On Premise March/April 2022

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TLW.ORG

TLW SPRING CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW

The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin

ALSO INSIDE: Giving Your Time to the TLW The Latest News from Washington


MAJOR SUPPORTER of

State and Local Tavern Leagues

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS TAVERN LEAGUE OF WISCONSIN • Co-Sponsor of TLW Legislative Day • Underwriter of TLW Video on Jobs and Employment • Provider of Coin-Operated Games at TLW Conferences & Trade Shows to Benefit TIPAC • Sponsor of the TLW Trip Giveaway at TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show • Donor of Large-Screen TV at TLW Fall Convention & Trade Show

LOCAL TAVERN LEAGUE PROGRAMS (SafeRide, Golf, Others) • Contributions and Support from Individual WAMO Members • Matching Funds from WAMO to Tavern League Locals • Contributions to SafeRide Program, Golf and Others • Active Participation and Attendance

WISCONSIN AMUSEMENT & MUSIC OPERATORS PO Box 259506 Madison, WI 53725 www.WAMO.net

608.709.1960 608.824.2205 E amanda@wamo.net P F

A complete list of WAMO members can be found at www.WAMO.net. Hosts of the World’s Largest Dart Tournament & the Nation’s Largest Pool Tournament.


The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin MARCH/APRIL 2022 VOLUME 40, NO. 2

FEATURES Giving Your Time to the TLW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The TLW makes it easy and beneficial to volunteer for the organization.

85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Preview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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Here’s your sneak peek for what to expect at the long-awaited conference in La Crosse. La Crosse Center, La Crosse April 4-7, 2022 • Schedule of Events • Host League, Keynote Speaker & Seminars • Hotel Information & Registration Form • Trade Show Exhibitors • TLW Live Auction

A Vision for the Future. . . . . . . . . 18 TLW Member of the Year Don Mjelde contributes so much to the league in an effort to preserve — and help others appreciate — the unique culture of Wisconsin taverns.

18 DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Corporate Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 ABL Dispatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 By the Book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Legislative Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

League Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Corporate Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 New Members & Affiliate Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Industry Trends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

SOCIALIZE WITH US

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SCREEN PRINTING • EMBROIDERY • PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

PRESIDENT Keith Kern

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Cathy Vales

SECRETARY Erin Pulaski

TREASURER Todd Giraud

SOUTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Dan Taivalkoski

SOUTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Keith Koehler

EASTERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Tim "Tippy" Tomchek

EASTERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Terri "Sassy" Buman

CENTRAL ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Paul Salzwedel

CENTRAL DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Lori Frommgen

NORTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Donn “Dino” Amundson

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SPECIAL CLUB MEMBERSHIP PLATINUM CLUB MEMBERS 5TH DISTRICT TAVERN LEAGUE OSHKOSH CITY/WINNEBAGO COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE OUTAGAMIE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE PORTAGE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

GOLD CLUB MEMBERS DOOR COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE OCONTO COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS PLATINUM $1,000 Annual Membership Level GOLD $500 Annual Membership Level SILVER $250 Annual Membership Level For more information on becoming a Special Club Member, call the TLW office at (608) 270-8591.

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NORTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Nancy Lorbetske

PAST PRESIDENT Chris Marsicano

MANAGING EDITOR

Carrie Mantey Nei-Turner Media Group Inc.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jerriann Mullen Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. jem@ntmediagroup.com

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Danielle Letenyei Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. danielle@ntmediagroup.com

PRINTED BY

LSC Communications, Pontiac, Illinois On Premise (ISSN #1051-4562) is a bimonthly publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin Inc., 1818 Parmenter St., Ste. 300, Middleton, WI 53562, Phone: (608) 270-8591. On Premise is produced by Nei-Turner Media Group Inc., 400 Broad St., Unit D, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Gary Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President; Barbara Krause, Publisher. Printing is by LSC Communications, Pontiac, IL. For advertising information, please contact Danielle Letenyei at (608) 438-6996 or danielle@ntmediagroup.com. Subscriptions included in TLW membership dues; nonmember subscriptions cost $15 per year. Postmaster: Send address corrections to the Tavern League of Wisconsin Office, 1818 Parmenter St., Ste. 300, Middleton, WI 53562. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI and other additional offices. ©2022 Tavern League of Wisconsin Inc. Permission to reprint must be secured in advance of publication, and credit given www.tlw.org to author and On Premise.


PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE I

t’s hard to believe that it has already been six months since becoming president of this great association — which reminds me — conference time is once again upon us! If you haven’t registered for the 85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show yet, I strongly encourage you to consider. If you’ve never been to one before, I can promise you that it will not disappoint. La Crosse was the location of the first convention I ever attended and the memories made will always stay with me. Matt Crompton, the regional director of North America at CGA Strategy, is our keynote speaker and a standout in the hospitality industry. In his presentation, he will focus on on-premise marketing trends, as well as pre- and post-COVID-19 trends. We also challenged him to offer data-specific findings, not only in our country, but also in our great state. I believe we can all use his knowledge as a resource, and I’m excited to see the turnout and feedback. Again, if you have not registered yet, hop on our new website to sign up or contact the TLW office for assistance. Yes, the days of “tlwmember/cocktail” are over at tlw.org, but our office staff greatly improved the website. Now it is much easier to navigate, research and personalize your TLW experience.

"Yes, the days of “tlwmember/cocktail” are over at tlw.org, but our office staff greatly improved the website. Now it is much easier to navigate, research and personalize your TLW experience."

report we had a very nice turnout, and were able to communicate our issues and concerns while both the Assembly and Senate were in session. Next was the TLW winter getaway in Las Vegas. This was my first time attending and, wow, what a turnout! Close to 300 members and employees converged on the “City of Lights” for a few days of fun and relaxation. The El Cortez Hotel & Casino did an amazing job welcoming everyone who made the trip. Huge shoutout to Kenny and Pat Lazarus for their excellent hospitality. If you get a chance to attend next year, give it a try. It’s just another advantage of being a member. Lastly, I made the journey down to Kenosha County for the annual Ice Fishing Party. What an event — they truly know how to host and the turnout was amazing. The League was able to donate $20,000 to the Kenosha County K9 unit, along with an additional $5,000 to VetsRoll. Their hard work and dedication show why we stand out above and beyond any other association. Kudos to Ray, Jen, Rich, Judi, Sam, Dawn, Brian and the rest of the Kenosha crew! There’s plenty more to mention, but I will save it for the Spring Conference & Trade Show in La Crosse. Here’s to warmer weather and the start of the big thaw! Cheers!

I’m not one to look back too often, but there are quite a few updates since my last writing. First, we celebrated another successful Legislative Day on Feb. 15. Though it has been two years since our last event, I’m happy to www.tlw.org

Keith Kern TLW President MARCH/APRIL 2022

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CORPORATE MEMBERS SupportTHOSE Those WHO Who Support our Association SUPPORT SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION PLATINUM SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS PLATINUM

MEMBERS

2012 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

GOLD SPONSORS

2012 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

GOLD MEMBERS GOLD SPONSORS

Anheuser-Busch Anheuser-Busch

BRONZE BRONZE SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS

MEMBERS

TA V E R N L E A G U E O F W I S C O N S I N

MEMBERS

TA V E R N L E A G U E O F W I S C O N S I N

SILVER SPONSORS SILVER SILVER SPONSORS

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 Wisconsin Amusement Wisconsin Amusement & TLW office at (608) 270-8591 for more information regarding the benefits Music Operators, Inc. of the different categories. Remember to “support those who support us.” Music Operators, Inc.

and thank these groups for their support, and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call groups for their support, and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call fice (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support those who support us.” 1) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support those who support us.”

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Enjoy Responsibly.


Giving Your Time to the TLW

The TLW makes it easy and beneficial to volunteer for the organization. By Maura Keller

V

olunteerism. It’s a word that can strike feelings of guilt in many. It’s on our “to-do” list or a part of our New Year’s resolutions. It’s something that we want to do, but just can’t find the time. Luckily, the TLW makes it easy. Plus, the association’s volunteer opportunities are not only plentiful, but they also often benefit both the TLW and the industry at large. There are many ways to get involved in the TLW that go beyond your regular membership, according to Keith Kern, TLW president and owner of Jimmy’s Saloon in Superior. At the local league level, for instance, you can be elected for a board position, and serve as a president, secretary, treasurer or board member. In contrast, volunteering as a SafeRide® coordinator doesn’t require being in an actual board position. As Kern explains, the duties of this volunteer position include operating the SafeRide® program, keeping track of ride vouchers, filing monthly reports and working with the treasurer.

Dan Taivalkoski, owner of The Beacon Tavern & Grill in Racine and TLW Search Committee chair, says that most local leagues plan and conduct special events and fundraisers, and local league leaders welcome assistance with those events. “If your local league has a SafeRide® program, you may be able to offer your services as a designated driver, too. Some leagues even compensate you for this. Most leagues also welcome members who may have an interest in a leadership role with the organization,” he adds.

“You have the ability to help shape the TLW. You can bring creative ideas to the forefront and potentially see those ideas happen.” — Keith Kern, Jimmy’s Saloon Beyond those opportunities, many leagues additionally have committees that may work on various fundraisers, ticket distribution, event sponsorship, prize donations, etc. “If a board position seems like more time than one might have to offer, this is a great opportunity to help and volunteer,” acknowledges Kern.

Many local leagues also have a separate foundation board to manage charitable activities. “This board may host fundraisers for the SafeRide® program, and donate to various events or groups in their communities,” according to Kern.

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Having been a TLW member for over 30 years, Bob Carpenter, treasurer of the Dodge County Tavern League, lets new members know that the best way to get to know people, and let others know about their establishment, is to volunteer. “This gets you great exposure and only costs you time,” confirms Carpenter, who owns River Rock Tap in Horicon. “The county tavern leagues require many hands to make all of the fundraisers successful — everything from getting signage and prizes, to setting up with the hosting place, to selling and collecting tickets, and manning the fundraising tables. Without help, none of the fundraisers would succeed.” www.tlw.org


Benefits Aplenty Often those who volunteer find their experiences inspiring, empowering and sometimes life-changing. They are given the opportunity to share their time and talents with the greater TLW community, and impact the various programs that the league offers throughout the year and across the state. “You have the ability to help shape the TLW. You can bring creative ideas to the forefront and potentially see those ideas happen,” Kern says. “Attending local meetings and being involved usually gets you the important information right as it is released. Events like League Leaders Day are put on to help leaders further hone their skills and education. Some leagues may even cover some of the registration, lodging and mileage costs for some events if you are a board member.”

“Volunteering offers the opportunity to network and hear from peers all over the state about common problems and areas of interest,” Kern says. “Getting involved also helps make leagues stronger, and offers a bond that helps further validate why we exist and why we are so important to the industry. This is our livelihood. Why not help to make it better for all of us?”

How to Get Started So what’s the best way to get started volunteering? From Kern’s experience, it begins with attending meetings and understanding the workings of the association. Ask questions, offer suggestions and volunteer to help whenever it works for you. Taivalkoski says that, for many TLW members, the commitment of time and being away from their business is the biggest area of concern. That’s why he recommends starting at the local level, polishing your organizational skills and serving on a committee. “There are many tasks that can be accomplished on the phone or via email,” he says. Carpenter adds that asking members to become involved in a specific project may help them take that first step in becoming an active volunteer. “Sometimes when we complain about how much work needs to be done for an event, we have to remember to ask other members to take a small part and do it,” Carpenter suggests. “Most people will be happy to help out, especially if they’re not doing the whole project themselves.”

Taivalkoski adds that, by getting involved, you have a voice in how your local and state leagues are run, such as scheduling local dignitaries or law enforcement to speak. “Invite vendors that are relevant to the hospitality business to explain their products and services. You also have the ability to represent your local league as a delegate to elect members to serve on the TLW’s state Board of Directors and Executive Board,” Taivalkoski says. Furthermore, volunteering is a great opportunity to see Wisconsin as TLW events are hosted all over the state. www.tlw.org

And as Carpenter explains, every position has its own set of required skills. If you are a good public speaker, president may be for you. Good at taking notes and generating emails? Try your hand at being the secretary. Are you good with numbers and trustworthy? Every league needs a solid treasurer. Other board positions are great for people who like to ask questions and help organize events. “The sky is the limit. Many leagues will welcome any help with open arms,” Kern says. “From there, the ball is in your court.” TLW

Volunteer Leadership Positions at the TLW “At the end of the day, the member is most important, but each level of leadership works to carry out members’ needs, concerns or direction,” explains Keith Kern, TLW president. • L eague Positions: These volunteers work within their respective counties. They carry out the duties required by their position and make sure the mission is being followed through. • Board of Directors: These positions are elected by their respected caucus and appointed to various committees. They meet four times a year as a full board to conduct business, but depending on their committee, they may meet more. They are also assigned areas of responsibilities within their districts and work with local league leaders. • E xecutive Board: These elected positions are voted on by the members of the district in which they fall. In addition to the full board meetings listed above, they also meet during the months in between. At times, special meetings are called to address individual issues or concerns as well. While these executive board members sit on committees, they additionally work to oversee all areas within their districts and offer help when needed. • State President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer: These positions require statewide elections and follow most of the same rules that apply to local levels, but on the state level. Working closely with staff, they help oversee all operations, and bring initiatives to the executive board and full board.

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www.tlw.org 2/14/22 9:14 AM


TLW SPRING CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW

La Crosse, WI April 4-7, 2022

85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show

T OGETHER, L ET’S W IN

Schedule of Events Monday, April 4, 2022 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food Safety Class and Exam The class and exam are open to members and nonmembers. Preregistration is required. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. TLW Board of Directors Meeting 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Registration and $2 Bill Exchange 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. La Crosse County Tavern League Welcome Party Location: Fox Hollow Banquet Hall W3847 Hwy. O, La Crosse The Craig Olsen Project will provide live music. Shuttle service will start at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration and $2 Bill Exchange 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Nominating Committee Meeting 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Rules Committee Meeting 9:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. General Session • Welcome • TLW Updates from the President, Secretary and Treasurer • Keynote: On Premise — Stats, Insights and Trends • President’s Award Announcement • Past President Ring Presentation • Attendance Drawings • First-Timers Orientation 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Silent Auction

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Trade Show

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bean Bag Toss and TIPAC Donations

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Bean Bag Toss and Tavern Industry Political Action Committee (TIPAC) Donations

11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. League Leader and SafeRide® Program Meeting

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Raffle and Bingo Laws: Separation of Business and Charity This seminar will educate attendees on how to effectively execute raffle and bingo activities for both business and charity. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Generation Z: A Manager’s Survival Guide This seminar will provide best practices on how to attract, retain and manage the youngest generation in the workplace. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday Night Party The Freezers will provide live music. 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. TLW Live Auction

Wednesday, April 6, 2022 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Silent Auction 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration and $2 Bill Exchange 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. General Session • Legislative Update from Scott Stenger, TLW Lobbyist • American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Update from Chris Marsicano, Past President • Attendance Drawings 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trade Show

2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Vendor Drawings Attendees must be present to win. 2:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. Exhibitor Booth Drawing Exhibitors must be set up to win. 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. District Caucuses 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. District Caucuses 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. President’s Reception Admission requires a $25 donation to TIPAC.

Thursday, April 7, 2022 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Voting (Delegates Only) 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. General Session • New Board Announcements and Swearing In • Parade of Candidates for Fall 2022 Elections • TLW Foundation Raffle Drawing • Silent Auction Drawing • Buyer Raffle Drawing • Attendance Drawing • Conference Video Wrapup 12 p.m. Foundation Meeting 12 p.m. La Crosse County Tavern League President’s Reception Location: Codgers 310 Depot St., La Crosse

Note: Times and events are subject to change without notice. www.tlw.org

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2022 Spring Conference & Trade Show Keynote Speaker and Seminars Your 2022 Spring Conference Host League LA CROSSE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE The La Crosse County Tavern League is excited to welcome you to the 2022 TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show.

Keynote: On Premise — Stats, Insights and Trends Matthew Crompton Regional Director of North America, CGA Strategy Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 9:15 a.m. Take a journey through all of the latest trends and topics affecting on-premise performance across the U.S. and Wisconsin. Working with the TLW, CGA Strategy has carried out unique bar and restaurant consumer research, and is going to share the latest findings with you. What sells well? What do consumers want? And what does the channel look like post-COVID-19?

Seminars RAFFLE AND BINGO LAWS: SEPARATION OF BUSINESS AND CHARITY

GENERATION Z: A MANAGER’S SURVIVAL GUIDE

Presented by: Randall A. Bansley, Auditor, Division of Gaming, Wisconsin Office of Charitable Gaming

Presented by: Steve Bench, Founder, Generational Consulting LLC

Tuesday, April 5, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 5, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Get all the details surrounding raffle and bingo laws in Wisconsin. Learn about the different types of gaming and all pertinent liability issues, and how the associated laws differ depending on whether these activities are taking place for a business vs. a charity. You don’t want to miss this seminar to learn how to effectively execute raffle and bingo activities at your establishment.

Our society and culture have changed dramatically over the past two generations. To run a successful business, it’s crucial to understand how adulthood has changed. Guaranteed to improve your understanding of Gen Z, this session provides best practices for how to attract, retain and manage the youngest generation in the workplace.

Entertainment The Craig Olsen Project (pictured right) will entertain with live music at the La Crosse County Tavern League Welcome Party on Monday night. The Freezers (pictured left) will provide live music at the Tuesday Night Party.

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www.tlw.org


2022 Spring Conference & Trade Show Hotel Information and Registration Form

T OGETHER, L ET’S W IN

85TH ANNUAL TLW SPRING CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW

APRIL 4-7, 2022 LA CROSSE CENTER La Crosse, WI The TLW block at the Radisson Hotel La Crosse is already sold out. However, the following hotels are a short walk from the La Crosse Center.

Holiday Inn & Suites La Crosse 200 Pearl St. La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 784-4444

Courtyard La Crosse Downtown/Mississippi Riverfront Hotel

HOST HOTEL RADISSON HOTEL LA CROSSE

500 Front St. S La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 782-1000

200 Harborview Plaza La Crosse, WI 54601 NOTE: TLW BLOCK IS FULL

2022 Spring Conference & Trade Show Registration Form

First Name

Last Name

Nickname

Business Name City/State/Zip

Business Phone

Cell Phone

Local League

Email

Full Registration………………

Member Nonmember $50 $70

On-Site Registration Prices Full Member Full Nonmember One Day Member One Day Nonmember

Check # Security Code

$60 $80 $35 $45

Card #

One Day Only………………

Member Nonmember $30 $35

(Circle one: Tuesday - Wednesday)

Do not mail after March 24, 2022 This is my first convention If you would like to add a donation, please check all that apply:

TLW Support

$

SafeRide

$

CORE

$

Total Registration & Fees Due $

Expiration Date

Cardholder Name

Signature

Please register online at www.tlw.org, or complete and return this form with payment to the TLW, 1818 Parmenter St., Ste. 300, Middleton, WI 53562 or info@tlw.org, or fax it to (608) 492-0523. www.tlw.org

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2022 Spring Conference & Trade Show Exhibitor List The following companies have already committed to exhibiting at the 2022 Spring Conference & Trade Show, with more to follow. Register and connect with them one-on-one at the trade show in La Crosse!

Company

Booth #

American Welding & Gas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Anheuser-Busch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 41 and 42 Ansay & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 B&K Bar Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 and 50 Badger Mats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Badger Mutual Insurance Company. . . . . . . . 44 and 45 BEES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Benedict Sales & Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 and 15 Big Shu Advantage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Blue Honey Bio-Fuels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Brakebush Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Breakthru Beverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71, 72 and 82 Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza Pizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Bromak Sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 and 116 Capital Brewery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Captain Ken’s Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Carbliss Hand-Crafted Premium Cocktails. . . . . . . . 43 Center for Suicide Awareness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Community Business Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Cornerstone Processing Solutions. . . . . . . . 113 and 114 Custom Laminating Specialists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Department of Workforce Development . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Edge One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ehler Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 El Cortez Hotel & Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Emil’s Pizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Fleis Insurance Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Gilbert Brown Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 and 38 Greater Insurance Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Heartland Payment Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Hogs for Heroes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Holiday Wholesale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 and 18 The House of Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 HSC Business Brokers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Hunger Relief Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 J&J Snack Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Company

Booth #

Justagame Impressions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 and 88 Kaufhold’s Kurds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 La Crosse Distilling Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Magnuson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Mass Appeal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 and 2 McCain Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Metropolitan Food Service Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Meyer Brothers LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Midwest Food & Tobacco Group/Tri-Mart . . . . . . . . . 91 Mirkovich & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Molson Coors Beverage Group. . . . . . . . 68, 69 and 70 Nei-Turner Media Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Noble Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Pabst Brewing Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Precision Pours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Quantum Merchant Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Reinhart Foodservice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Riverside Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Rush Creek Distilling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBD SAFE Bar Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Sanimax USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Score No Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Small Business Development Center of Wisconsin .84 Superior Vending. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Taylor Enterprises of Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Tavern League of Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Tricky Dick Specialty 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 22 and 23 TRL International Marketing Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 TRNXN Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 VetsRoll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Vincent, Urban, Walker & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Don’t see your company on the exhibitor list and want to join us at the trade show? Contact Nathan Florek at nflorek@tlw.org to reserve your booth.

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VetsRoll extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to the Tavern League of WI Members and Your Customers Your continuing belief and support of our program has allowed us to provide CLOSURE*GRATITUDE*RESPECT to more than 2,000 American heroes, since 2010!!

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2022 Spring Conference & Trade Show TLW Live Auction Please Donate Items for the Spring TLW Live Auction As is tradition, the TLW Live Auction is the main event during the Tuesday night party, with members enjoying bidding, toasting and dancing. Attendees can also participate in the silent auction during the day on Tuesday and Wednesday. In the past, auction items have included travel packages, sports memorabilia, fine clothing, electronics, art and more. Auction chairperson Judy Vandenhouten helps coordinate the auctions that support our political action committees. Donating an item is simple: 1. P lease complete the form below and mail it to: Judy Vandenhouten E2904 Hwy. J, Kewaunee, WI 54216 Or email it to houterville@gmail.com. Questions? Call Judy Vandenhouten at (920) 493-4329. 2. B ring your item to the registration booth upon arrival to the Spring Conference & Trade Show. *The auction committee decides if the item goes into the live or silent auction. *All items purchased at the auctions must be paid for by personal check, credit card or cash.

Thank you for your contributions!

Auction Item Form — TLW 2022 Spring Conference We encourage you to support TLW political action committees with donations to the TLW Live Auction at the Spring Conference & Trade Show. Please complete the form and send it to Judy Vandenhouten. Donor (individual name and/or league) Contact Person Phone (business)

(home)

Please describe the item(s) you will be donating to the TLW Live Auction. Item:

Value:

Item:

Value:

Item:

Value:

Item:

Value:

Item:

Value:

Thank you for your participation!

Return this form by March 24, 2022, to Judy Vandenhouten, E2904 Hwy. J, Kewaunee, WI 54216. 16

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Brakebush® Signature Crispy Chicken Fillets THIS IS HOW YOU COMPETE IN THE SANDWICH WARS!

Classic or Spicy

BrakebushChicken.com/Crispy Good People. Great Chicken. www.tlw.org

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A Vision for the Future TLW Member of the Year Don Mjelde contributes so much to the league in an effort to preserve — and help others appreciate — the unique culture of Wisconsin taverns. By Maura Keller

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eing actively engaged with the Tavern League has earned Don Mjelde accolades aplenty. The owner of Richard Craniums in Green Bay is a TLW sixth district director and president of the Brown County Tavern League, and now he can include the treasured TLW Member of the Year designation to the growing list.

Since joining the TLW, Mjelde has made inroads in expanding the SafeRide® program’s efficacy in Brown County. As a member of the Brown County Traffic Safety Commission, Mjelde helped turn the Place of Last Drink survey into a method of validating responsible tavern owners by asking drunk driving suspects where they drank their last drink, thereby pinpointing problematic establishments. He says, “Through our work over the last four years, we have found that drunk driving has gone down substantially in Brown County and no taverns are excessively being named that require attention.” “Integrating Lyft into SafeRide®, presenting at the Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety, launching a bus system in Green Bay for area taverns, defeating Sober Server (an ordinance that states bartenders cannot drink while at work) and hosting numerous charitable events that raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, are some other noteworthy accomplishments I have been proud of.” Mjelde adds, “I also created Safe Park with the city of Green Bay, a program in which patrons who decide not to drive home can hang a placard on their rearview mirror to prevent parking tickets and towing.”

Mjelde first became involved with the TLW thanks in part to the previous president of the Brown Country Tavern League whose business was very close to Mjelde’s establishment. “It didn’t take long for an application to reach my doorstep,” Mjelde says. “To be honest, it started with the SafeRide® program. I couldn’t believe the concept existed and I was impressed by its effectiveness. Once I attended a meeting and met respectable owners from well-known establishments around town, I knew that I should continue to be an active member. And what I thought was just going to be monthly networking turned into much more.”

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In addition, during the mandatory COVID-19 shutdown, Mjelde worked tirelessly “to see our businesses reopen in the state. I’ve never worked so hard on anything in my life,” he admits. “One of my proudest moments was when we won the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling.” His efforts included daily emails and phone calls to legislators, distribution companies and TLW members.

An Innovative History Mjelde has owned and operated Richard Craniums for nearly nine years, having walked into the opportunity with no bartending experience. “I had actually purchased a bar in upper Michigan on auction and I was filling it with bar supplies. When I learned the previous owner [of Richard Craniums] had to leave abruptly, I purchased it turnkey and never left,” Mjelde says. “The family of people that grows in a tavern is unlike any other family you will have in your life.” www.tlw.org


CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SU

While owning a business is challenging and satisfying in and FT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES of itself, Mjelde sees his participation in the TLW as making • CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN a positive impact as a business owner and on the ongoing GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES success of his establishment. “The members you meet areNDRIES no • CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTA doubt the most enjoyable part of the work,” Mjelde says. “The S • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES connections you make through the league with people in your UNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FO community undoubtedly recycle back to your business. But for PPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCE me, it’s the differences you make for the industry that improve SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • everybody’s business. There’s no better satisfaction, knowing SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS you made a difference for over 13,000 businesses in the state.” CERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • CHEMICA

• Competitive Pricing

• Scheduled Sales Visits

IN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS ROCERIES •• SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • CHEMI Online Ordering via NTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS holidaywholesale.com & GROCERIES • SUNDRIES Web Console • CONFECTIONS • CH FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODU • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • In-House Service TeamITEMS • FOOD PR S • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT Ensuring• Timely Repairs DUCTS • GROCERIES SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS ALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD RODUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • Comprehensive Accrual MICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS Programs D PRODUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFECTION HEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITE FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFEC • Full-Service Buying & IONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT Marketing Departments FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES FECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • Spring & •Fall Show Events FOOD •PRODUCTS GROCERIES • SUNDRIES FECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • S • FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES Mjelde stresses that Wisconsin fosters a very unique culture of taverns that needs to be preserved and appreciated, notCONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPL TEMS • • FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES • S attacked and restricted. For example, thanks to the efforts CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN S of the TLW and its SafeRide® program, tens of thousands GIFT ITEMS •• FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES of drunk drivers are kept off the road each year, and tens of • CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNT millions of dollars are raised for local charities. “In spite UNDRIES of IES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIE this, some people still want to shut our businesses down and UNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FO others want to unfairly compete against us,” Mjelde says. PPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCE “I firmly believe that we can sustain and foster our industry. SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • With the help of the TLW’s 5,000 members, I know we can SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS accomplish this and I will invest any time I have to maintain CERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • CHEMICA our small businesses.” IN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS ROCERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • CHEMI NTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODUCTS GROCERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • CH “The family of people that grows in a tavern FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PRODU is unlike any other family you will have in • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS S • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD PR your life.” DUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFECTIONS • GIFT ITEMS • FOOD — Don Mjelde, Richard Craniums ALS • FOUNTAIN HolidaySUPPLIES Wholesale, RODUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIESInc. • CONFECTIONS 225 Pioneer Drive • PO Box 177ITEMS MICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT D PRODUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965• CONFECTION In the long term, Mjelde would like to see a future in which HEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT ITE the industry is protected, the Tavern League remains dominant • 333 • 8321 FOOD PRODUCTS •800 GROCERIES • SUNDRIES • CONFEC and the membership rises to a level the league has never seen IONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • GIFT www.holidaywholesale.com before. “In the short term, all I can hope for is lower costs, FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES more product and a full staff,” Mjelde concludes. TLW FECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPLIES • S • FOOD PRODUCTS • GROCERIES • SUNDRIES CONFECTIONS • CHEMICALS • FOUNTAIN SUPPL www.tlw.org

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ABL DISPATCH — THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS FROM WASHINGTON BY JOHN BODNOVICH, ABL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nearly two years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many bars, taverns and independent restaurants remain under water. They are struggling to get back on their feet, pay off debt or otherwise recover from pandemic setbacks. COVID-19 mitigation efforts had a chilling effect on the bar and restaurant business, keeping customers away, and limiting the ability of these businesses to pay rent, afford increasingly expensive products and hire workers. According to a National Restaurant Association survey, 52% of operators say their sales volume in October 2021 was lower than it was in October 2019. While federal legislation in March 2021 provided $28 billion in relief to the hospitality industry through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), it fell far short of meeting the need of the industry. This was demonstrated by 278,000 applicants requesting $72 billion in aid — almost three times the funds approved by Congress. That’s why, on Feb. 24, ABL took part in a day of action, advocating for Congress to appropriate additional funding for the RRF. As Congress considers legislation to fund the government and federal programs — current funding expires on March 11 — there is an opportunity for legislators to include RRF funding in an omnibus bill and provide relief to those businesses still dealing with COVID-19 issues. ABL also sent a letter to Congressional leadership, and all members of the House of Representatives and Senate, urging them to replenish the RRF.

Misleading NHTSA Study on 0.05% BAC Law ABL recently responded to the release of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report evaluating Utah’s 0.05% blood alcohol content (BAC) per se law: “It’s good news that roadways are getting safer in Utah, but the NHTSA study does not prove all the progress is due to just one law … The multi-year downward trend suggests that other traffic safety approaches were already in place to help make roadways safer. It is a big leap to assume that the reductions were all due to the 0.05% BAC law, particularly when the study fails to break down how many traffic fatalities were due to alcohol. As legislators in

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other states evaluate ways to address drunk driving, they should be using complete data to make decisions. “States need to see the full picture before making decisions, which includes recognizing that Utah remains an outlier among all other states that currently maintain 0.08% BAC drunk driving limits. Lawmakers and highway safety stakeholders in all but one state have identified that cutting the legal limit nearly in half is not the approach that most sensible Americans support, nor the most effective way to address long-term drunk driving problems … Just as any technology for new vehicles should not function as a deterrent to reasonable adults who wish to responsibly enjoy their favorite beer, wine or cocktail at their local bar, restaurant or neighbor’s home, states should also refrain from using incomplete data to implement laws that target today’s responsible adult consumers.”

Alcohol Industry Competition Report As part of a larger, shifting understanding of competition, the federal government recently attempted to examine and diagnose (in a little more than six months) what it preconceived to be competition problems within the otherwise successful 89-year-old beverage alcohol industry. The result is a wide, but ultimately shallow and largely misguided, report on a complex, diverse industry that continually meets the needs of consumers. The report vacillates between acceptance of the federal government’s powerlessness to force changes on state alcohol laws and the urge to take a “father knows best” approach by foisting a variety of conflicting suggestions onto states. Its suggestions are weakened by “could,” “might,” “may” and other ambiguous language. www.tlw.org


Tim Wu, special assistant to the President on technology and competition policy, recently underscored this point well, noting, “While [alcohol markets] are not perfect, they do give us a sign of how the U.S. economy can be. For example, beer brewing has gone from an industry which consolidated all the way down to 89 breweries in the United States to where there’s now over 6,000 breweries operating in the U.S., and they are regional, they’re competitive, they’re innovative.” This is an American success story. As the report notes, one of the “major industry trends” is “the significant growth in the number of small and ‘craft’ producers of beer, wine and spirits. There are now over 6,400 operating breweries in the United States … and more than 6,600 operating wineries. There also more than 1,900 operating distilleries.” Despite this impressive growth, and ever-increasing exemptions, loopholes and retail privileges for small producers, the report concludes that these advantages are not enough. Imagine the surprise of craft brand-building bars, taverns and restaurants, which are facing increasingly uneven competition from these producers. Perhaps the most absurd recommendation from the report suggests that the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) “should limit … enforcement actions against entities without discernable market power.” To suggest that small producers should essentially be exempt from trade practice laws adds insult to the COVID-19 injuries

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suffered by bars, taverns and restaurants, including two years of shutdowns, slowdowns, supply chain disruptions, increased costs of goods and labor shortages. Conversely, small producers are seeing their numbers grow, taxes go down and revenues increase. Enough is enough. A balance of competition, regulation, innovation and entrepreneurship has created a vibrant beverage alcohol industry, with hundreds of thousands of competitors. ABL and its members look forward to working with federal officials on competition issues within the beverage alcohol industry to ensure that vibrancy continues to flourish.

2022 ABL Annual Meeting Announced ABL has announced that it will return to New Orleans, LA, for the 2022 ABL Annual Meeting July 10-11, 2022. The meeting will be held at the Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue, and will be an opportunity for ABL and its members to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The meeting program will examine key issues facing independent beverage retailers. Meeting attendees will be able to bring insights and information back to their states and businesses to help them build on their success. TLW ABL is the voice of America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers in Washington, D.C. ABL represents the TLW and its many members, as well as thousands of other on- and off-premise retailers of beverage alcohol across the United States.

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BY THE BOOK ARE YOUR MANAGERS PROPERLY CLASSIFIED FOR OVERTIME? BY JORDAN ROHLFING

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ar and restaurant owners must regularly determine whether managers and assistant managers are exempt from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Wisconsin law. The FLSA and Wisconsin law require employers to pay their covered, nonexempt employees overtime compensation at a rate of not less than one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek. However, both the FLSA and Wisconsin law exempt bona-fide “executive” and “administrative” employees from mandated overtime pay requirements. Executive and administrative overtime exemptions typically apply to managers and/or assistant managers in the bar and restaurant industry. In order to qualify for an overtime exemption, a Wisconsin employee must satisfy the job duties test for the applicable exemption and be paid on a salary basis of at least $684 per month. Payment on a salary basis alone does not make someone exempt from overtime. To qualify for the executive exemption under federal and Wisconsin law, all of the following criteria must be met: • T he employee must be paid on a salary basis of at least $684 per week. • T he employee’s primary duty is management of the enterprise in which the employee is employed, or of a customarily recognized department or subdivision thereof. • T he employee customarily and regularly directs the work of two or more other employees. • T he employee has the authority to hire or fire other employees, or whose suggestions and recommendations as to the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion or any other change of status of other employees are given particular weight. • T he employee customarily and regularly exercises discretionary powers. • T he employee does not devote 40% or more of the workweek to activities that are not directly and closely related to the performance of the work described in

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items two through five. This requirement does not apply in the case of an employee who is in sole charge of an independent establishment or a physically separated branch establishment, or who owns at least a 20% interest in the enterprise in which the person is employed. To qualify for the administrative exemption under the FLSA and Wisconsin law, all of the following criteria must be met: • T he employee must be paid on a salary basis of at least $684 per week. • The employee’s primary (principal or most important) duty must be the performance of office or nonmanual work directly related to the management or general business operations of the employer or the employer’s customers. • The employee’s primary duty includes the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance. • The employee: (a) regularly and directly assists a proprietor or an employee employed in a bona-fide executive or administrative capacity; (b) performs work along specialized or technical lines requiring special training, experience or knowledge under only general supervision; or (c) executes special assignments and tasks under only general supervision. • The employee does not devote 40% or more hours worked in the workweek to activities that are not directly and closely related to the performance of the work described in items two through four above. The exemptions are applied on a case-by-case basis and factors not listed above can have an impact on the analysis. Bar and restaurant owners are well-advised to regularly review the exempt status of their managers and assistant managers with legal counsel. Getting it wrong can come with serious financial consequences. TLW Jordan Rohlfing is a senior associate at DeWitt LLP. She is an active member of the firm’s litigation, labor and employment relations, and background screening practice groups. www.tlw.org


LEGISLATIVE NOTES 2022 — IT’S ELECTION SEASON ALREADY BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

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he longer, warmer days are much needed relief after what seemed like an unusually long and cold winter. Meanwhile, the legislative session has adjourned with the focus now on the 2022 elections. The primary election is set for Aug. 9 and the general election for Nov. 8.

Every 10 years, states are required to adjust state and federal legislative districts to reflect changes in the population. Some areas experience growth, while others see population declines, and those changes must be considered in state and federal redistricting.

Announced Candidates for Governor • Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch (R) • Former U.S. Senate Candidate Kevin Nicholson (R) • State Rep. Timothy Ramthun (R)

Announced Candidates for U.S. Senate After saying he would only serve two terms, Sen. Ron Johnson decided to run for a third term. Johnson was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010. He will face one of the following Democrats after the Aug. 9 primary.

According to the 2020 census, Wisconsin’s population grew from 5,686,986 to 5,893,718 — a 3.6% increase. Based on the 2020 data, state Assembly districts will have roughly 60,000 people, Senate districts will have 178,000 and congressional districts will have 736,000. The Legislature passed a redistricting bill reflecting the population shifts identified by the census, however, Gov. Tony Evers vetoed the new maps. Because they were not approved, they will be drawn by the courts prior to the April 15 deadline. In the meantime, every legislative cycle has its share of retirees and candidates running for office. Thus far, the list is fairly significant and likely to grow: • • • • • • • • • •

Sen. Kathy Bernier (R) – Retiring Sen. Janet Bewley (D) – Retiring Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D) – Retiring Sen. Roger Roth (R) – Running for Lieutenant Governor Rep. Beth Meyers (D) – Retiring Rep. David Bowen (D) – Running for Lieutenant Governor Rep. Dianne Hesselbein (D) – Running for State Senate Rep. Amy Loudenbeck (R) – Running for Secretary of State Rep. Tim Ramthun (R) – Running for Governor Rep. Sara Rodriguez (D) – Running for Lieutenant Governor • Rep. Gary Tauchen (R) – Retiring • Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R) – Retiring The marquee races this year are for governor and U.S. Senate. Gov. Evers was elected four years ago and will face reelection for the first time with a growing list of possible Republican challengers set to square off in the primary.

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• • • • • • • • •

Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes (D) State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski (D) Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson (D) Dr. Gillian Battino (D), Radiologist Alex Lasry (D), Milwaukee Bucks Executive Adam Murphy (D), Software Developer Steven Olikara (D), Founder of Millennial Action Project Peter Peckarsky (D), Milwaukee Attorney Dr. Darrell Williams (D), Division of Emergency Management Administrator

All 99 seats in the state Assembly and the odd-numbered seats of the state Senate are up this fall. In addition, all constitutional officers face reelection, including the attorney general. We will keep you posted on the new maps and the important races in your area as we get closer to November. Until then, enjoy the spring weather and long days of summer before we return our focus to the 2022 elections. TLW

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LEAGUE PROFILE WAUPACA COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE it’s like family. Half of our people aren’t even owners, but represent a family business or are staying active because they believe in the Tavern League.” To make meetings meaningful, Korth secures speakers to provide important information to members and help foster connections. The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office and representatives from local law enforcement agencies are regular guests. Vendors are also invited to present information. Recently, for instance, Korth tried to round up a guest speaker to talk about new technology that could reduce pull-tab machine scams.

D

oug Korth is “very proud” of Waupaca County Tavern League members.

“They show up, do what they need to do to support the organization and make all our jobs easier,” says Korth, who has served as the Waupaca County Tavern League president for about 12 years. “We have a great membership base here and they help make our local league what it is.” With a mix of golf courses, taverns, mom-and-pop establishments, restaurants and more, the Waupaca County Tavern League boasts about 90 members. “We are very good with recruitment,” explains Korth, who sold his business, Korth’s Badger Tap in Embarrass, to his son Ryan earlier this year. “The chair of our membership committee, Jeff Loehrke — we call him Mr. Weyauwega — is doing a good job of not just retaining members, but getting new ones,” including past owners who have sold their establishments, yet remain active in the League and industry. Recruitment is going so well for the Waupaca County Tavern League that it’s had multiple new members at recent monthly meetings. When asked for the secret of the League’s success, Korth says it’s about no-pressure contact. “Between Jeff [Loehrke] and I, we try to stay in contact with new and old owners,” says Korth, who also serves as a fifth district director. “We always try to invite whomever we can from Waupaca County to come check us out. We don’t pressure anyone and we get a good return on that. We personally don’t want to be hounded and they know we won’t do that to them either. It’s helped us build a good reputation in our area.” The strong support of Waupaca County Tavern League members is also apparent in the club’s monthly meetings, which typically see upward of 40 attendees. “It makes me feel honored to have such a great turnout,” says Korth. “I go to some other counties’ meetings and the turnout is far less. Here,

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“We try to make the meetings as informational as we can,” explains Korth. “The more useful the information we can provide, the more willing members are to come.” It also helps that Waupaca County is home of the venerable Robert “Bubba” Sprenger, a longtime Tavern League member and advocate. “When he comes, it’s priceless. He is an absolute wealth of knowledge,” according to Korth. Local league members are also very active in charitable causes. While much of the giving comes from individual member establishments, the Waupaca County Tavern League supports several organizations each year. In 2021, the local league supported six organizations: the Waupaca County K-9 unit; Shop with a Cop; Walleyes for Kids; the newly formed Waupaca County Dive Team; Disabled American Veterans; and Keller’s Lake Day Camp, which serves developmentally disabled and intellectually challenged individuals. In 2022, the Waupaca County Tavern League is stepping up its giving and will support eight organizations thanks to increased matching funds from the state TLW. League members propose organizations to support at monthly meetings and the League spreads out its giving to maintain a regular cadence of positive public relations. “We don’t give to all organizations at once because then it’s done and forgotten,” admits Korth. “By spreading out the giving, the goodwill and commitment of our league are constantly reinforced in our communities.” Korth and his fellow Waupaca County Tavern League members work hard to elevate their local league, and the work of Sprenger, former executive director Pete Madland and all of the others who helped forge the strength of the organization. He concludes, “We’re trying to follow in their footsteps and continue to be a strong organization. The price of membership is darn cheap for what the Tavern League can accomplish and the work done. I’m always impressed with how things are handled and our best interests are considered.” TLW www.tlw.org


CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT KLB INSURANCE

K

im Brown and her staff are ready to work for Tavern League members. “I am different from any other agent you’ll meet. We are a small agency, but we are extremely aggressive and dedicated to our clients,” says Brown, owner of KLB Insurance, a TLW Corporate Sponsor. “Your claim is the most important thing to us. We don’t have an 800 number to call — you call us and we’ll get to action right away.” When Brown says “aggressive,” she means she takes care of business. As an example, she describes how she helped a client get his workers’ compensation claims corrected. Brown took over the client’s insurance from a nationwide agency last September and immediately noticed his workers’ compensation ratio was “out of whack” due to a claim that was subrogated to the client’s workers’ compensation carrier. The client spent three years fighting with his previous insurance company to clear up that claim, but to no avail. “I jumped in and got it done. It dropped his premium 40% and will make a drastic difference for years to come,” she says. “I deal personally with claims and work to get the best outcomes for you as soon as I can.” KLB Insurance provides any line of insurance a Tavern League member may need, including property, general liability, workers’ compensation, cyber insurance, liquor liability, employment practices liability insurance (EPLI), umbrella policies and more. “Whatever your commercial insurance needs, we have you covered,” confirms Brown. In the insurance industry for almost 35 years, Brown knows how hard Tavern League members work to maintain their business as she used to wait tables and bartend. In fact, that’s why she became a Corporate Sponsor many years ago. “I believe in the membership, and I’m familiar with the work it takes to run that type of business,” she acknowledges. Brown also believes in educating clients on the ins and outs of insurance, including how to read their policies, how policies should be written so claims can be paid correctly and how current trends affect insurance coverages. For instance, Brown is now advising Tavern League members to reevaluate their property insurance, particularly their business interruption coverage, www.tlw.org

because of supply chain issues. If a tavern or restaurant were to experience a fire loss today and need a new walk-in cooler, one might not be available for 12 months and it would likely cost exponentially more than when the business first opened. And if a building or business is damaged, most carriers, she notes, only cover the interruption for 12 months — “and you can’t get anything built in 12 months anymore.” She recommends a minimum of 18 to 24 months. Brown also suggests examining your EPLI coverage and, if you don’t have it, get it. EPLI includes coverage for defense costs and damages related to employment-related claims, such as allegations of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment and more. EPLI claims have been skyrocketing in recent years, in part due to political and social sensitivities, and claims are $25,000 to $50,000 minimum, says Brown. “With EPLI, you better have coverage with a company that knows what the hell they are doing. We do,” she explains. Moreover, Brown encourages Tavern League members to shop for insurance based on service, not price. And she is certain KLB Insurance’s service is top-notch, reporting, “The cheapest price is definitely not going to pay your claims. I will give you the best service you ever had.” TLW KLB INSURANCE P.O. Box 25407, Woodbury, MN 55125 (651) 730-9803 kim@klbins.com | klbins.com

Enviro-Master is a Health and Safety company. We are proud to offer you our unique service which is unlike any other in the industry.

Deep Cleaning & Sanitizing of Sinks, Toilets, and Urinals Regular & Emergency Electrostatic Disinfection Tile & Grout, LVT Scrub Services Milwaukee Area • 262-278-0454 Counties Covered:

Madison Area • 314-809-4902 Counties Covered:

Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth, Rock

Dane, Iowa, Richland, Crawford, Vernon, LaCrosse, Eau Claire, Sauk, Jackson, Adams, Columbia, Green Lake, Waushara MARCH/APRIL 2022

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NEW MEMBERS AS OF FEB. 25, 2022 STATE ONLY Duncan’s Fireside Bar & Grill Paula and Dennis Duncan New Auburn Fiesta Cantina Restaurant Veronica Valencia Menomonie Ott Haus Pub & Grill Amber Tierman New Glarus

Sportsmans Pub & Grub Christopher Kosciesza Wind Lake Union Grove Piggly Wiggly Douglas Preston Union Grove Rock County Bushwood Mike Jonas Milton Lucky Duck Diner Mike Jonas Janesville

DISTRICT 1 Kenosha City Finney’s Lounge Kenosha Jerry Smith Farm Zachary Rodriguez Kenosha Tipsy Bear Bar & Grill Darlene Smith Kenosha Kenosha County The Annex Connie Georges Genoa City Pine Acres Resort James Orlowski Crivitz Silver Spoon Gastro Barbara Deakyne Silver Lake Racine City Ice Box Pub Rachael Seils Racine

Pig Iron Pub and Grub David Elliott Beloit Walworth County Foley’s Bar & Grill Dorian Foley Lake Geneva Geneva Tap House Heidi McGraw Delavan Pete’s Parkside Pub Peter Branson Delavan The Treasury Jillian Niemann Delavan Willow Brook Golf Course Whitewater Wilson’s Whistle Stop Jenny Kummer Elkhorn

Mr Kool Yolanda Blair Racine

DISTRICT 2 Columbia County Columbus Family Restaurant Fernando Diaz Columbus

Rock Inn Arlene and Terry Feest Racine Taste of Soul Rebecca McCray Racine Top Ten Sports Zone William Reyes Gonzalez Racine Racine County B Lazy Diner Debi Blazei Wind Lake Doc’s on the Fox Jon Klepp Waterford Racine County Agricultural Society Jeffrey Busch Union Grove

Saddle Ridge Golf Course Rusty Grimm Portage Dodge County Leders Pub N Grub Randy Leder Randolph Jefferson County Off the Rails Bar & Grill Jennifer Bowers Watertown Madison/Dane County Lazy Oaf Lounge Thomas Alswager Madison Lush Lounge Alisa Davis Madison

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Starlight Bar & Grill Dani Michels Blue Mounds

The Stockyard Grill & Saloon Linda Pederson Coon Valley

Talk of the Town Kristen Woods Winneconne

Tailgators Matthew Van Riper La Crosse

Ozaukee County Rebellion Brewing Dale Georgeff Cedarburg

Eric’s Porter-Haus Eric Holm Waukesha

Taqueria Monarca Andres Aguirre Onalaska

Shipyard Bar Sarah Colden Port Washington

DISTRICT 3

Timbers Crossroads Aaron Ross Onalaska

Washington County Metro Cigars Paul Groh Germantown

Waukesha County Club 400 Andrea Dorantes Waukesha

Crawford County Jade’s River Queen Luke Shedivy and Jade Timmerman McGregor, Iowa Dells/Delton Area Champ’s Matt Ryczek Reedsburg Grant/Iowa County Hometown Liquor Store Terri Saint Boscobel

Westby Rod & Gun Club Westby Sauk County H’s Place Merrimac The Old Schoolhouse Kristin Fehrenbach Merrimac

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5 Adams County DJ’s Bar & Grill Julie Giessel Wisconsin Dells Lakeshore Bar & Grill Micahel Thomsen Wisconsin Dells Springville Tap Larry Rhinehart Wisconsin Dells

I Don’t Care Pub & Grub Glen Haven

Fond du Lac City/ County Harv’s Dimo’s IV Todd and Heila Gitter Eden

Midway Pub Sarah Pelky Potosi

The Outpost Pamela Biertzer Eden

Potosi Saloon Jane Tennessen Potosi

Sully’s Irish Pub Rayce Fleisner Fond du Lac

Juneau County Angie’s Oops Saloon Angela Skiles Camp Douglas

Three Aces Rayce Fleisner Fond du Lac

Langlade County Da Bar Rachel Schlosser Wausau

J+C China Buffet Caifeng Zheng Mauston

Manitowoc County Champs on State Melissa Havlovitz Mishicot

Marathon County The Garage Bob Lamovec Wausau

Spring Valley Golf Course Union Center

Dilly’s 7 Corners Kathy Dill New Holstein

La Crosse City/ County Bad Axe River Country Club Cynthia Hoff Westby

Isaac’s Mt Glass Isaac Beline New Holstein Kings Korner Jane Kienbaum New Holstein

Green Lake Area Mel’s Bar & Grill Tammy and Craig Becker Brandon Reilly’s Pub Faruk Dzelil Green Lake

Red Robin #724 Charles Wandall Wausau Marquette County Granite Falls Supper Club Dawn Kretschman Montello

Dewey’s Side Street Jeff Connelly La Crosse

Par 5 Mishicot

Mama’s Cafe Antoinette Schafer Montello

Dugout 47 Rick Fuller La Crosse

Stop on a Dime Teresa Reichwald Kiel

Stars & Strikes Brian Spaulding Princeton

Fraternal Order of Eagles Jeff Hay La Crosse

Three T’s Theodore Frisch Manitowoc

Portage County BJ’s Brick Pit House Jackie Kizewski Rosholt

George Street Pub Sean Mueller La Crosse Legacy Grill & Pub Geoff Lenser Coon Valley

Oshkosh City/ Winnebago County Mabel Murphy’s Sean Felker Oshkosh

Guu’s on Main Kellen Ferkey Stevens Point

www.tlw.org


Shawano County Amy’s Roadhouse Amy Gretzinger Shawano

Marinette County Firelane Bar & Grill Karen Puosczynski Athelstane

Billy’s Higher Wire Vikki Weaver Shawano

Rider’s Tavern Jessy Miller Porterfield

G Spot Lori Smith Bowler

Thermal Chaos Pub & Grub Culleen Hein Dunbar

Graham’s Hideaway Julie Graham Tigerton

Wood Shed Pub & Grill Joseph Wood Coleman

The Shack Jonathan Bartelt Shawano

Oconto County Little Tipsy Robby Callaway Townsend

Waupaca County Danes Hall of Waupaca John Koehler Waupaca Picklebellie’s Pub & Grill Michelle Billington Weyauwega Zero’s Pub & Grub Brenda Anderson Weyauwega Waushara County S&J’s R-Bar-N-Grill Sara Friebel Plainfield

Outagamie County Fox River House Kelley Stiles Appleton

DISTRICT 7 Barron County 3rd Base Jeff Blanch Haugen Fire Away Roadhouse Randy and Shana Fraser Cameron

Two20 Taphouse & Grill Jason Siegel Wautoma

Liz’s Big O Elizabeth Loger Rice Lake

DISTRICT 6

Louie’s on the Lake Abby Geisler Cumberland

Brown County Anduzzi’s Sports Club Andy Szymanski Green Bay Buzz Social Marcus Wise Green Bay Epic Event Center Ryan Sanden Green Bay Get Reck’d Lori Coopman De Pere Long Drive Supper Club Thomas Jackson Hobart River Street Pier Danny Vanrossum Green Bay St. Brendan’s Inn Harp & Eagle Ltd. Green Bay Tucson’s Southwest Grill & Bar Steve Paustenbach Green Bay Zambaldi Beer David Malcolm Green Bay Forest County Lake Avenue Restaurant David Tupper Crandon Kewaunee County Rooster’s Jason and Kacy Rohr Kewaunee

www.tlw.org

Nezzy’s Sports Bar & Grill Barb Tschida Cumberland Chippewa County Casa Mexicana Bloomer Jeff Finn Bloomer Drywood Tavern Lonnie Goettle Cadott Huckleberry’s Saloon Chippewa Falls John & Michelle’s Bateman Tavern Michelle Czech Chippewa Falls The Linor Tavern Shey Peterson Cadott Val’s Place Valerie and Scott Herrick Bloomer Eau Claire City/County Bowl Winkle’s Eric Platt Eau Caire Heartbreakers Sophie Taft Chippewa Falls Ninja House Eau Claire Rolbiecki’s Rinkside Christie Rolbiecki Eau Claire Jackson County Kal’s Korner Sam Prindle Hixton

262-336-9624 wimilkcaps.com MARCH/APRIL 2022

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NEW MEMBERS AS OF FEB. 25, 2022 Pepin County Sarah Stensberg Durand Pierce County The 715 Steer & Beer Ellsworth

Holly’s Drive In Bar and Grill David Pardun Danbury Knotty Pines on Clam Lake Kimberly Rohweder Siren

St. Croix County Motorcycle Garage Clubhouse Hudson

Greater Northwoods Jungles on Main Cindy Jonsenberg Gresham

Trempealeau/ Buffalo County Artic Springs Matthew Doerr Galesville

Muskie’s Bar & Grill Eric Pulchinski Mercer

Foolish Pleasure Firehouse Jeremy Shermo Strum Gale’s Lanes Angela Kelly Galesville

Pine Lake Lodge Katie Stager Hurley Lakeland Area Happy Daze David Soyck Lake Tomahawk

Uncle Sams Two Scott Hollis Arcadia

Mavericks Restaurante Mexicano Andrea Cady-Teece Woodruff

Walker’s Silvermoon Elizabeth Walker Alma

Pickles Bar & Grill Mo Crosby Hazelcrest

DISTRICT 8

Red, White & Brew Rhiannon Cira St. Germain

Ashland/Bayfield County White River Ag Products Craig Vernon Mason Burnett County Archie & Arthur’s Icehouse Kari Bergstrom Danbury

Lincoln County Bubba’s Pub Brian Kummerow Merrill I-900 Jesse Quade Merrill

Legacy Tavern Chris Johnson Tripoli Wilmes Silverado Wayne Wilmes Tomahawk Winding Trail Grill & Bar Jennifer Petersen Tomahawk Oneida County Cross Country Bar & Grill II Ashley Dorpat Rhinelander

Washburn County Sunset Resort Steven Wurzer Birchwood

DISTRICT 9 Milwaukee County Annie’s Place Patrick Callahan Hales Corners Buckshots Bar Dave Nunez Milwaukee

PB & J’s Place Barbara Stone Pelican Lake

Da Bar Markus Gorsic West Allis

SpiritView Lakeside Laura Forsuth-Madl and Jessica Czaplinski Three Lakes

Eckbar Melanie Kukis West Allis

Rusk County Miner Station Jennifer Steer Holcombe Superior/Douglas County Aces on 29th Rick Moran Superior

The Gig Barry Lewis Milwaukee JD’s Pub & Grill Joel Hoecherl West Allis Layman Brewing Sarah Warran West Allis

Superior Lanes Jeff McCaffrey Superior

Lil Will’s Tap Lori Liddell Milwaukee

Taylor County Curve Inn Bar & Grill Doug Dahl and Amy Dircks Stanley

An Ox Cafe

Vilas County Timbers of the Northwoods Roberta Hams St. Germain

Anousak Sihavong

Milwaukee

Tosa Bowl & Bun Pete Ventura Wauwatosa

NEW AFFILIATE MEMBERS AS OF FEB. 25, 2022 Arryved

Great Lakes Beverage

J&J Snack Foods

Moose Lake Brewing

Maggie Read Boulder, CO arryved.com

Greg Johnson Freedom, WI greatlakesbeverage.com

Lora Goldensoph Pennsauken, NJ jjsnack.com

Bev Radel Moose Lake, MN mooselakebrewing.com

Bar-i Liquid Accounting

H&S Protection Systems

Leap Spirits

RamPro Facility Services

Robert Atchison West Allis, WI bar-i.com

Jordan Brenner Stevens Point, WI hsprotection.net

Mike Curtis Lake Geneva, WI leapspirits.com

Rubullah Mahdee Waukegan, IL ramproservices.com

H2H Public House

Midwest Coin Concepts

Joe Bonaventura Rhinelander, WI facebook.com/ h2hpublichouse

Travis Bieniek Menomonie, WI mwcoin.com

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www.tlw.org


INDUSTRY TRENDS 2022 State of the Food Service Industry

T

he National Restaurant Association (NRA) recently released its 2022 State of the Restaurant Industry, examining food service trends and measuring the industry’s continued recovery. According to the report, more than half of restaurant operators say it would be a year or more before businesses conditions return to normal. Food, labor and occupancy costs are expected to remain elevated and impact

profit margins in 2022. Unfortunately, supply delays or shortages of key food and beverage items will likely continue in 2022 as well, with 96% of respondents experiencing these issues in 2021. On a more optimistic note, the past year continued to drive consumer demand for alcohol to go and outdoor dining, with nearly four in 10 consumers saying the availability of outdoor seating would make them more likely to choose one establishment over another. Similarly, the option of including alcohol with a takeout or delivery order would make 70% of Gen Z adults (age 21+) and 62% of millennials more likely to choose one place over another. “We’re optimistic about the path toward recovery in the coming year,” says Marvin Irby, NRA interim president and CEO. “The association will continue to champion the necessary government support needed at the federal and local levels to help keep these businesses — cornerstones of our communities — on a path to better days.”

A

Ansay & ASSOCIATES

4603 DOMAIN DR., MENOMONIE, WI 54751 PH: (715) 235-2151 • (800) 472-2006

• Tobacco/Cigarettes

• Chemicals

• Nuts/Snacks

• Paper Products

• Beverages

• Deli/Institutional

• Glassware

• Beverages on the gun

• Liquor

PORT WASHINGTON - GREEN BAY- MANITOWOC - MOSINEE- APPLETON- MADISON- BURLINGTON - CED!.RBURG- BROOKFIELD JEFFERSON - OSHKOSH- STEVENS POINT - EAU CLAIRE- AUGUSTA- BLOOMER- CHETEK - CHIPPEWA FALLS DURAND - MENOMONIE - NEW RICHMOND- RIVER FALLS - SHEBOYGAN

www.tlw.org

Supplying Tavern League of Wisconsin Members from Superior to La Crosse & from Hudson to Wausau MARCH/APRIL 2022

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INDUSTRY TRENDS Hard Iced Tea Creating a Buzz

W

hen developing Buzz Tea, Geloso Beverage Group strived to create a drink with less carbonation and a clean, refreshing backyard taste. To that end, it uses a triplefiltered malt as the primary alcoholic ingredient and then adds all-natural blends of Argentinian black tea. Now the company is releasing its Buzz Tea malt beverages — just in time for spring — in three flavors: • O riginal is the classic Buzz Tea brewed from real black tea and natural flavors.

ADVERTISER INDEX Anheuser-Busch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 anheuser-busch.com Ansay & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 ansay.com B&K Bar Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 bandkbarsupplies.com BarRags Drinkwear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 barragsdrinkwear.com Brakebush Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 brakebush.com Cornerstone Processing Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 cornerstoneps.net Edge One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 edgeone.com Emil’s Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 emilspizzainc.com Enviro-Master Services of Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 enviro-master.com/commercial-cleaning-locations/milwaukee-wisconsin Holiday Wholesale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 holidaywholesale.com Johnson Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 johnsonbrothers.com KLB Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 klbins.com Mass Appeal.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 massappealinc.com Midwest Food & Tobacco Group/Tri-Mart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 midwestftg.com Molson Coors Beverage Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 molsoncoors.com Society Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 societyinsurance.com VetsRoll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 vetsroll.org Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators (WAMO). . . . . . . . . 2 wamo.net Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27, 30 wimilkcaps.com

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• H alf & Half mixes real black tea with fresh lemonade. • P each keeps it light and sweet with natural peach tea extracts. Geloso Beverage Group’s goal with Buzz Tea was to produce a brand of ready-to-drink beverages that reflect current flavor trends. The hard iced tea contains 6.5% alcohol. TLW

Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps

PULLTAB PROMOTIONS

Great Profits Employee Incentive Program Used Pulltab Machines Available More Info: 262-336-9624 daytonyoung@wimilkcaps.com www.wimilkcaps.com

Stools, Tables, Booths, Outdoor Furniture, Glasswashers and Full Line of Bar Supplies. 5 Year Frame Warranty Available 26 Year Affiliate Tavern League Member

7100 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis

414.259.9161

contact@bandkbarsupplies.com

www.BandKBarSupplies.com www.tlw.org


WHAT’S IN YOUR POLICY? Sexual

Harassment & Discrimination Coverage ADA Compliant Intentional Acts

“I partnered with KLB Insurance in 2020. KLB is more than an insurance company. Owner, Kim Brown, immediately exceeded all my expectations. Her personal attention to my business has evolved into a professional relationship on all levels. Kim Brown and her staff definitely put customer service first and is always available with an immediate response. In addition to our insurance needs, her knowledge of the hospitality industry is invaluable. Kim has provided my business with resources beyond the scope of insurance. She has kept me up to date with governmental issues as it relates to my business and has helped me navigate during these concerning and ever-changing times.” -Alissa S. Horan, Owner Sawmill Saloon & Restaurant

Protecting Hospitality Businesses With The Right Coverages For Over 25 Years Restaurants, Taverns, Hotels, Motels, Liquors Stores, Night Clubs, Resorts And More!

651.730.9803

Call Us Today!

kim@klbins.com

www.klbins.com

National And Regional Insurers Written


® ® CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY ©2022 JACOB LEINENKUGEL BREWING CO., CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI • BEER

©2022 JACOB LEINENKUGEL BREWING CO., CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI • BEER


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