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Corporate Spotlight
GOLD SPONSORS
ANHEUSER-BUSCH
Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding tradition of providing support to its neighbors and communities in their times of need. While COVID-19 is changing how we all live our lives, it isn’t changing the priorities and commitments of the company as an employer, a business partner and a corporate citizen.
Alongside its sports partners, Anheuser-Busch donated $5 million to the American Red Cross to assist it in hosting blood drives to collect a much-needed blood supply for patients in the weeks and months to come. In addition, the company is working with sports partners to identify available arenas and stadiums across the country that can be used as temporary Red Cross blood drive centers. Anheuser-Busch assisted in hosting four blood drives to date with another 15 (and counting) already scheduled for the near future. Furthermore, the company is continuing to leverage its capabilities, relationships and reach to provide assistance to those in partners, such as the National Restaurant Association, to provide long-term certainty and recovery to the industry. To bring hope and inspiration to the people of America who may SILVER SPONSORS be feeling isolated and scared during this difficult time, Budweiser created an emotional 60-second video called “One Team” (bit.ly/op-budweiser) that champions the best of the American spirit. The spot is a tribute honoring the everyday people of
America who are rising above the call of duty to help in the wake of the COVID-19 health crisis, from doctors and nurses working tirelessly around the clock to grocery store clerks working in today’s new normal.
BRONZE SPONSORS
While Anheuser-Busch can’t solve this crisis on its own, the company is proud to do what it can to serve and support communities in need and the heroes on the frontlines, using its capabilities,
need by producing and distributing hand sanitizer to accommoANHEUSER-BUSCH ALSO date the growing need across the U.S. The hand sanitizer will be SUPPORTS LOCAL WISCONSIN distributed through its wholesaler network to the American Red • S&S Distributing donated more than $10,000 to the Tavern Cross to support critical relief efforts, such as blood drives and League’s C.H.E.E.R.S. fund. emergency shelters, and to communities in need, with the help • Pehler Distributing contributed more than $500 to the TLW’s and direction of government authorities. The initial batch of over C.H.E.E.R.S. program, and worked with local restaurants to 175,000 bottles of hand sanitizer was already shipped out and promote takeout and delivery. If consumers order takeout from there is more to come. Wisconsin Amusement & local accounts, they can enter themselves into a local sweepMusic Operators, Inc. stakes. Social media and radio are being used to promote and Anheuser-Busch is also providing five truckloads — more than drive increased business to local restaurants and bars. 250,000 cans — of emergency drinking water to support COVID19 relief efforts in Los Angeles and New York. At the request Make sure and 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.” • Flanigan Distributing set up a virtual tip jar with local nonprofit Door County Food, donating the first $500 and of the city of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department, promoting it on its social media channels. The company nearly 200,000 cans of clean, safe drinking water will be provided also lent out its refrigerated trucks for local nonprofits to to the city’s Emergency Operations Center to support emergency www.tlw.org 2012 January/February use, making it possible to keep needed perishable foods On Premise shelters in the region. An additional 50,000 cans will be provided cold and safe. to New York City to support vulnerable communities in the city • Wisconsin Distributors Inc. has taken a number of differat the direction of local authorities. ent actions including promoting takeout on all of its social As well as the $1.2 million in collective donations made through all retailers’ takeout and to-go capabilities. The company regional efforts, Anheuser-Busch made a $1 million donation has also donated non-alcoholic product to first responders to the U.S. Bartenders Guild Bartender Emergency Assistance including local fire and police departments. Program for its COVID-19 Relief and Response Program. The • Dean Distributing continues to promote takeout on all of company is also encouraging the federal government to proits social media channels. The company set up a weekly vide relief for on-premise businesses by improving the Paycheck sweepstakes giving consumers a chance to win a gift card to a Protection Program, and is committed to working with industry highlighted restaurant as well as free beer. relationships and reach to do its part. TLW media channels, directing consumers to a landing page with
LEAGUE PROFILE
PRICE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE
While they may be spread out, Price County Tavern League members come together in big ways. And one big way they come together is in their numbers.
“At this point, we have 56 members, which by percentage is probably the highest in the state,” explains Mike Reed, president of the Price County Tavern League. “We have 60 or 62 bars total, so we only have a handful who are not members — but we’re working on them.” Reed and his board maintain this high level of membership by working hard to retain current members.
“I make it a point to get out and talk to each member personally,” he says. Reed also visits and tries to recruit those bars that are not members “until they tell me not to come back. I’ll keep trying until they [join] and, most of the time, they come around.”
The Price County Tavern League is working to recruit affiliated businesses, such as grocery and convenience stores, as well. “We are trying to move in that direction to strengthen our membership,” says Reed, who has been president of the local league for five years and a member for 15.
Price County is the sixth largest county by land area in Wisconsin, so the league helps keep members engaged by moving the meeting around the county. It also holds a small 50/50 raffle at the end of each meeting to raise money for its annual Christmas party. Moreover, Reed makes it clear to members that if they can’t make the meeting, but have an issue or question, they should let him know.
“Most are trying to run their business and it’s not easy to take off, so I tell them that if they have an issue, good or bad, I will bring it up at the meeting and get back to them,” says Reed. “It’s important that they know it’s their league, but I need their input.” frequently for a variety of events and fundraisers. For instance, four years ago, the league started a two-week-long winter tour without an entry fee. Participants visit participating members, make a purchase and get their card stamped. There is also a summer tour, which includes a larger discount book, for which participants pay.
Now in its 30th year, the league additionally hosts the Big Ticket drawing, selling a set number of tickets for $50 each. Ticket holders then attend a party where they can win cash prizes. This event, tentatively scheduled for June 8, is on hold as of press time. The Price County Tavern League also has an annual golf outing and sportsmen’s banquet in the fall.
Reed explains that, while a portion of the proceeds from these events goes to support the league, the majority supports different events and organizations in the community. For instance, the league is the lead sponsor of the Price County Rodeo that is coming in August.
Furthermore, the group helped buy body cameras for the local police force, supported a K-9, gave to the local emergency medical service and fire departments, provided money to teachers and much more. The league also sponsors two scholarships each year for a senior graduating from each of the county’s high schools. Local members are strong fundraisers, and help support the county and local communities.
“We are big on charitable giving up here,” says Reed. He appreciates that the TLW gives its members a voice in Madison, provides valuable information and is “watching our backs.” But most importantly, he appreciates the camaraderie the Tavern League provides.
“You have friends out there when you need them,” he says. “It’s a huge family that sticks together. We don’t always agree, but we stick together.” TLW
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
HARBOR VIEW PUB & EATERY
Duane Grube is no stranger to the tavern industry. “I’ve been in the bar business for 51 years. And the Tavern League all those years, too!” he says.
Grube and his wife, Bonny, own Harbor View, a pub and eatery in Phillips that overlooks Long Lake, which is part of the Phillips Chain of Lakes. The couple bought Harbor View in 1996, but it wasn’t Duane’s first foray into the tavern business: “We bought it because I needed to start over with something else,” says Grube.
He purchased his first bar, The Park, located between Abbotsford and Colby in Clark County, on his 21st birthday. His family also previously owned Duke’s Bowl in Abbotsford.
“After I sold out of Duke’s, I was looking for something,” says Grube. “I knew about this place in Phillips, drove by and saw a for-sale sign. I looked it over and bought it. It needed some renovations and we built a deck. It’s been a great ride.”
The deck not only overlooks a small marina, but also supports outdoor entertainment. There are even volleyball courts for a summer league.
When asked what sets Harbor View apart, Grube says it’s the great customers, but also all the fun they have. “It’s very entertaining here … it’s a fun place and I like to keep it that way!”
The Grubes have a hand in the fun with the events they sponsor and host. For instance, they do an annual treasure hunt on the Phillips Chain of Lakes. Held on the Saturday of each Labor Day weekend, Duane and Bonny hide eight to 10 items around the lakes and provide clues to help people find them.
“You can come on a pontoon, float plane, raft, canoe … I don’t care. People dress up and make a day of it,” says Grube. The couple has been hosting the event for 10 to 15 years. The event ends with a party where participants can win “prizes.”
“The entry fee is a sense of humor and what you can win is a bunch of worthless, no-good prizes: Spam, a dog toy, a fly swatter. It’s all about the fun,” he laughs.
The Grubes also put on a Golf on Ice event benefiting the local hospice organization, which the couple strongly supports. And if you’re caught cheating at the Golf on Ice event, suggests Grube, “You’ll be thrown in at the Polar Bear Jump.”
Held on New Year’s Day, the Polar Bear Jump supports different organizations and initiatives in the area. For the past two years, the money raised went toward building a new splash pad in Elk Lake.
The tavern also hosts a Fly-In Float-In Air Show and the Phillips Area Charity Musky Tournament. “We do events to help raise money for charities, but to be clear, there are many other members in the league that are involved as well. We are very charitable up here,” Grube concludes.
As a longtime member of the Tavern League, Grube appreciates what both the state association and the Price County Tavern League do for their members.
“Without a doubt, they are the best organizations to handle our line of business. They are our mouthpiece and our strength is in ours number,” says Grube. “I would not be a member for 51 years if I didn’t feel that deep down in my heart.” TLW
HARBOR VIEW PUB & EATERY
1094 N. Lake Avenue, Phillips, WI 54555 (715) 339-2626 | harborviewonline.com
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
PRICE COUNTY RODEO
Something special is returning to Price County, thanks in large part to the Price County Tavern League.
The Price County Rodeo, proudly presented by the Price County Tavern League, is returning to the Price County Fair in Phillips in 2020 after being discontinued in 2008. It is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22.
“We’ve been looking for different avenues for bringing the rodeo back,” says Michelle Drobnik, vice chair of the Price County Fair Association. “It was something that people looked forward to. They wanted to see the rodeo again … it’s always been present in everyone’s mind.”
To get the barrel rolling, Drobnik connected with Alexis Baratka, a championship barrel racer from Phillips and a member of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. The two worked together to secure Marty Barnes, one of the world’s most elite rodeo contractors, to bring a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event to Price County in August. “As a PRCA affiliate, this is the highest caliber you can get with barrel racing and roping,” says Baratka. “Marty Barnes is one of the most well-known, most elite rodeo contractors there is.”
Adds Drobnik: “To have him come to little Price County is amazing!” The rodeo is going to feature seven events: bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and tie-down roping.
To support an event of this level, Drobnik and Baratka had to work to secure sponsorships. That includes the Price County Tavern League. “Never in my wildest [dreams] did I think the Tavern League would be the one to step up so huge, that it would even be something they would consider doing,” says Drobnik. “We are so amazed.”
from Dan Virnig of Birch Island Resort, whom Baratka has previously approached to sponsor her own riding.
“He said the Tavern League would be an organization to hit up as a sponsor,” says Baratka. From there, she connected with president Mike Reed to learn what she had to do.
“I presented to the [Price County Tavern League] in February and, when I got the call back from Dan that the league wanted to be the champion rodeo sponsor, it was just so awesome. What an amazing group of friends and business owners to want to support something like this.
“They can already see how the community is going to benefit,” Baratka gushes. Other businesses and organizations stepped up to support the Price County Rodeo as well, and fundraisers are planned.
Tickets are currently available, but Drobnik anticipates the show is going to sell out. “I’m anticipating that it will be the ‘most thrilling ride’ at the Price County Fair,” says Drobnik, quoting the winning slogan for the rodeo. “You never know what’s going to happen … one rodeo to the next can be a whole different ball game.”
Baratka hasn’t decided if she is going to compete in the barrelracing competition in the Price County Rodeo as she’s also helping to produce it, but she guarantees it’s going to be a great event.
“We are giving the community a five-star class act. You can’t get any better than what is coming to Price County Fair in August. It’s an event that all ages can enjoy and the whole community can benefit from.”
For more information about the Price County Fair, please visit pricecountyfair.com or connect with Price County Rodeo on Facebook at facebook.com/pricecountyfair. TLW
MEET THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER
RUSS FISHER
In this column, we typically introduce an executive officer who represents the league that is highlighted in the issue. However, for the May/June issue, we’re introducing Russ Fisher, the TLW’s eighth district director. Many of you know Russ, but this is an opportunity for him to introduce himself.
Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. I married my wife, Billi, in 1994. We have one son, Jacob; one daughter, Jamie; and three beautiful grandchildren, 13-year-old Cameron, 11-year-old Hailey and 10-month-old Jameson.
We purchased Fisher’s Resort Bar & Grill in Rhinelander on April 1, 2001. The business has a six-unit motel and two cabins that are available for rent year-round. The bar sits within 30 feet of beautiful Lake George. We have a full sandwich menu with nightly specials, including Friday night fish fry, Wednesday wings and Sunday broasted chicken. In the summer months, we have a beautiful patio for outside dining and a breathtaking view of Lake George.
Q. WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN BECOMING A TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBER? I became interested in becoming a Tavern League member when I lived in the Wausau area. My parents owned a bar in Mosinee, and my dad, Rod, was a local league president and fifth district director. I quickly learned there were a lot of issues that had a direct effect on our business, and the TLW was the only organization that fought for the concerns and welfare of our business.
Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBER AND WHAT OFFICES HAVE YOU HELD? I have been a TLW member for 20 years and I am currently the eighth district director. I have held the office of president and vice president of Oneida County.
Q. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBERS TODAY? One of the biggest issues right now is unlicensed venues, also known as wedding barns. They have an advantage over us as they don’t have to follow any Chapter 125 rules or be licensed. Another issue is craft breweries trying to dismantle the three-tier system by being open to the public to sell their products in their breweries. The wineries want to sell beer also. More recently,
the biggest issue is the COVID-19 virus, and the state-mandated closing of bars and restaurants, while only allowing to-go food orders or curbside pickup. Many of our members do not serve food and were forced to close without any revenue at all.
Q. YOU REPRESENT DISTRICT 8. ARE THERE SPECIFIC ISSUES UNIQUE TO THE AREA? We are in the part of the state that is a tourist destination and our business is definitely driven by tourism, so we’re always concerned with the start and end of the school year. This also influences how we hire our seasonal employees.
Q. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION WITH THE TLW? The things I enjoy most about being a director is going to the other counties in my district and meeting new people. I like to listen to their concerns for their businesses, answer questions they may have, help them set up SafeRide programs, help them kickstart their leagues and pass on information that I receive from the state office.
Q. HOW ELSE ARE YOU INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? I am currently starting my second term as a county board supervisor for Oneida County. My committees include: public safety, county facilities and tourism. I am also a member of the Lake George Association. Moreover, I sit on the board of directors for the Pelican Promotions Committee, which is an organization that promotes Rhinelander area resorts as well as distributes money collected from area resort room taxes.
I am a member of the Hodag Sno-Trails snowmobile club, too. My wife and I have hosted a major ice golf benefit for the last 16 years to raise funds for the club. TLW
