locally because they know exactly who they’re helping; these athletes www.tlw.org

Tavern League of Wisconsin

2011 May/June On Premise

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Is your shot business in decline? SKYY Spirits might have the answer: American Honey.

Y

“American Honey is a great alternative to what I like to call “challenge shooters”, shots that don’t taste all that great. American Honey is sweet, delicious and still has the higher proof people are looking for in a shot. Shots don’t have to make you wince when you try them. With American Honey, you can have your shot and enjoy it too!”

When it comes to what patrons want, brown is making a comeback, says Andrea Conzonato, SKYY Spirits Chief Operating Officer.

With many awards to its credit, SKYY Spirits offers a “portfolio solution,” covering all the real growth categories with products that emphasize quality, innovation and style, says Conzonato. “I also think our brands have a very good value-to-quality ratio that many of our competition can’t match. And, the brands

our patrons know what they want, but do you? If not, SKYY Spirits is happy to help.

With one of the most awarded portfolio of products in the industry covering every single major growth category in the spirits business, SKYY Spirits is essentially a one-stop shop for tavern owners, offering solutions to spark business and pique customers’ taste buds.

“There has been a lot of talk lately about the return of brown spirits, which is absolutely happening. We have seen tremendous growth around Wild Turkey lately, and I think a lot of that has to do with people looking for more flavor in their spirits choices,” says Conzonato.

It’s also driven by the return of classic cocktails, like the Manhattan, which is driving brown spirit growth.

Tavern-goers are also seeking value with a twist of tasty innovation: SKYY Infusions™, the first nationally available line of all-natural infused vodkas, does just that. Mix flavored vodka with club soda (or your mixer of choice), and you get a low-calorie cocktail with taste.

“What this means is that the vodka must really sing on its own,” says Conzonato. “I think that is the reason why we have seen such success with our all-natural SKYY Infusions line. Each one of our Infusions provides a sensory experience that you can compare to fresh juice, delivering a really pronounced aroma and a burst of bright flavor that isn’t found in normal flavored vodkas.

That is what using an infusions process delivers, which is rather unique to the category. What is most exciting for us is to see how mixologists are experimenting with them, using them to add a twist to cocktails that aren’t traditionally vodka territory, like mojitos and margaritas.”

30

On Premise 2011 May/June

ger Liquor throughout the rest of the state. Back in 2003, SKYY Spirits was the first spirits company to officially sponsor the TLW and has every year since. In working with SKYY Spirits, local sales teams are empowered to make decisions and work with local operators and wholesalers to build those mutually beneficial relationships. “That means if you need something now, you get a response now, not two weeks later,” says Conzonato.

With the challenges on-premise businesses face in the current economy, SKYY Spirits is versatile enough to alter deals quickly to make them more accessible and attractive to Tavern League businesses.

That’s because SKYY Spirits understands the

“There has been a lot of talk lately about the return of brown spirits... and I think a lot of that has to do with people looking for more flavor in their spirits choices.”

— Andrea Conzonato

are supported by large marketing programs that develop the customer pull-through that equals sales.”

While SKYY Spirits offers a diverse line of products, it’s the people that make SKYY Spirits shine.

“Because we are smaller and more nimble than some of our competitors, we are able to react quickly and also to take the time to really get to know the operators in Wisconsin,” says Conzonato. “The greatest portfolio in the world isn’t any good if you don’t have amazing people behind it, supporting those who sell our products every day.”

important role the Tavern League of Wisconsin plays.

“SKYY Spirits believes in the TLW philosophy of ‘supporting those who support us,’” says Conzonato. “The TLW supports on-premise operators in the state, giving them a voice and providing them with resources to fulfill their business objectives.

Our role is to provide TLW Members with the best service and portfolio of products possible and the selling tools to make their businesses grow, and keep their customers happy.” ●●● SKYY Spirits Erik Schultek, Division Manager Wisconsin/Minnesota • 608-291-2344 erik.schultek@SKYY.com • www.SKYYspirits.com Twitter: @SKYYspirits

Erik Schultek is SKYY Spirits’ Division Manager for Wisconsin/Minnesota. Brand wholesalers here are General Beverage in Madison and Bad www.tlw.org

There’s never been a better time to cut the cable!

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Back in the early 1960’s Pep Simek and his brother Ronald introduced a great pizza to the patrons of their Medford tavern, the Tombstone Tap. The business thrived and was later sold.

Now Pep is back with his “original recipe” pizza. Your customers will love it, again.

Pep’s Pizza, Medford, WI

888-802-7377 www.pepspizza.com

Tavern League of Wisconsin

2011 May/June On Premise

31

Baraboo Tent & Awning Everyone can use more space, bars and restaurants included. It’s even better if that extra “space” translates to increased profits.

“We provide space solutions for people,” says Andy Moon, Vice President and part Owner of Baraboo Tent & Awning. “Whether it’s space for signage or expanded seating, we help people increase profits with our products.”

Baraboo Tent & Awning, a Tavern League Affiliate Member since 2009, offers custom awnings and canopies, as well as outdoor seating products. Have outdoor space that’s unbearable in the summer sun but want expanded seating? Moon can offer a custom retractable canopy or sidewalk enclosure with branded umbrellas. Want to make your business stand out on a busy street? A custom awning provides curb appeal and brand visibility. Want to offer loyal customers who smoke a place to congregate that is both out of the bar and out of the elements? Whether it’s one of this company’s canopies, awnings or smoking shelters, all are excellent solutions.

Not sure what to do? Moon and his staff provide on-site service.

“We’ll sit down at your location, go over some options, take a picture of your area and super impose what you’re looking at in that picture, including colors, logos, anything you might want,” says Moon. “It really gives you an idea of how it will benefit your business and space.”

An option for businesses on busy streets is a sidewalk enclosure.

Made of little fences, it separates an outdoor eating area from people walking by.

“We’ve been selling a lot of these in Madison,” says Moon.

Given Wisconsin’s wild weather, Baraboo Tent & Awning’s products are made to withstand the elements. For instance, canopies and awnings, which are permanent, are designed to have snow load capacity. Customizable Durabella outdoor umbrellas are designed to stay out and up year-round.

A family-run business, Moon’s parents bought Baraboo Tent & Awning in 1976. But the company’s history goes back 50 years prior to that. The company started as a one-person shop in 1926, when founder Art Thayer repaired torn seat pads for the railroad passenger cars. Later, the company became the go-to company for repairing Ringling Brothers Circus tents while they wintered in Baraboo.

Today, Baraboo Tent & Awning is the go-to company for customers of all sizes, from independent bars to major chains, including Culver’s and Perkins restaurants. Moon says the company typically works with customers within a 100-mile radius of Madison. Baraboo Tent & Awning also rents tents, tables and chairs for larger outdoor events.

In addition to providing space solutions, custom canopies and awnings offer a wonderful branding opportunity. “Awnings or canopies can provide some branding for your business,” says Moon. “Put your logo on it, make it unique, make it a landmark so people say, ‘Oh, it’s the place with the red awning.’ Our products can do a lot for your business.”

Andy Moon • Baraboo Tent & Awning 1111 Walnut St., Baraboo, WI 53913 608-356-8303 • andymoon@barabooawning.com www.barabooawning.com

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On Premise 2011 May/June

Disher Insurance Services With a relationship dating back to 1987, it’s only natural that Mike Disher has a strong, family-like connection to the Tavern League.

“I really appreciate the people in the Tavern League,” says Disher, owner of Disher Insurance Services, Stevens Point. “My agency is a family-run operation: me, my wife and two boys. We’re a lot like Tavern League in many ways.” (Disher has three other employees as well.)

He adds: “As our customers’ business has changed, so have we; changes in the market and changes in the smoking ban, taverns opening and closing. We’re in this thing together.”

That kind of connection doesn’t happen overnight. Disher has been to every Tavern League Convention since 1987 “maybe earlier,” he notes, and has taken the time to personally connect with Members, even Members who aren’t customers of Disher Insurance Services.

“I’ve gotten to personally know many Tavern League Members, Members who have insurance with us, but more importantly, others who’ve just needed help to find a policy, any policy, to protect their business.”

Disher, who started his career in the insurance industry in 1979 and bought his agency, in 1997, previously worked for another Stevens Point insurance agency. While there, he was an originating agent of a unique insurance program for Tavern League Members that offers special discounts and coverages; that program is now carried by Society Insurance.

“There are a lot of fine insurance programs, but the Society program is one of the best. It offers an increase in coverage or coverage that a non-Member can’t get,” says Disher.

Disher still offers the TLW Society program through his independent, full-service agency. He also represents other insurance carriers. For Tavern League Members who don’t qualify for the Society program, Disher can find competitive coverage through another carrier.

With customers from Kenosha to Superior, Green Bay to Eau Claire, Disher Insurance Services offers a variety of insurance products, including commercial lines, personal, health, home, auto and life, to bar and restaurant owners across the state.

“As a full-service insurance agency, we can offer tavern owners any kind of coverage they want or need.”

Disher Insurance Services was honored with Tavern League of Wisconsin’s President’s Award in March 2007.

“We’ve been associated with Tavern League Members for so long; we understand their business, the ins and outs, the changes in business,” says Disher. “It’s a great group of people, and I look forward to going to work everyday to serve them. And we plan to keep it that way for a very long time.”

Mike Disher • Disher Insurance Services 2916 Church St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 800-675-5137 • mike@disherinsurance.com www.disherinsurance.com

www.tlw.org

Great Lakes Beverage

Midwest Coin Concepts

In 2010, the TGL Group purchased Great Lakes Beverage and the assets of K-Way Systems and Valley Wide Soda, making it northeast Wisconsin’s largest independent distributor of bag-in-the-box (BIB) soda and energy drinks. With over 50 years of collective personal experience in the beverage industry, the TGL Group, now known as Great Lakes Beverage, has worked to exceed customer expectations.

Midwest Coin Concepts helps keep people entertained in northern Wisconsin. Offering a full line of amusement games, jukeboxes, pool tables, darts and ATMs, Midwest Coin Concepts, run by brothers Chip, Denny and Terry O’Hara, serves Douglas, Bayfield and Washburn counties in Wisconsin, as well as Minnesota and eastern North Dakota.

Great Lakes Beverage is centrally located in the Kaukauna Industrial Park. Route trucks can be seen as far south as the Illinois border, and as far north as Upper Michigan, and every location in between. The company also has routes from Wisconsin Dells to Minocqua and is always expanding its delivery areas; call to find the delivery date in your area. Cash-and-carry or direct ship is also available.

Great Lakes Beverage offers a wide variety of national brand name sodas, along with the company’s privately labeled Simply Soda. “We are proud to offer a high quality alternative to national brand sodas at an affordable price,” says James Carter, Owner and Vice President. “Simply Soda has a great taste profile with the same yield as its alternative national brand. Our ability to offer Simply Soda with different combinations of national brand sodas by 7Up, Pepsi and Coca-Cola makes Great Lakes Beverage truly unique and different from other major beverage distributors.”

Great Lakes Beverage also has its own privately labeled coffee, Canyon River Coffee. “Canyon River Coffee is a result of our deep passion for a consistent, finished product with a high level of excellence,” says Carter. Canyon River Coffee is roasted locally by Victor Allen’s Coffee to the company’s specifications. While first impressions are powerful, it is often the last impression that has the most impact. A finish of excellence will affirm, with great clarity, the principle flavor of Canyon River Coffee.

Great Lakes Beverage has teamed up with T-D Innovations, a local Wisconsin company to promote LimeLite Fusion Drink. The newest addition to the company’s product line is available in 16-ounce cans and three-gallon BIBs. LimeLite is a healthy alternative to energy drinks; it has no sugar, is low in carbohydrates and caffeine, and is packed with vitamins.

In addition to distribution, Great Lakes Beverage also provides full service to soda systems, glycol systems, cappuccino and espresso machines and coffee brewers. The company also provides complete beer and soda system installs, draft line cleaning and free estimates. A service technician is on-call and available 24/7.

The company been affiliated with the Tavern League of Wisconsin since 2008 and regularly attends League meetings and events. “We feel it’s a great platform to interact with tavern owners, and it’s an excellent forum to obtain feedback. Great Lakes Beverage supports the goals of the Tavern League,” says Carter.

The company has also gives back to the Tavern League and its Members through donations at local events and their recently implemented rebate program. The quarterly rebate program will give portions of each sale of Simply Soda products and Canyon River Coffee back to local chapters.

“We work hard to bring value to our customers through top-earning equipment, service, leagues and promotions,” says co-owner Chip O’Hara. “At Midwest Coin Concepts, we are always looking for innovation and new ideas as a way to make our customers and ourselves more money.”

League Members can rest assure that O’Hara and the Midwest Coin Concepts crew will provide them the latest technology and newest offerings; O’Hara sits on the product advisory boards for several different manufacturers.

What’s new? Almost all new video games now use flat-screen highdefinition technology, and many new games take credit cards as a form of payment.

Plus, that corner jukebox isn’t just a jukebox anymore. Instead, it’s one smart music machine!

“Our music systems have applications allowing you to play music and create playlists from your Smart Phone,” says O’Hara. “…The latest software for our jukeboxes will contain Google-like technology. For example, if you couldn’t remember the name of an artist you could type in ‘The Boss,’ and all of Bruce Springsteen’s music would appear on the screen.

This is also true if you only remember a few words in a song; you could simply type in those words and the jukebox would offer up all of the music containing those specific words. What the future holds for jukeboxes is really going to be a total interaction with the player.”

But people need people as well, and Midwest Coin Concepts, a Tavern League Affiliate Member for ten years, is an active partner with the businesses it serves.

“We have fast, friendly, attentive service personnel,” says O’Hara. “We don’t stop there; we make sure our equipment is kept clean, well-lit and in proper working order. Leagues and on-premise promotions are a big part of our business, and it is our goal to drive customers into the tavern and help keep them entertained while they are there. We service our customers with a commitment to honesty and integrity.”

Midwest Coin Concepts is also behind their customers when it comes to important issues affecting the industry. “We believe it is important for us to support our customers and the issues they face,” says O’Hara, “like .08, the smoking ban, taxes, political issues, etc…” Adds Denny O’Hara, Area Manager of the company’s Superior office: “When they have an issue they need Midwest Coin Concepts’ support on; I am there to do whatever I can.”

Midwest Coin Concepts also offers leagues; the company is affiliated with two different state tournament programs as well as regional and national tournament organizations.

“The proceeds can be used by the chapter as they deem necessary,” says Carter. “Great Lakes Beverage strongly believes in supporting those who support you.”

With all the company offers, it’s easy to “get in the game” with Midwest Coin Concepts.

James Carter • Great Lakes Beverage 3101 Progress Way, Kaukauna, WI 54130 920-884-2244 • www.greatlakesbeverage.com

Chip, Denny & Terry O’Hara • Midwest Coin Concepts 415 Ogden Ave., Superior, WI 54880 715-398-3273 • dennyo@mwcoin.com www.mwcoin.com

Tavern League of Wisconsin

2011 May/June On Premise

33

TLW New Members February 15, 2011 to April 30, 2011 District 1

Kenosha City

Champion’s Sports Bar Gerber’s Pub Kenosha

Kenosha County Munch Box (The) Douglas Helnore Burlington

Haven’s Bar & Grill David Osinski Pell Lake Lumpys Sports Bar & Grill Rebecca Deering Salem Wilmot Trading Post Gregory Pahl Salem Rumpoles Ilmija Alioski Twin Lakes

Racine City

Shillings Pub Corey Szaryc & Jaimie Utley Racine

Rock County Weirdo’s Shane Weir Janesville

Walworth County

Dodge County Jamaican Oasis Raphael Simpson Horicon

Pribnow’s Maple Inn Gary P. Pribnow Ixonia

Madison/Dane County

Edwardo’s Restaurant Tod Edwards La Crosse

Hanson’s Mark & Teresa Hanson Dane

Steve’s Wine-Beer-Spirits Wayne Crokus Madison Rigby Pub and Grill (The) Angela Ziehme Madison

Waukesha County Coyote Canyon Scott Dooley Eagle

Knucklehead Pub Scott & Melissa Dooley Eagle Sauced Sports Bar and Pizzeria Halley Karas Muskego

District 2

Todd’s Grill Todd Heppe Oconomowoc

Corner Pocket (The) Mark Bellmore Portage

District 3

Roadhouse 51 Nick Davis Portage

Spring Lake Inn Inc. Dena Schneeberger & Sara Espey Prairie Du Chien

Wheel (The) James L Vogeler Portage

Grant/Iowa County

On Premise 2011 May/June

La Crosse City/County Dublin Square Tim Larson La Crosse

Pier 53 Diane Dicks Oconomowoc

34

Geeves Corner Tap Steven H. Curran Shullsburg

Benchmark (The) Kevin Ade Juneau

Lake House Tap & Grille Greg Proyce Lake Geneva

Columbia County

Midway Lanes, Inc. Paul Williams & Shannon Nelson Mineral Point

Crawford County

Riverside Bar N Grill Lynne C. Goeke Cassville

Green Door Nicholas J. Harper La Crosse Java Vino Tina Schumaker La Crosse La Crosse Fieldhouse LLC Clayton Oehrle La Crosse View Grill & Bar (The) Michael Brown La Crosse

District 4

Fond du Lac City/County Big Al Capone’s LLC John Schmitz Malone

Manitowoc County Capone’s Pub & Grill Michael E. Wampler Manitowoc Rock N Blues Haus John Sepnafski Manitowoc Bar-None Patricia Kubichka Two Rivers Jimmi’s James Parker Two Rivers Porky’s Bar & Grill Joe Seinitz Two Rivers

Oshkosh City

Muncheez Pizzeria Paul Vanderlinden Appleton

Thirsty Turtle Cheryl Jones Stoddard

Brooklyn Grill Dave Kinderman Oshkosh

Silverado Saloon Shane Wehrs West Salem

Franky’s Frank Keller Oshkosh

Monroe County

Brahmas Bullpen Devon M. Janusheske Tomah Lizzy’s Elizabeth Walton Warrens Fish N Dreams LLC Joseph Campbell Weyeville

Sauk County

Barn Restaurant & Bar, LLC Amber W. Giddings Baraboo

Jeff’s on Rugby Phil Levine Oshkosh Kodiak Jack’s Steven Oshkosh Oregon Club (The) Timothy Rusch Oshkosh Trail Inn Ron Fink Waukau

Corner Pub Pete Peterson Reedsburg

www.tlw.org

Ozaukee County

Waushara County

Winnebago County

Gloria’s Mesa Verde Tom Happersett Wautoma

Main Alibi Martha Dick & Angie White Belgium

Headliners Bar & Grill Ken Zastrow Neenah

Specks Home Bar & Grill Eugene Hopp, Jr. Lohrville

District 5

Waushara Country Club, Inc. Jason Scharping Wautoma

Adams County

Wood County

Country Skillet (The) Lori & Marv Mitchell Adams

Langlade County B B Jacks Robert Stimac Antigo

Marathon County Iozzo’s Inc. Debbie Iozzo Wausau

S & R Mirage LLC Sue Schram Wausau State Park Speedway Timothy Wimmer Wausau

Marquette County Wolff’s Den Bar Teresa Simonis Berlin

Portage County

Jolly Roger (The) Roger Cook & Jan Jordan Junction City

Shawano County

Coachlight Bar & Grill LLC Greg Buss Shawano Longhorn Saloon Ronni W. Schweyen Shawano

Waupaca County

Waupaca Speakeasy LLC Lawrence B. Jaworski Waupaca Wilson’s Brickhouse Stephanie Wilson Weyauwega

Long Shot Saloon & Eatery Patricia Haney Babcock Nutz Deep II North Duane Schutz Spencer Monkey’s Cheryl Vechinski Wisconsin Rapids UW Kellner Jay Gaba Wisconsin Rapids

District 6

Brown County Buddha’s Still Randy De Greef De Pere

Adams Street Pub Guy Gille Green Bay Big Katz Leslie Wilson Green Bay Cliffhangers Scott Metzler Green Bay Fuzzy’s 63 Bar & Grill Mark & Dolly Papapetru Green Bay Hot Box Bobbi Kriescher Green Bay Wayside Lanes David Yockey Greenleaf

Door County Draft Haus (The) Sturgeon Bay

West Oak Street Pub Butch Berns & Darlene Clark Sturgeon Bay

Kewaunee County

Blue Door Sports Pub (The) Bridget Chaney Kewaunee

Oconto County

Firelite Lounge DJ & Jenafir Garrison Lakewood

Outagamie County Images Bar Kevin Stephanie Appleton

Mark’s East Side Mark Dougherty Appleton Hardtails Saloon Jodi Jurkovac Hortonville Tree Stand (The) Jeremy Pues New London

District 7

Barron County

Chippewa County Badger Hole Chuck Bowe Bloomer

Schemboda’s Shady Pine Randall E. Swoboda Chippewa Falls

Clark County

Withee Mobil Mart Inc. Deanne Wells Withee

Jackson County Jan’s Place Jan & Doir K. Matalas Alma Center

Polk County

Sip & Soak Bar & Grill Nichole McKenzie Balsam Lake

St Croix County

Parkside Restaurant & Bar Dustin R. Anderson Hammond Cajun Club Myron Iszler Houlton

Trempealeau/ Buffalo County Mike’s Bar & Grill Darrell L. Olson Galesville

Warren G’s Liquor Sue Glumske Barron

Gumby’s Bar & Grill LLC Andy Micksell Mondovi

Sportsmen’s Lodge Bar & Grill Allan Jepson Birchwood

Loaded Goat (The) Jeremy & Jenny Skroch Whitehall

Tavern At Tagalong Monte Becker & Shannon Thome Birchwood

District 8

Cumberland Golf Club Mike Davis Cumberland Longhorn Bar Roger Amdall Dallas

Burnett County

Shop Bar & Grill (The) Kari Budge Webster

Greater Northwoods Fat Boyz Inn Tim Scheele Hurley

Cranberry Inn Of Mercer John Sendra Mercer Taz & TC’s Beartrap Inn Inc Richard & TC Ahels Saxon

Tavern League of Wisconsin

2011 May/June On Premise

35

TLW New Members February 15, 2011 to April 30, 2011 Lakeland Area

Price County

Flame (The) Anita M. Albaugh Lac du Flambeau

Wobbly Hog Saloon (The) Eric Kellesvig Fifield

Vilas County Club 45 David Payne Conover

Frog’s Ashley Brahm Woodruff

Rumors Bar & Grill James & Kimberly Kalander Prentice

Michaels Italian Restaurant Michael Martorana Eagle River

Oneida County

Superior/Douglas County

Uncle Kent’s Kent Zdroik Eagle River

Hide-A-Way Resort LLC Jeff Jeffords Harshaw

Checkerboard Bar Art Morgan, Jr. South Range

Club Prohibition Melissa Anderson Rhinelander

Loading Zone Carol Sitek Superior

Sammy Jrs Sammy E. Ramker, Jr. Rhinelander

Taylor County P-Town Saloon LLC Ada Winchell Medford

Tomahawk/Merrill Area Fish Bones Saloon & Eatery Robert & Janet Stalker Tomahawk

Testech, Ltd.

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36

On Premise 2011 May/June

Bent’s Camp Up North Inc Amy K. Kusick Land O Lakes Little Bohemia Lodge Daniel Johns Manitowish Waters

Washburn County Taste Budz Michael Wells Spooner

District 9

Milwaukee County Hospitality Wild Breed Saloon Cindy Girmscheid Franklin Miss Katie’s Diner Peter S. Picciurro Milwaukee Mo’s A Place for Steaks Andrew Stockel Milwaukee Liq-er Box Lester & Kimberly Billodeau Sain Francis Liquid Hideout Charles Lemberger South Milwaukee

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT:

Heidi Koch Slack Attack Communications

608-222-7630

heidi@slackattack.com

www.tlw.org

As of April 30, 2011 Ackley Novelty Inc

DISCUS

JBM Amusements

Preferred Distributors, LLC

Action Games LLC

Disher Insurance Services

Jim’s Tap Cleaning LLC

Quantum Digital

Aero-Stream LLC

DJ D-Train

Johnson Brothers Beverage

Racine Amusement Inc

Affiliated Investment Group

Double Eagle Amusements Inc.

Johnson Dist. Inc.

Red’s Novelty LTD

Agon Systems Inc.

Dr Pepper/Snapple Group

JP Graphics Inc.

Reinhart Food Service, LLC

Airfire Mobile

Ecigs-4u, LLC

Just in Time Refrigeration LLC

Rivermill Foods LLC

Airgas National Carbonation

Econoprint

Kessenich’s Ltd

Riverside Foods, Inc.

Alliance Insurance Centers, LLC

Edge One Inc

Kobussen Buses, Ltd

S & S Distributing, Inc.

Allied Games, Inc

El Cortez Hotel & Casino (The)

Krantz Electric Inc.

Saloons N Spoons/Turbo Chemical

Allied Insurance Centers Inc.

Elite Security Solutions

Lamers Bus Lines

Sam’s Amusement Co

American Entertainment Services, Inc

Emil’s Pizza, Inc.

Lebby’s Frozen Pizza

Sanimax Marketing LTD

American Income Life

Energy Distributing

Lee Beverage Of Wisconsin LLC

Saratoga Liquor Co, Inc.

American Welding & Gas

ExploreWisconsin.com

Lehmann Farms

Schmidt Novelty

Amusement Devices Inc

First Data Merchant Services

Luxury Limousines, Inc.

Shirk’s Pizza

ATM Network Inc

Flanigan Distributing

M & R Amusements & Vending LLC

Slack Attack Communications

B & K Bar & Restaurant Supplies

Fleming’s Fire I

Magnuson Industries Inc

Smokers’ Outpost By DCI Marketing

B-M Music & Games

Flipside Coin Machines Inc

Mass Appeal Specialties Inc

Soapy Entertainment & Enterprises

Badger Hood Cleaning

Focus on Energy

Micro Matic

Solid Gold Coaching

Baer’s Beverage Inc.

Fox Valley Clean Air

MidAmerican Processing

Special Olympics Wisconsin, Inc.

Baraboo Sysco Food Services

Freedom 2 NJOY

Midstate Amusement Games

Sport Products

Baraboo Tent & Awning

Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band

Midwest Amusements

Stansfield Vending Inc

BarsGuru Enterprises LLC

Friebert, Finerty & St. John, S.C.

Midwest Coin Concepts Of WI

Stevens Point Brewery

Bay Towel/Linen Rental

G & K Services

Midwest Poker League

Sunroom Design Group

Benedict Refrigeration Service, Inc

Game Management Corp.

Milwaukee Brewers

Superior Beverages LLC

Bernick Companies

Games Are Us Inc

Milwaukee Bucks

Superior Vending

Best Bargains

General Beer - Northeast, Inc.

Mitchell Novelty Co.

Swanel Beverage Inc./Banzai

Bevinco

General Beverage Sales Co

Modern Cash Register Systems

Testech LTD

Bi-State Point Of Sale Solutions

General Draft Service Inc.

Mr Ecig System (The)

This Drinks on Us, LLC

Big Daddy Games LLC

Glavinsured Agency, Inc.

Murphy Desmond S.C.

Ticket King Inc.

Big Game Sports Cards/ Sterling Graphics

Great Lakes Beverage

National Chemicals, Inc.

Tidy Tap

Bill’s Distributing LTD

Great Northern Amusements

National Processing Co.

Toccata Gaming International, LLC

Great River Road Golf Club

Northern Lakes Amusement

Total Energy Concepts

Grub & Pub Report & Attitude X 2

Northwest Coin Machine Co

Total Register Systems

Guardian Pest Solutions, Inc

Northwest E-Cig/AirE8

Tri-Mart Corporation

Gunderson Linen

On-Line Amusements, Inc.

Tricky Dick & Joyce Specialty

Gustave A Larson Company

Original Ovenworks Pizza

Under Pressure, LLC

Heun Enterprises - Shakers Vodka

P & M Distributing LLC

Ur City Entertainment.com

Cash Depot

Hiawatha Chef, Bar and Janitorial Supply

Pabst Brewing Company

US Foodservice

Central Ceiling Systems, Inc.

Holiday Wholesale Inc

Packer Fan Tours

Vital Tokens

Cintas Corporation

Huebsch Services

Paradise Printing Company

Wausau Coin Machines Inc

Coffee Express, Inc.

Hyer Standards

Park Ridge Distributing, Inc.

WI Hospitality Insured

Corporate Casuals & Promotional Products

Ideal Ad & Sportswear

Payroll Company (The)

Wil-Kil Pest Control

Pehler Brothers Distributing

Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps

D & D Amusement Games LLC

Independent Insurance Services Inc.

Pep’s Pizza / Benetti

World Poker Entertainment

Blondie Enterprises Blu Cig BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) Bromak Sales Inc Buy Right Purchasing Group LLC Cabreeco

Damage Control Inc Dean George Auction Service Dean Health Plan DeVere Company Inc. Dierks Waukesha

Tavern League of Wisconsin

Ideal Energy Concepts, LLC Indianhead Foodservice Dist. Inc Insphere Insurance Solutions Insurance Center (The) J T Advertising

Per Mar Security Services Plunkett’s Pest Control Portesi Italian Foods, Inc Precision Pours, Inc

2011 May/June On Premise

37

By Scott Stenger Stenger Government Relations

July Elections Recall Elections

S

ince statehood in 1848, Wisconsin has experienced only four recall elections; two were successful (Senator Gary George and Senator George Petak). On July 12th, nine State Senators will face recall elections. The recalls were spurred by Governor Walker’s budget repair bill and the subsequent leaving of the state

by Senate Democrats. An unprecedented six Republicans and three Democrats will face recall elections this summer and the winners will face re-election in November 2012.

Recalls can be initiated only after a state elected official has served at least one year of their term. As a result none of the 99 members of the State Assembly, half of the recently elected State Senate or Governor Walker are eligible to be recalled as they were all sworn into office on January 3, 2011. State Senators who were elected in 2008 are all possible recall candidates. Out of the 16 possible recall targets (even numbered senators) nine will face a July 12 th recall election.

In order to successfully recall an elected state official, circulators have 30 days to collect signatures equal to 25% of the vote total in the last gubernatorial election, roughly 20,000 signatures in each state senate district. After the necessary signatures have been collected the state Government Accountability Board must certify the signatures and set an election date. Given the unusual circumstances of nine recall elections, the GAB petitioned the Court to set one date for all nine recall elections, which the Court made July 12 th. If any race has a primary election, July 12 th becomes the primary election with 38

On Premise 2011 May/June

challenger must circulate nomination papers to receive the appropriate amount of signatures to be placed on the ballot. The recall election operates just like a regular election once the candidates are set.

Republicans currently control the State Senate 19-14. Democrats need to net three seats in the recall elections to gain control A recalled Senator is automatically on of the State Senate. With so much on the the ballot and does not need to circulate line these recalls will be hotly contested nomination papers for signatures. Any and attract national attention and significant resources. Just Republican Senators Facing Recalls when you thought the campaign ads were over – get ready for an onslaught until the July 12 th election.

August 9 th serving as the general election.

Sen. Rob Cowles 2nd Senate District

Sen. Alberta Darling 8th Senate District

Sen. Shelia Harsdorf 10th Senate District

Sen. Luther Olsen 14th Senate District

Sen. Randy Hopper 18th Senate District

Sen. Dan Kapanke 32nd Senate District

DEMOCRAT Senators Facing Recalls

Sen. Jim Holperin 12th Senate District

Sen. Bob Wirch 22nd Senate District

Recall elections present a unique opportunity for sitting state representatives. Under normal circumstances, State Representatives have to give up their Assembly seat to make a run for the State Senate. However, under a recall election, a State Representative can make a run for the Senate without giving up their Assembly seat. A number of State Representatives have already announced their plans to run for State Senate.

We may see even more recall elections in 2012. Governor Walker and all remaining members of the Legislature are eligible to be recalled on January 3, 2012. In the meantime the nine State Senate recalls will provide more than enough campaign activity to add to your summer fun. ●●●

Sen. Dave Hansen 30th Senate District www.tlw.org

New Limited-Edition MGD 64 Lemonade Puts Refreshing Twist on Summer First Flavored Super Low-Calorie Beer Launches Nationwide May 1st

CHICAGO (April 25, 2011) MGD 64, the beer that established the super low-calorie beer category, is furthering its reputation as a category innovator with the creation of the first-ever flavored super low-calorie beer.

The limited-edition MGD 64 Lemonade, a 64-calorie light beer with the taste of lemonade, launches nationally beginning May 1st. The special brew will be available only until Labor Day. The MGD 64 Lemonade national launch will be supported with television, radio, digital and out-of-home advertising targeting light beer drinkers looking for a twist on their summertime beer occasions.

Available in 6-pack bottles and 12-pack bottles and cans, MGD 64 Lemonade will be available at bars, restaurants and grocery stores across the country this summer.

“With the growing interest in flavored beers, we wanted to provide light beer drinkers the opportunity to enjoy the beer they love “ with a refreshing lemonade twist for the summer,” said Tim Carter, MGD 64 marketing manager at MillerCoors. “Whether it’s at the bar with friends, after a round of golf or during a backyard barbeque, an MGD 64 Lemonade served with a fresh lemon slice pairs perfectly with every summer occasion.”

MGD 64 Lemonade, with only 64 calories and 2.4 grams of carbohydrates per 12 ounces, offers significantly fewer calories than other flavored alcoholic beverages.

MGD 64 has been the most popular choice for calorie-conscious consumers since it launched nationally in the summer of 2008. For more information on MGD 64 Lemonade, visit mgd64.com.

To obtain consideration for your free new products listing, please contact Heidi at Slack Attack Communications at 608-222-7630 or heidi@slackattack.com.

8 Pin Tap Bowling Tournament Hosted by Wagner’s Lanes, Miller Lite and The Rodeway Inn and Suites. Funds rasised for the Tavern League of Wisconsin TIPAC Fund

1st place RESULTS Team Event Score: 3856 Minds in the Gutter, Eau Claire Singles Ryan Jesko, TNT’s

Score: 985

Doubles Score: 1911 B. Marek / J. Andersen, Sweeney’s All Event Score: 2904 Harry Berg, Sweeney’s Y Go By

Tavern League of Wisconsin

2011 May/June On Premise

39

By Kimberly Ruef, CPA

What Taxes Should I Be Aware Of?

of the corporation’s tax year. For calendar year corporations, the due dates would be April 15th, June 15th, September 15th and December 15th.

Because S-Corporations and Partnerships generally don’t have income tax liabilities of their own, there won’t be any estimated tax payments to be made (although owners of these entities may very well have to file Form 1040-ES).

D

o you feel unsure that you’re complying with all of the various taxing authorities’ filing and payment requirements? Are you taking advantage of all of the exemptions and deductions to which you are entitled? Do you know which agencies administer the various taxes? This is the first in a series of articles designed to help you answer these questions.

Federal Income taxes (Internal Revenue Service) For Federal income tax purposes, you are either a sole-proprietor (or single member LLC taxed as a disregarded entity), a partnership (or multimember LLC electing the default classification), a C-Corporation, or an S-Corporation (or an LLC electing to be taxed as an S-Corporation). Your tax advisor and attorney can assist you in determining which is best for you and your unique situation. For more information on each, visit the IRS’ website: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/ article/0,,id=98359,00.html Each of these has an annual filing requirement for each calendar year (except C-Corporations, or in rare cases an S-Corporation with a noncalendar or “fiscal year”).

C-Corporation (Form 1120) and S-Corporation (Form 1120-S) returns are due on the 15th day of the 3rd month after the end of the year (March 15th for most).

Sole proprietorship (Schedule C, Form 1040), and partnership (Form 1065) returns are due on the 15th day of the 4th month after the end of the year (April 15th for most).

An important income tax credit specific to your industry is the Credit for Social Security and Medicare Tips (Form 8846).

40

On Premise 2011 May/June

Each of the forms discussed above can be accessed on the IRS’ website: http://www.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/ formsInstructions.html The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is available for hiring certain employees (including SSI recipients, qualified ex-felons, qualified veterans, long-term family assistance recipients and others). Note that the WOTC has some precertification requirements, so advance planning is required to be eligible to claim this credit.

Information can be found at the following link: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/jobservice/ taxcredit/wotc.htm.

The Small Employer’s Health Insurance Credit continues to be available to employers paying a uniform percentage of all employees’ health insurance cost. This credit can be claimed on Form 8941. A discussion of this credit is available at this link: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/ article/0,,id=231928,00.html.

If you owe income taxes (whether as a business or individual), you will most likely have estimated tax filing requirements the following year. Individuals filing Form 1040 pay estimates using Form 1040-ES. These payments are due April 15th, June 15th, September 15th and January 15th.

Other IRS filing requirements Large food and beverage establishments need to file Form 8027 by February 28th each year. A large food and beverage establishment is one that has more than ten employees working more than 80 hours per week on average. Form 8027 is used to evaluate the amount of tips reported by your employees. If tips were underreported overall, an allocation may need to be made to employees’ W-2 Forms.

View the following link for a discussion of an increasingly popular program offered by the IRS for food and beverage employers, the ATIP program. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/ article/0,,id=163720,00.html There is a wealth of information available on the IRS’ website under the “Businesses” tab. Consult your tax advisor for specific advice about forms and taxes applicable to your business. ●●●

Kimberly Ruef, CPA is a partner with Wegner LLP, CPAs & Consultants and Wegner Payroll Group with offices in Madison, Baraboo and Waukesha. She has been providing accounting and tax services to businesses and business owners for over 20 years. This article is not intended to give you complete tax advice, but a general review of the subject matter.

Phone: (608) 274-4020 Email: kim.ruef@wegnercpas.com

Use Form 1120-W to calculate estimated tax payments for C-Corporations. These payments must be made electronically like all business payments using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). These payments are due by the 15th day of the 4th, 6th, 9th and 12th month www.tlw.org

The Washington County Tavern League On April 11th, Bee Holoubek of Wally and Bee’s Last Stop Resort on Friess Lake was honored by the Washington County Tavern League at their annual dinner meeting held at the Pike Lake House Inn. Bee received a certificate from President Judy Mann in recognition of her 32 years as a League Member and in celebration of her 91st birthday.

Bee and her late husband Wally bought their tavern from her mother in 1951. Her parents started the tavern on Friess Lake in the early 1930’s. She has lived and worked there her whole life. Along with the tavern business she has a picnic area, swimming beach, boat launch and offers boat rentals. Bee says that one of the best changes in her bartending history is that she doesn’t have to clean the spittoons anymore. At 91 years of age Bee still enjoys tending bar and having a shot of peppermint schnapps with the customers once in a while.

The Jackson County Tavern League The Jackson County Tavern League held it’s annual banquet at Club 95 in Hixton on Monday, January 31. A great crowd of TLW Members and friends attended the event. Guests included TLW President Rob Swearingen and Executive Director Pete Madland who helped raise money for the Jackson County Tavern League during the auction. The evening’s entertainment was a ventriloquist who kept the crowd laughing during the entire performance. Congratulations Jackson County Tavern League for organizing a great event!

The ABL Trip American Beverage Licensees (ABL) continues to hold its annual Spring Board of Directors meeting in the Washington D.C. area allowing TLW representatives Rob Swearingen, Pete Madland and Robert “Bubba” Sprenger and Bill Hunter to visit Capitol Hill regarding ABL issues of concern. This year’s trip was held in mid March which included appointments to meet with members of US Congress and the Senate. TLW Governmental Affairs Director, Scott Stenger, accompanied the group as they met with Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Reid Ribble and Senator Ron Johnson, among others.

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2011 May/June On Premise

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The TLW 8th District Spring Caucus The TLW 8th District held their Spring Caucus at Ballyhoo’s Brew & Chew in Merrill on Monday, March 7. Approximately 100 Members of the District attended the meeting. Guest speakers included 35th District Assembly Representative, Tom Tiffany.

The La Crosse County Tavern League The La Crosse County Tavern League held its annual banquet on Saturday, January 29 at All Star Lanes. A huge crowd gathered to enjoy a prime rib dinner and an evening of live entertainment. President Mike Brown and the La Crosse County League generated a large donation to the local food pantry. TLW President Rob Swearingen was on hand to thank the group.

Congratulations La Crosse County Tavern League for an outstanding evening!

The Kenosha County Tavern League Another successful annual Ice-Fishing contest was put on by the Kenosha County Tavern League in New Munster on Saturday Feb. 26th. The annual event billed as the State’s largest Ice-Fishing party drew a crowd of over 600 participants leaving everyone with just one question......Where’s the canoe?

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The Juneau County Tavern League The Juneau County Tavern League held their annual fundraising banquet on Sunday, January 30 at Chapparal Restaurant in Wonewoc. Over 150 TLW Members, friends, vendors and supporters enjoyed a great meal, live music and a good time. Congratulation to Juneau County Tavern League for putting together another successful event!

The DC Debit Card Trip On March 2, 2011, the TLW was asked to participate in a fly-in with other Wisconsin independent retailers focusing on the high swipe fee charges relating to debit card transactions. Central Zone Vice President, Robert “Bubba� Sprenger along with Southern Zone Vice President, Chris Marsicano and TLW President Rob Swearingen made the 24-hour trip to D.C. The group was able to meet with the entire Wisconsin delegation including Congressman Sean Duffy (pictured below).

The Tomahawk/Merrill Area Meeting Terry and Rhonda Wiese hosted the April 18th meeting of the Tomahawk/Merrill Area Tavern League at Pine Pointe Resort in Tomahawk.

Over 40 Members and guests were in attendance to discuss League issues, concerns, and the expansion of their SafeRide Program.

TLW Executive Director Pete Madland and President Rob Swearingen were on hand to answer any questions regarding the program.

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