PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE OUR TLW FAMILY
I
was really looking forward to seeing my TLW family at the Spring Conference & Trade Show, especially after having to cancel everything last year. Alas, it is not to be. Last fall we looked ahead, cautiously optimistic about the conference. Everyone is ready to get back to normal. For many of our members, the TLW conferences and conventions are the only vacations they take. We had until March 1, 2021, to make our final commitment to the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point regarding our contract for the Spring Conference. After much conversation between our executive director, vendors and board, we had to make the very difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Spring Conference & Trade Show. Before we made this decision, we contacted our vendors for the trade show and only 25% of those companies were willing to commit. Many were not comfortable sending their people until the COVID-19 numbers are reduced or the vaccine is more widely available. Plus, the safety of our members is most important and we would feel terrible if any of our members were to fall ill after attending a TLW function.
We are going to continue to concentrate our efforts on passing legislation to improve the lives of our 5,000 members. Furthermore, bars and restaurants have been used as a scapegoat and targeted as coronavirus spreaders, and we spent the better part of last year working on dispelling that unfounded allegation. Our members are doing a great job of keeping their customers safe and comfortable. We are almost over the finish line, and I would hate to see our association stumble and do harm. Instead, we are going to continue to concentrate our efforts on passing legislation to improve the lives of our 5,000 members. We do not want to destroy our goodwill with the public or legislators.
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MARCH/APRIL 2021
I know that you’re all disappointed. It was not an easy decision for our board to make, but I believe we made the right choice for you — our members. We still plan on holding the Fall Convention & Trade Show in Appleton when we can once again gather our TLW family.
Pete has always had the TLW’s best interest at heart and truly bleeds TLW red. Speaking of family, you’ve all heard that Pete Madland, our executive director, is stepping into a new role. He has expressed a desire to spend more time at home with his lovely wife, LuAnn, and travel. I don’t know if all of our members realize it, but for the last 20 years, Pete has come to Madison every Monday, and not returned home until Thursday or Friday. He’s not leaving us, but plans to assume a new role that our committee is crafting to suit both him and the TLW’s needs. Pete still intends to advise and travel around the state to help our local league leaders work on issues affecting them. Pete has always had the TLW’s best interest at heart and truly bleeds TLW red. I will forever be grateful for his guidance and sharing his knowledge while working my way up through this organization. He has made it fun and exciting, and instilled in me his love for this organization and its members who have truly become friends and family. I am most grateful, however, for the enduring friendship that we have developed, way beyond that of executive director and board member. Pete is a true and close friend whom I can always count on to be there when I need someone to talk to or some fatherly advice. So never fear, members, he’s not leaving us, just scaling back to enjoy his life, which we all hope is long and happy. All the best to Pete and LuAnn. The TLW family can never thank you enough for all you have done, but we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Salute,
Chris Marsicano TLW President
www.tlw.org
