President’s Perspective

TLW STARTS NEW CHAPTER: NEW MANAGEMENT, STAFF AND HEADQUARTERS

Recently, you have been informed of many changes afoot here at the Tavern League of Wisconsin. With Pete’s retirement on May 1, AMPED Association Management has taken over the reins of our day-to-day operations. With this move have come some changes. One of the most noticeable is our mailing address, which is now: Tavern League of Wisconsin, 1818 Parmenter St., Ste. 300, Middleton, WI 53562. Our phone number remains the same: (608) 310-7541.

As a partner, AMPED will bring a wealth of association experience and provide full management services, including leadership, strategic planning, governance, policy, membership development, digital and live meeting planning, educational programming, financial management and communications. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to AMPED and the new members of the TLW team.

Michelle Czosek, CAE, will serve as the Executive Director of the TLW, overseeing all operations of the organization, and working directly with the Board of Directors on strategy and budget. She has over 30 years of experience managing a variety of professional and trade associations with expertise in education, event planning, membership and governance.

Tony Veroeven will serve as the Vice President of External Relations, focusing on partnerships and membership growth. His expertise in marketing, sales and member relations will help guide the growth of the TLW and our Foundation.

Both Michelle and Tony will be supported by a full team of TLW staff, including Heather Tollefson, our membership and program coordinator, who joined us last year. Rounding out the staff will be Jeanne Weiss who is responsible for publications and communication, Karie Krantz as program manager, Tracey Bockhop for events and trade shows, and Cora Kinney as reception. Scott Stenger will continue in his role as the TLW lobbyist, while the TLW Executive Board will continue to strategically guide the organization. Pete will remain with us in the role of TLW outreach so that we may continue to use his vast knowledge and experience of our industry and our association. Pulaski, Lori Frommgen and Paul Salzwedel — devoted much time to it over many meetings, phone calls and emails. I would personally like to thank each one of them. The committee was very conscious of the huge job that was entrusted to them and I believe they did an excellent job.

On another note, there will be a presidential election at our Fall Convention and Trade Show in Appleton. I was very honored to be nominated again by several different caucuses. As president of the TLW for the last four years, I have been humbled to represent the best members that any association president could hope for. After much thought and discussion with my wife, I made the tough decision to decline the honor to run for president again. These last two years have been extremely stressful. I have served on the TLW board for over 20 years now and I am currently the longest serving member of the Executive Board.

It is time to transition into the position of past president after this election. In this role, I hope to continue to help and advise this association and its new president to the best of my ability. If I serve two to four years as past president, that will bring me to 25 years on the Board, and it will be time to make way for younger members with new and refreshing ideas. I will always be grateful for the support and friendship of the members of this association, especially after all we have been through together these last two years.

This association is extremely fortunate to have two highly qualified candidates to lead the TLW into the future: Cathy Vales, our current Senior Vice President, and Keith Kern, our current Eighth District Director. I would be proud to call either one TLW president. As they make their way around the state stumping for your votes, please remember one thing that I have learned having walked in their shoes. Never believe something that someone else has told you about the candidates’ positions or beliefs on the issues. If you want to know where a candidate stands, get it right from the horse’s mouth and do not settle for hearsay.

As always, please feel free to contact me regarding any state or local issues you may have. My line is always open. I look forward to finally seeing you all this fall in Appleton.

Salute,