The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin
MAY/JUNE 2022
TLW.ORG
85th Annual
TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Wows
ALSO INSIDE: Paying It Forward 2022 TLW Legislative Day The Latest News from Washington and Madison
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 & Shows to Benefit TIPAC • Sponsor of the TLW Trip Giveaway at TLW Spring Conference & Show • Donor of Large-Screen TV at TLW Fall Convention & 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 MAY/JUNE 2022 VOLUME 40, NO. 3
FEATURES 85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Summary. . . . . . . . . 8 “Together, let’s win” was an appropriate slogan for the TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show in La Crosse that ran from April 4 through 7.
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Paying It Forward. . . . . . 12 Fundraising efforts for TLW’s friends and neighbors amounted to more than $13.5 million in 2021.
Affecting Change: 2022 TLW Legislative Day. . . . . . . . 14 The 2022 event marked the 37th year the TLW gathered to learn about legislative issues facing our industry.
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DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Corporate Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Corporate Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
New Members and Affiliate Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Legislative Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Industry Trends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
ABL Dispatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
League Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SOCIALIZE WITH US
www.tlw.org
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PRESIDENT Keith Kern
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Cathy Vales
SECRETARY Erin Farrar
TREASURER Todd Giraud
SOUTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Jennifer Collison
SOUTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Keith Koehler
EASTERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Tim "Tippy" Tomchek
EASTERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Don Mjelde
CENTRAL ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Paul Salzwedel
CENTRAL DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Bob Carpenter
NORTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Donn “Dino” Amundson
NORTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Nancy Lorbetske
PAST PRESIDENT Chris Marsicano
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
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 to author and On Premise.
For more information on becoming a Special Club Member, call the TLW office at (608) 270-8591.
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www.tlw.org
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE T
he fact that golf courses are opening, daylight continues to linger longer and the Brewers’ season is in full swing must mean one thing — spring is finally here! And, for our industry, another sign the weather is turning is the arrival of our TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show.
As the week went on, things were really clicking. The trade show was in full force, with the floor buzzing throughout the week. Our members had an opportunity to meet retired Green Bay Packers Super Bowl winners Gilbert Brown and Craig Newsome among almost 100 vendors. As always, I had my fill of all the pizza and cheese balls I could handle; it wouldn’t be a trade show if I didn’t! I would like to thank all our vendors for attending this conference and hope to see you in the fall at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
The La Crosse County Tavern League hit a home run! Being my first conference since elected, I really didn’t know what to expect. Due to travel issues returning home from a much-needed vacation with my wife, Emily, we arrived fashionably late Monday evening. As I walked into the lobby bar, it was immediately clear I was going to “be poked fun of” all week!
No matter how much we prepare, we never really know how these conferences are going to turn out. Coming off a strong convention in Appleton last fall and all the records broken there, we knew the bar was set high. As mid-week approached and numbers started coming in, I was blown away! Not only was our attendance another new record at 950 members, but our Live Auction raised over $31,000 as well. Wow! Our entire office staff deserves a thank you for all the hard work they accomplished behind the scenes.
Tuesday morning’s general session opened up with a great a cappella performance of our national anthem, along with the Color Guard. After opening remarks, it was time to announce our keynote speaker, Andrew Hummel from CGA. Just days prior to the start of the conference, I received a call from our original presenter, Matt Crompton, informing me he was unable to attend due to a personal emergency. Hummel is Crompton’s partner at CGA. He stepped in to fill the keynote role last minute and did a great job presenting the most current on-premise industry trends. If anyone was not in attendance, or was and wants to review the information again, it can be found under the Resources tab in the Member Info Hub after you log in to our website. As I have stated before, this year’s elections are going to be one of the most important to date. Knowing this, Scott Stenger, our governmental affairs director, arranged to have Republican gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch address the membership at the conference. I’ve heard many political speeches over the years and, I have to say, she knocked it out of the park. It was refreshing to hear a candidate that is in tune with our issues and truly values small business! Her messaging was on point and extremely well-received by all members in attendance. Immediately after she left the stage, there was a meeting to further address our industry’s concerns and, after hearing her response, it was decided that a full TLW endorsement was appropriate. Watch for further details on how we can use our grassroots efforts to help her campaign. I’m looking forward to working with our future governor. www.tlw.org
Moreover, a special congratulations goes to Dan Taivalkoski, who was selected as this year’s President’s Award recipient. We are beyond grateful for his more than 30 years of continued service and dedication to our league, including over 20 years served on our state Board of Directors. Thank you. Lastly, I would like to welcome our newest board members! They will learn quickly, as we currently have a lot going on. The full board looks forward to getting them up to speed as soon as possible as we continue to further strengthen this great association. We are in the process of some significant planning and should have some big announcements later this year. As always, I am just a call away. As your local league schedules start to come together, don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know what’s going on back home. I have enjoyed traveling and continually meeting everyone. I hope you all have a great and prosperous spring and summer, and hopefully we will meet up and have a cold one soon. Cheers!
Keith Kern TLW President
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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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85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Summary “Together, let’s win” was an appropriate slogan for the 85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show that ran from April 4 through 7 at the La Crosse Center. If there was an overarching mood, it was one of camaraderie and unity. Plus, the conference set a record with more than 950 individuals attending — including over 725 bar owners from all over the state — and 99 vendors. Over 650 people preregistered and more than $18,000 was secured in sponsorships. During the conference, TLW members helped raise more than $50,000 for the Wisconsin Tavern League Foundation through generous donations and participation in the Wisconsin Tavern League Foundation Raffle. In addition, over $46,000 was raised for the Direct Givers Fund and the Tavern Industry Political Action Committee (TIPAC), with $31,135 raised at the Live Auction, $2,345 at the Silent Auction and $630 through the Bean Bag Toss.
Monday, April 4 The conference commenced with the TLW Board of Directors meeting, while some TLW members attended a national certified food safety class and took an exam. In the evening, the La Crosse County Tavern League hosted a welcome party at Fox Hollow Banquet Hall with live music from the Craig Olsen Project.
Tuesday, April 5 The Nominating Committee and Rules Committee each held a meeting before everyone convened for the general session. TLW President Keith Kern welcomed TLW members to La Crosse for the 85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show to kick off the day. Erin Farrar, TLW secretary, reported on a number of initiatives that the TLW is working on, including trying to expand its partnership with Lyft throughout the state. Then Todd Giraud, TLW treasurer, gave his report that the TLW has more than $22,000 allocated to its Direct Givers fund, which is comprised of voluntary personal contributions to be held in escrow for a later contribution to a candidate’s campaign account with the consent of the donor. Giraud further explained the TLW’s financial stability by mentioning the association has more than $3 million in investments as well. Don Mjelde, TLW sixth district director and president of the Brown County Tavern League, introduced keynote speaker Andrew Hummel, client solutions manager for the Americas at CGA, an on-premise measurement, insight and research consultancy to food and drink businesses across the globe. His presentation revealed consumer insights on the on-premise industry to help TLW members understand the data. Hummel said he ran into a bar owner at the previous night’s party and she asked him: “What the hell are you going to tell me that I don’t already know about how to run a bar?” To that end, he emphasized that CGA works exclusively in the alcohol
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and hospitality industry to recognize trends. He said, “We’re on-premise people first, then data people second. Our passion is understanding the experiences that make Wisconsin bars and restaurants unique.” Hummel indicated that the current state of the on-premise industry is optimistic in that the market is starting to stabilize despite product shortages, supply chain issues and labor constraints. Some specific insights he shared include: • Spirits are key to the channel. Not only did spirits gain share, but the category also accounts for the most value. • Whiskey leads the spirit category by market share, but tequila is experiencing the largest gain, with whiskey at 27.6%, vodka at 26.0%, tequila at 16.5%, cordials at 12.2%, rum at 9.8%, gin at 4.0%, cognac at 2.8% and brandy at 1.0%. • Price polarization is evident in the spirits category, driven by premiumization, with value brands claiming $5 billion in sales, while mid brands claim $8.2 billion, premium brands claim $14 billion, super-premium brands claim $6.2 billion and ultra-premium brands claim $1.6 billion. • Over the last few years, craft beer took the biggest hit in the malt beverage market, while hard seltzer has been on a run. www.tlw.org
85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Summary Following Hummel’s presentation, former TLW President Chris Marsicano introduced Sen. Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu as a great friend of the TLW. LeMahieu commented on some of the state Republican achievements that aided the TLW over the last few years after: “The governor shut down the state over a year ago, and deemed some businesses essential and others nonessential.” To alleviate the woes of some small businesses, one of the first things Republicans did, according to LeMahieu, was pass AB1 to address the COVID-19 pandemic with assistance and liability protections. Then he said they passed a bill to exempt some businesses from paying taxes on unused food and beverage due to COVID-19.
The next guest at the general session is running for Republican governor. Rebecca Kleefisch announced, “It feels like home. Tavern League is where everyone knows your name. I’m proud of Concord [Wisconsin]. We don’t have a stoplight. We don’t have a gas station, but we do have a TLW establishment. You are pillars of our community. Gov. Tony Evers didn’t get it. How many are ready to retire Gov. Evers? I’m going to need all of your help, all pulling in the same direction. This fall, we need to take back control.
LeMahieu declared, “The three biggest issues you’re facing right now are: workforce, supply chain and inflation. What’s driving the inflation in Wisconsin? Federal money — $58 billion — to the state of Wisconsin.” He explained that Republicans tried passing bills to cut waste near the end of the session. For example, “If you turn down work you’re qualified for, you don’t get unemployment insurance. The governor hasn’t vetoed that yet, but these bills will be here next session when we have a new governor.” “There are five really crucial races in the Senate and we need any help we can get to beat the Democrats. We’re fighting at a grassroots level. We appreciate anything you can do to help out small businesses, the backbone of the state,” he concluded.
“During COVID-19, governors across the country had the chance to listen to their constituents. I’ll never tell you you’re not essential. Thank you for what you do every day. It’s a sad thing what [Evers] did. He turned our economic development agency into an organization that pits businesses against each other. We saw Wisconsinites beat each other up over COVID-19.” Kleefisch continued, “There are really simple things that we’re going to do to change our state back to normal, not new normal, but normal normal. We need to get back to school, get back to work, back the badge and give government back to the people. We’ve got to get people back to work with massive welfare overhaul. The personal property tax is gone when I’m governor. Gov. Evers literally locked schoolkids out of their classrooms for two years. We have to take control from the school board all the way up to the state. When I’m governor, there won’t be any unconstitutional vaccine mandates.”
Sen. Howard Marklein, who is running for reelection to represent District 17, commanded the audience’s attention next. He said, although he used to be a certified public accountant, “I have yet to talk to anyone in the state who can defend the personal property tax. It’s the oldest tax on the books. We need to kill that. The money that is spent at your establishments is discretionary money. The best thing we can do from a policy standpoint in Wisconsin is have a good economy, so [residents] can spend money at your establishments.” www.tlw.org
After Kleefisch’s speech, Kern returned to the stage, exclaiming, “How refreshing was that?!” Then he announced the President’s Award, which he conferred to Dan Taivalkoski. Kern said that Taivalkoski, TLW southern zone vice president and executive director of the Racine County Food Bank, has held many TLW positions over the years and volunteered on many committees. Kern congratulated Taivalkoski for being one of the longestserving members on the TLW’s Board of Directors. “I didn’t see this coming. Thank you,” said an emotional Taivalkoski.
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85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Summary At noon, the Silent Auction, Bean Bag Toss and Trade Show began. Soon thereafter, some TLW members attended the “Raffle and Bingo Laws: Separation of Business and Charity” seminar to learn how to effectively execute raffle and bingo activities for both business and charity. The next seminar, “Generation Z: A Manager’s Survival Guide,” offered best practices on how to attract, retain and manage the youngest generation in the workplace to help TLW members address the labor shortage. Later that evening, The Freezers played at the La Crosse Center during the TLW Live Auction.
Wednesday, April 6 Kern welcomed Tim Groth of the La Crosse County Tavern League to introduce the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial project, the brainchild of Jordan Briskey. The La Crosse County Tavern League donated $30,000 to help Briskey build the memorial in Veterans Freedom Park. “That’s another great example of how we serve our community,” segued Kern, giving the stage back to Marsicano who introduced ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich as “a great friend of the TLW” via Zoom. Bodnovich began his presentation by detailing what the ABL, as a national retail alcohol trade association, does for TLW members — provides a voice, and offers legislative, legal, regulatory, communications and public relations support. “It’s fair to say you have a seat at the table. Your voices are heard and the TLW has a strong presence in ABL,” he noted, presenting the following statistics: • TLW members hold two of the nine seats on the ABL Executive Committee, with Marsicano acting as ABL vice president and former TLW President Terry Harvath as ABL at large. • TLW members, including Pete Madland who is co-chair for the ABL Communications and Membership Committee and TLW outreach director, sit on three standing ABL committees. • The TLW controls 32% of the votes on the ABL Board based on ABL bylaws and the size of the TLW’s membership. COVID-19 is still an issue. ABL reports that, from March 2020 to March 2021, U.S. bar and restaurant sales of beer,
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wine and spirits declined by $90 billion. Bodnovich detailed what ABL has been doing to garner more COVID-19 relief for on-premise members, saying, “Our focus at the federal level has been on on-premise relief. We’ve been vocal, working with industry partners, to make sure our government knows the hardships taverns and restaurants are still facing.” Despite longstanding opposition and engagement, an impaireddriving technology mandate was included in a recent $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, but Bodnovich reassured the audience: “We’re not in the business of preventing responsible adults from responsibly having a drink and responsibly driving.” The mandate faces several hurdles, including: • Skepticism that new standards will be adopted until automakers’ liability concerns are addressed. “If we move to a vehicle that’s automated enough to meet the standards of the bill, liability could shift to the automaker and that’s not something they want to take on,” mentioned Bodnovich. • No guarantee that Congress’ timeframe for the technology development will be met. Can researchers get accuracy to the 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level? • Privacy concerns. Even the American Civil Liberties Union voiced worries the vague mandate leaves the door open for intrusion. • ABL action. ABL will lobby the Department of Transportation (DOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the formal rulemaking process. Bodnovich also reported that ABL is continuing its opposition to lower BAC efforts by staying vigilant and informed, and focusing on the real problem. A DOT study indicates “that roughly two-thirds of all alcohol-impaired fatalities involve high blood alcohol levels with a BAC of greater than 0.15%.”
Scott Stenger, TLW lobbyist, then introduced Sen. Patrick Testin, who’s now running for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, saying, “He worked for a wholesaler. He knows the hospitality industry. We’re going to help him the way he’s helped us for the last six years. His election is in August.” Testin declared, “Gov. Tony Evers doesn’t like me and, in this room, I think that’s a badge of honor. I don’t need to remind you of the hell you went through for the last couple of years. www.tlw.org
85th Annual TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show Summary We need new leadership. We would still be locked down today if we hadn’t done something. COVID-19 doesn’t go in Wal-Mart, but [Evers] had the audacity to shut down small businesses and deem them unessential. We deserve better.” When Testin asked, “How many of you are struggling for workers?,” most hands went up in the audience. He continued, “We need to get people off of the sidelines and back to work. We’re incentivizing people to not work because the handouts keep coming. Our economy would be so much better if we incentivized people to work. There is dignity in all forms of work.” When Sen. Testin concluded, Stenger introduced TLW Fourth District Director Vinny Egle (of Curve In Bar in Kewaskum) who was in attendance and is running for state Assembly in the 59th District. “We’re going to work hard to get you elected, too,” he promised. For his legislative update, Stenger described some TLW wins accumulated since 2021, including passing Cocktails to Go, and Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund state tax exemptions, as well as encouraging the Department of Revenue (DOR) to grant the ability to return beer during the pandemic, which was important due to high holiday inventories. Other wins include killing legislation for retail craft expansion, elimination of the tipped wage, expanded enforcement of the DOR, and all-terrain vehicle/snowmobile operating while intoxicated charges for drivers.
Thursday, April 7 Karie Krantz, TLW managing director, took the stage to update the audience on what the TLW staff has accomplished since the last convention. The TLW applied for and was granted an additional $100,000 from the DOT for its SafeRide media program, for example. The team recently implemented new association management software, and also built a new integrated website. Krantz further mentioned that the NCAA Basketball CRAZR set a new record with over 900 tickets sold. Then the spring election results were announced with Sharon Kingston winning the election for the fifth district director position. At noon, the Wisconsin Tavern League Foundation Meeting was held. Soon thereafter, TLW members began to show up at Codgers in La Crosse for the La Crosse County Tavern League President’s Reception which concluded the 2022 Spring Conference. TLW
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT: SPRING 2022 ELECTION RESULTS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Southern District VP
One Year
Keith Koehler
Southern Zone VP
Two Years
Jennifer Collison
Eastern District VP
One Year
Don Mjelde
Central District VP
One Year
Bob Carpenter
Central Zone VP
Two Years
Paul Salzwedel
Northern District VP
One Year
Nancy Lorbetske
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stenger added, “Even if we’ve been successful so far, these issues are not going away. We have to stay vigilant.” Then he moved on to pending legislative issues, such as Rep. Dan Knodl’s wholesaler territory bill, which would repeal a statute requiring exclusive wholesale territories, meaning you could buy product wherever you want. As Stenger wrapped up, Kern called for the Parade of Candidates for the 2022 spring elections. The Trade Show, and League Leader and SafeRide® Program meetings ensued after the general session. District caucuses met for the next few hours and the President’s Reception followed.
1st District
Two Years
Renee Peterson
1st District
One Year
Ray Garreau
2nd District
Two Years
Eric Christenson
3rd District
Two Years
Doug Clausen
3rd District
One Year
Jerry Hinderman
4th District
Two Years
Mark Puetz
5th District
Two Years
Sharon Kingston
5th District
One Year
Jim Billings
6th District
Two Years
Judy Vandenhouten
6th District
One Year
Terri Buman
7th District
Two Years
Diane Schwartz
7th District
One Year
Mike Celt
8th District
Two Years
Russ Fisher
8th District
One Year
Chuck Anderson
9th District
Two Years
Lori Helm
NOMINATIONS FOR FALL 2022 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
www.tlw.org
Senior VP
Two Years
Cathy Vales
Treasurer
Two Years
Todd Giraud
Secretary
Two Years
Erin Farrar
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Paying It
Forward
Fundraising efforts for TLW’s friends and neighbors amounted to more than $13.5 million in 2021 By Carrie Mantey
T
hroughout the pandemic, Wisconsin’s bar and tavern owners have been quick to thank their loyal customers for helping them stay afloat by patronizing their businesses. And acting as the generous association that the TLW is, its membership returned the favor in a big way last year. The TLW is pleased to announce that the association donated over $13.5 million to almost 10,000 charitable organizations and people in need through the hard work and big hearts of its members, and the Matching Funds Program. The Wisconsin Tavern League Foundation, the charitable 501(c)(3) arm of the TLW, is the entity that coordinates this effort. The Wisconsin Tavern League Foundation’s Matching Funds Program incentivizes TLW members to help others by boosting their efforts with matching funds. The program provides any Local League that raises money for any specific cause a matching amount of funds raised up to $1,500* a year. The types of charitable giving for which the Wisconsin Tavern League Foundation provides matching funds can range from individual college scholarships to helping a cancer victim to providing assistance to larger nonprofits. The only stipulation is that the League must issue a news release, so the public is aware of the TLW’s goodwill. TLW * The Board of Directors recently voted that the Matching Funds Program allowance be raised to $2,000 a year beginning in fiscal year 2021-22.
2021 WISCONSIN TAVERN LEAGUE FOUNDATION CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS COUNTY NAME Adams County Ashland/Bayfield County Barron County Brown County Burnett County Chippewa County Clark County Columbia County Crawford County Dells/Delton Area Dodge County Door County Eau Claire City/County Fond du Lac City/County Forest County Grant/Iowa County Green Lake Area Jackson County Jefferson County Kenosha City Kenosha County Kewaunee County La Crosse City/County Langlade County Lincoln County Madison/Dane County Manitowoc County Marathon County Marquette County Milwaukee County
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AMOUNT
NUMBER OF CHARITIES $84,256 $200,000 $35,137 $1,064,945 $66,239 $118,403 $90,500 $50,000 $161,000 $3,257,534 $144,000 $271,450 $73,700 $21,333 $6,100 $1,192,850 $52,500 $38,000 $209,450 $63,993 $152,800 $438,654 $650,000 $128,622 $65,050 $191,000 $266,789 $12,800 $150,000 $808,268
32 350 98 307 97 206 52 35 572 350 20 80 13 7 2,805 16 190 21 107 83 356 42 94 17 173 18 117 60 www.tlw.org
COUNTY NAME Monroe County Oconto County Oneida County Oshkosh/Winnebago County Outagamie County Ozaukee County Pepin County Pierce County Polk County Portage County Price County Racine City Racine County Sauk County Sawyer County Shawano County South Central St. Croix County Superior/Douglas County Taylor County Trempealeau/Buffalo County Vilas County Walworth County Washburn County Washington County Waukesha County Waupaca County Wood County State Office of TLW TOTAL
AMOUNT
NUMBER OF CHARITIES $41,416 $73,000 $26,400 $78,280 $114,845 $232,000 $61,237 $80,000 $214,000 $602,500 $151,000 $60,000 $4,733 $25,000 $39,000 $40,000 $26,870 $267,002 $249,000 $18,000 $232,000 $37,000 $87,490 $10,000 $200,750 $22,700 $150,000 $302,500 $15,000
277 46 2 4 193 54 21 15 48 175 26 31 4 62 26 1,000 22 168 240 6 545 45 105 4 60 2
$13,527,095
9,900
400 1
A
Ansay & ASSOCIATES
PORT WASHINGTON - GREEN BAY- MANITOWOC - MOSINEE- APPLETON- MADISON- BURLINGTON - CED!.RBURG- BROOKFIELD JEFFERSON - OSHKOSH- STEVENS POINT - EAU CLAIRE- AUGUSTA- BLOOMER- CHETEK - CHIPPEWA FALLS
262-336-9624 wimilkcaps.com
DURAND - MENOMONIE - NEW RICHMOND- RIVER FALLS - SHEBOYGAN
www.tlw.org
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Affecting Change:
2022 TLW Legislative Day
Photos Courtesy of Holly Leitner
O
n February 15, 2022, the TLW held another successful Legislative Day in Madison. The 2022 event marked the 37th year the TLW gathered to learn about legislative issues facing our industry. Though it has been two years since the last Legislative Day, the turnout was commendable, and the TLW was able to communicate our issues and concerns while both the Assembly and Senate were in session. This event offered the opportunity for TLW members to participate in a truly grassroots lobbying effort. As always, this was an important day for the association, giving us the opportunity to display our strength and commitment to our industry. The TLW will announce the date for the 2023 Legislative Day in late 2022. Watch for it and plan to join us! In the meantime, visit tlw.org/legislative-day for more information.
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www.tlw.org
LEGISLATIVE NOTES WHAT WE’VE DONE AND WHAT WE’RE GOING TO DO BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
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he Wisconsin Legislature has adjourned its 2021-22 legislative session. The Legislature operates on a two-year cycle, beginning in the January of odd-numbered years. The first six months are primarily dedicated to working on the biennial budget and then the focus shifts to standalone legislation. With the Legislature’s adjournment, members now focus on running for reelection, as all 99 members of the state Assembly are up, as well as half of the state Senators.
2021-22 Legislative Session Review PASSED • Cocktails to Go • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) state tax exemption • Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) state tax exemption
Every session presents new challenges and new legislators. The 2023 session will have at least 29 new members — the most since 1942. Nearly 25% of the 2023 Legislature will be new faces. That will require a lot of work by our members to provide information on the issues we care about and how they impact the hospitality industry in Wisconsin.
“The 2023 session will have at least 29 new members — the most since 1942. Nearly 25% of the 2023 Legislature will be new faces. That will require a lot of work by our members to provide information on the issues we care about and how they impact the hospitality industry in Wisconsin.”
APPROVED (by the Department of Revenue or DOR) • Return of beer during the pandemic KILLED • • • • •
Retail craft expansion Alcohol delivery Elimination of tipped wage Expanded enforcement of the DOR A ll-terrain vehicle/snowmobile operating while intoxicated charges for drivers
We’ll start working on several issues before the next Legislature convenes in January. Other issues will likely come up over the next few months, but the following are left over from the previous session, and we will work on these and others in 2023.
2022-23 Issues of Focus • N onexclusive wholesaler territories • Tax credits for advertising • Exemption of state taxes from credit card fees • Chapter 125 enforcement of alcohol beverages • Private event venues www.tlw.org
To learn more about these and other legislative issues, please visit the Wisconsin State Legislature website at legis.wisconsin.gov. There is a wealth of information — from finding out your state legislators to a listing of all legislation introduced in the 2022 legislative session — on this easy-tonavigate website. You can also find contact information for your legislators, so you can call or email them about issues of concern to you and your business. It is a terrific website and it brings state government right to you! TLW
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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 MAY/JUNE 2022
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ABL DISPATCH — THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS FROM WASHINGTON BY JOHN BODNOVICH, ABL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ABL Lobbies Senate to Follow House’s Lead on Passage of RRF Funding On April 7, by a vote of 223-203, the House of Representatives passed the Relief for Restaurants and Other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022. The bill would provide $55 billion in additional funding for businesses struggling to recover from the pandemic, $42 billion of which would go to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The bill had bipartisan support with 19 Republican cosponsors and included language that would prevent any business with “a wage violation at the time of application” from receiving funds. Focus now shifts to the Senate where a standalone bill would require 60 votes for cloture. Sens. Ben Cardin and Roger Wicker introduced the Small Business COVID Relief Act of 2022 on April 7. This bill is very similar, but not identical, to the House bill as it would allocate $40 billion to replenish the RRF as opposed to the House bill’s $42 billion. As reported by Bloomberg Government, to offset the measures’ costs, “the Senate measure would directly rescind a combined $4.89 billion in unspent funds from the Paycheck Protection Program. The House bill, by contrast, relies on seizing or recovering funds from a number of pandemic-related small business programs, including through fraud investigations.” American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is engaging with members of both parties to support this legislation. Bill supporters face the challenge of getting at least 10 Republican senators (if all 50 Democratic senators support the bill) to reach the 60-vote threshold.
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Potential affirmative votes include senators from states with House delegations that largely supported the House bill, as well as those Republican senators who supported previous legislation to help the hospitality industry with COVID-19 (e.g., the Real Economic Support that Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed to Survive or RESTAURANTS Act of 2020; the RESTAURANTS Act of 2021; the RRF Replenishment Act; the Continuing Emergency Support for Restaurants Act, etc.). Stay tuned for more updates and grassroots advocacy information.
ABL Provides Impaired-Driving Policy Report At the recent TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show in La Crosse, I presented an update on ABL and alcohol industry issues. I focused on ABL’s longstanding work on drunk driving and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) policy issues, as well as the association’s ongoing efforts over the past two years to secure federal government relief for TLW members who were hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the passage of federal legislation in 2021 requiring automakers to include impaired-driving technology in future vehicles, as well as events leading to a renewed conversation about 0.05% BAC initiatives, ABL put together a report on impaired-driving policy that reviewed and discussed past, present and future initiatives by ABL and its members to shape impaired-driving policy and regulations. The report was printed and distributed to all conference attendees. To date, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to move forward with advanced impaired-driving technology rulemaking for new vehicles. ABL will engage with the Department of Transportation and NHTSA through the formal rulemaking process. Any technology that is required for new vehicles should not function as a deterrent to sensible adults who wish to responsibly enjoy their favorite beer, wine or cocktail at their local bar, restaurant or neighbor’s home. As the legislation recognizes, and the technology must reflect, 0.08% BAC is the legal limit for alcohol impairment. This is also an opportunity for ABL to rally its members, industry partners and the public to share their views on how the law should be implemented. www.tlw.org
ABL Holds First In-Person Board Meeting Since Pandemic; Five TLW Leaders Participate On April 25 and 26, the ABL Board of Directors met in person for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting in Chicago brought together bar, tavern and package store owners from across the country to discuss ABL business, policy positions, and other initiatives to promote and defend beverage licensees. The TLW delegation was robust, and included TLW President Keith Kern; TLW Immediate Past President Chris Marsicano; TLW Past President Terry Harvath; TLW Managing Director Karie Krantz; and TLW Outreach Director Pete Madland. Marsicano and Harvath serve on the ABL Executive Committee as vice president and at-large representatives, respectively, while Madland co-chairs the ABL Communications and Membership Committee. Board members discussed current policy issues, including impaired driving and 0.05% BAC; federal relief legislation for COVID-19-affected businesses; and small business issues that affect beverage retailers and the state of competition in the industry. They also heard from executives in the brewing and beer distribution tiers as guest speakers.
ABL Annual Meeting Registration Open Registration has opened for the ABL Annual Meeting that will be held in New Orleans July 10 and 11, 2022. TLW members are encouraged to register and make their hotel reservations now to join fellow licensees in “Celebrating 20 Years” of ABL, which was created in 2002 to unify and represent independent beer, wine and spirits retailers. The ABL Annual Meeting program will examine key issues facing independent beverage retailers, including short-term and longlasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the retail alcohol market; competition issues within the alcohol industry; legal, regulatory and legislative developments in Congress and the states; and a host of other important topics that are shaping the beverage alcohol marketplace. Meeting attendees will be able to bring insights and information back to their states and businesses to help them build on their success. Visit bit.ly/38vTi1u to register. 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.
The next ABL Board of Directors meeting will be held on July 10 as part of the ABL Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
Updated ABL Economic Report a Valuable TLW Asset Earlier this spring, the Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers report was updated to provide an in-depth look at the important role that beverage licensees play by creating more than 1.74 million jobs from direct retail alcohol sales; paying more than $48.9 billion in local, state and federal taxes; paying over $55 billion in direct wages; and creating $131 billion in direct economic impact. The report was authored by John Dunham & Associates, a well-respected and independent economics firm that drew on multiple data sources to create the report. In Wisconsin, on-premise businesses that sell alcohol create more than 120,000 jobs that pay over $2.6 billion in wages, generate $7.1 billion in economic impact and contribute nearly $947 million in state taxes. The report is interactive and can be accessed on the ABL website at ablusa. org/members-only/economicimpact. As a benefit of ABL membership, TLW members can access and use the individualized economic reports for each Wisconsin state Senate and Assembly district when talking with state legislators and decisionmakers about the importance of the tavern industry in Wisconsin. Contact the TLW office for the password to access the reports. www.tlw.org
McCain® SureCrisp™ fries are crafted to stay hot and crispy in transit keeping both your customers and your bottom line happy. For more information contact your local McCain Foods sales rep, John Von Rueden at jvonrueden@coregroupsales.com or Stacey Fraser at stacey.fraser@mccain.com or visit www.mccainusafoodservice.com/takeout-and-delivery.
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LEAGUE PROFILE SHEBOYGAN COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE
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he Sheboygan County Tavern League’s leadership is on a mission to highlight its value to local members, businesses and the community. “We’re looking to deepen our involvement in our community and with our members,” says Ron Ranieri, treasurer of the Sheboygan County Tavern League and owner of Ranieri’s Four of a Kind in Sheboygan. “It’s an important thing we are pushing. Without that happening, we don’t have a voice.” The Local League’s Annual Spring Banquet on May 9 at Town & Country Golf Course in Sheboygan was an opportunity for leadership to share that message. State and local government officials attended the sit-down event, along with state TLW representatives, and Sheboygan County Tavern League members and their guests. “It’s an event with food and fellowship,” says Ranieri. “But it’s also a chance to share our accomplishments, which reflect the value we bring.” One accomplishment is the effort to remove illegal slot machines from local businesses that don’t hold the correct licenses. Dave Repinski, president of the Sheboygan County Tavern League and owner of Dave’s Who’s Inn in Sheboygan, has been leading this charge. Ranieri explains that slot machines have been appearing in more businesses recently, but they are technically only permitted in establishments with Class B licenses, such as taverns. The league has been working with local law enforcement to remove these machines from unlicensed facilities. “That law was established for taverns and these illegal machines are cutting into our revenue,” says Ranieri. “And because they aren’t operating under the same guidelines and laws that the taverns are, they don’t do the work to monitor them or know how to monitor them. In some places, like filling stations, anyone at any age can come in and use those machines — they could be letting kids gamble! It goes against all the things the law was created for and, when you look at it from that standpoint, we’re helping keep people safe and in accordance with the law.”
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Another accomplishment of the Sheboygan County Tavern League is its work with the Tavern Safety Coalition. Formed about a decade ago, this local committee includes business owners, city personnel and citizens involved in “policing their own businesses,” says Ranieri. More specifically, the committee seeks to reduce issues in their businesses by reviewing local incidents of physical damage, disorderly conduct, fighting and the like. Members then decide whether the perpetrators of these incidents should be allowed back into local businesses or banned for a period of time. “It sends the message that we don’t want problems and poor behavior is unacceptable. It’s working. The police support us and we’re making our city a better, safer environment,” says Ranieri. He adds that the message has gotten out and the numbers have shifted dramatically from eight to 10 individuals coming before the committee each month to now just one or two. Sharing the Sheboygan County Tavern League’s story isn’t the only work local leaders are doing. They are also looking at ways to further benefit members and extend their mission. For instance, they are currently surveying members to gauge interest in donating to political campaigns, endorsing local races and sponsoring the 2023 State Golf Outing for the Wisconsin Tavern League Foundation. (Sheboygan County is home to world-class golf courses.) The League is also looking to start a membership committee. “We are looking at ways to get members more involved with the Local League,” explains Ranieri, who has been involved with Sheboygan County Tavern League for about seven years. “I first got involved because I knew all the things Tavern League was doing at the state level and what an important lobbying force it is for us. But as I got more involved in the community and local league, I saw all the support and information it provides here as well. Local leagues are valuable resources and we need to get that word out.” TLW www.tlw.org
CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT U.S. BANK PAYMENT SOLUTIONS - ELAVON
F
rom credit card acceptance to credit lines, business checking and more, TLW corporate sponsor U.S. Bank Payment Solutions - Elavon helps members grow their businesses and keep their financial houses in check. “Whatever payment solution you’re looking for, we have you covered,” says Brian Leonard, senior sales director, U.S. Bank Payment Solutions - Elavon. “We provide comprehensive credit card acceptance, various point-of-sale (POS) solutions and fullscale banking. Whether you’re working with a reseller, leveraging our own products or integrating with a third party, we work with you to complete a full discovery and needs analysis to learn how you accept payments to run your business. Then we tie those all together for you to provide a full range of options from the deposit, reporting, accountability and visibility perspective.” In addition to merchant services, as a full-service financial institution, the company offers a variety of other options for businesses, including credit cards, loans, lines of credit, checking, savings, payroll, investments, equipment financing and so much more. “We have many other capabilities and we want to help you in any capacity we can,” explains Leonard. U.S. Bank Payment Solutions - Elavon processes over 6.6 billion transactions globally, worth more than $490 billion every year. In business for more than 30 years, Elavon has helped more than 2 million customers worldwide grow their businesses through payments. While those customers include some of the world’s most notable brands, the company’s core audience is small to medium-sized businesses, including TLW members. As a corporate sponsor for the TLW, U.S. Bank Payment Solutions - Elavon is dedicated to being the best partner possible. For instance, when a TLW member signs on as a new customer, the company pays a portion of the revenue from that business back to that tavern’s county and state League. TLW members also receive extra perks through the company’s Encore program for customers with both a merchant account and a business credit card. “We give consistent, competitive cost savings and transaction pricing,” says Leonard. “We know the bar and restaurant business and, as a committed sponsor, we want to work with you to support your business.” Customers are also not locked in with termination penalties. “We want to have you around for a long period of time, but don’t lock you in,” Leonard emphasizes. www.tlw.org
Another benefit of working with U.S. Bank Payment Solutions - Elavon is its newest offering called Everyday Funding, which funds customer accounts seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. Leonard explains that credit card payments made on Saturdays or Sundays traditionally don’t transfer to a customer’s account for a few days. With Everyday Funding, once you run a settlement — whether it’s 5 p.m. on Tuesday or 2 a.m. on Saturday — those transactions are sent through the system and deposited into the business’ account. “It dramatically speeds up that funding, making those deposits available for customers to put back into their business,” says Leonard. Another service of interest for TLW members is surcharging, which is an extra fee a merchant charges customers to cover the cost of accepting payment. “Surcharging was the No. 1 thing that people wanted to talk about at the booth at the Spring Conference,” says Leonard. “It’s a good option as businesses look at additional ways to cut costs. And because it’s become more popular and widely accepted, consumers are more readily willing to pay a surcharge and do the right thing to help a small business out.” According to Leonard, what sets U.S. Bank Payment Solutions - Elavon apart is its dedication to customers. “The customer is really at the center of all we do,” says Leonard. “We have leadership around the state and, as a customer, you have a dedicated account manager — a real human being — to provide you with the service you need. We know how important it is to have someone who knows the specifics of your account. This is a big advantage we offer.” U.S. Bank Payment Solutions - Elavon has been a corporate sponsor since 2019, but has been a member of the TLW for almost 10 years. “We are proud to be the preferred provider for the TLW,” says Leonard. “We have several hundred members signed up across the state, and bring unmatched expertise in the bar and restaurant industry. We look forward to serving members now and into the future.” TLW U.S. BANK PAYMENT SOLUTIONS - ELAVON (414) 702-1515 | elavon.com MAY/JUNE 2022
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NEW MEMBERS As of April 25, 2022 STATE ONLY
DISTRICT 2
Stenger Government Relations Scott Stenger Madison
Dodge County Chef Chanse Chanse Schomber Juneau
Tavern League of Wisconsin Nathan Florek Middleton
Copper Tap Chris Merkes Fox Lake
DISTRICT 1 Kenosha City Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14 Robert Nelson II Pleasant Prairie Local Folks Restaurant & Pub Jennifer Collison Burlington Main Street Tap Dawn Ornberg Twin Lakes Kenosha County Broken Spoke Tavern & Eatery Aaron Aggerwal Genoa City Clay’s Tap Shirley Willie Kenosha Honeydripperz Pub Vincent Mosca New Munster Whiskey Hill Tavern Brian Boeckenstedt New Munster Racine City Dunk’s Public House John Dunk Racine River City Lanes/ Bruno’s Restaurant Chuck Torosian Waterford Racine County Aman’s Beer Store + Wine Aman Singh Wind Lake Baggers Roadhouse Jason Strebe Kansasville
Mojoz Saloon Sheila Olson Montello Spirits on State St. Kurt Harmsen Fox Lake Madison/Dane County Anchor Club II Stacey Hardy Brooklyn Forward Craft & Coffee Dan Podell Madison Red Rooster Jesse Steinberg Madison Waukesha County Boozhags’s Clubhouse Phil Zagrodnik Hartland
DISTRICT 3 Crawford County McCormicks Bar & Grill Terri McCormick Gays Mills Grant/Iowa County Crossroads Supper Club & Banquet Hall Nicole Vosberg Platteville Juneau County Command Post Saloon Michelle DeVito Camp Douglas Eagle Eye Bar and Grill Vince Sinkule Elroy
La Crosse City/ County 4 Sisters La Crosse La Crosse Bierhaus and Legends Will Jedlicka La Crosse Monroe County The Greens Sadie Brooks Sparta
DISTRICT 4 Fond du Lac County Third and One Brant Bornemann Fond du Lac Manitowoc County DJ’s Tavern Eric Mueller Saint Nazianz Tipsy Tomato Jodi Bessler Manitowoc Oshkosh City/ Winnebago County OshkoshBars.com Barry LaVaque Oshkosh Ozaukee County Plier’s Full Circle Rich Plier Port Washington Sheboygan County Bummy’s Shawn Baumhardt Howards Grove North Star Bar Curt Semph Sheboygan Time & a Half Dayton Schnuelle Sheboygan Washington County Dude’s Clubhouse Steven Dobbs Hartford
DISTRICT 5
Jam-Rock Recordo Neil Green Bay North Pole Saloon Eva Bruce Hurley Ponderosa Pines Pub Eatery and Campground Sandra Bula Bancroft Richard’s Bar and BBQ Richard Smetana Racine The Rustic Buck Bar and Grill Brittany Delaney Pittsville Trail’s End Saloon Jennifer Wentland Goodman Green Lake Area Rose’s Lakeside Pub Jeffrey Rose Markesan Langlade County Animal’s Bear Trail Mike Richling Mountain Marathon County Holiday Inn Rothschild/Cedar Creek Grill House Rob Meyer Rothschild Portage County Jordan Bar and Grill Connor Donlan Stevens Point Rock N Roll Bar N Grill Jose Perez Stevens Point Waupaca County Philigan’s Island Phil Heimbruch New London The Pub Tim Wantu Waupaca
Famous Garage Bar Sean Snyder Lyndon Station
Adams County Adams SafeRide Coordinator Barbara Robbins Arkdale
McDonald’s Mimi Schmitz Hinsdale
R&S Spirits & Lounge Richelle Freng New Lisbon
Walworth County Semper Fi Saloon Jerud Sagorac Cudahy
Backwaters Bar and Grill Jennie Kotula Rhinelander
Wood County Viaduct Bar and Grill John Barwick Marshfield
The Reel RV Campground Resort Michele Baumel Oak Creek
Chico’s Restaurant Heidi Edelburg Wausau
Wurk Bar Alan Worzella Stevens Point
Dunk’s Public House John Dunk Racine
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Rustic Woods Campground Deb Hughes Waupaca
DISTRICT 6 Brown County Drink Ricardo Peguero Green Bay The Marq Mike Grahek De Pere Door County Idlewild Fishing Hole Brian Wills Sturgeon Bay Marinette County The Rustic Edward Farrell Silver Cliff Oconto County Bailey’s Pour Haus Lakewood The Corner Pocket Joe and Kaitlin Robles Oconto Falls Randy’s Place Bar & Bowl Theodore Streit Suring Outagamie County Cruz Inn Inc. Tamarah Jahnke New London
DISTRICT 7 Barron County American Legion Post 98 Kenneth Bowen Cumberland Whiskey Way Travis Turner Chetek Z Bar Dakota Zarecki Cameron Chippewa County Leinie Lodge Lindsey Everson Chippewa Falls Maple Hill Tavern Crystal Maier Boyd Clark County Eagles Club 624 Pam Messman Voelker Marshfield Neillsville Country Club Janine Bethea Neillsville The Wasted Grain William Riedel Thorp www.tlw.org
NEW MEMBERS Eau Claire City/ County 4 Mile Restaurant & Bar Andrew Berres Eau Claire Hangar 54 Grill Ryan Anderson Eau Claire Princeton Valley Golf Course Joshua Walberg Eau Claire Valley Burger Company Ryan McKone Eau Claire Jackson County Rozario’s Pizza Nicholas Respicio Black River Falls Pierce County Beav’s Susan Trotterchaud Arkansaw Polk County The Barred Owl Elizabeth Paquette Balsam Lake
Felicia’s Northern Bar Felicia Lane Luck
Dead Squirrel Bar and Grill Mark Eder Glidden
The Mix Up Liz Sieben Amery
Elkhorn Lodge Sherri Koosmann Clam Lake
Raising the Bar Sports Pub Bobbi Bade Houlton
The Local Bar and Grille Mike Skinnes Ashland
St. Croix County 517 on Main Diana Gulden Hudson
Patsy’s Bar & Grill Robert Stadler Ashland
Price County Outpost Bar and Grill Lisa Zarza Lakeville
Washburn County Kincaid’s Country Inn Christian Kincaid Rice Lake
Superior/Douglas County Halfway Bar & Grill Jennifer Knutson Gordon
DISTRICT 9
Taylor County Bottoms Up Bar and Grill Len Schmuckal Sheldon
CRG Investments Kathy Goedde Menomonee Falls
Wingin’ It Bar & Grill Tracie Stammer Helenville
Burnett County Emily’s Luncheon Beatrice Erickson Webster
Trempealeau/ Buffalo County Detox Bar & Grill Donald Sylla Arcadia
Lincoln County Gordo’s Garage Motel & Bar Gordon Radloff Tomahawk
DISTRICT 8
Maple Bear Campground Thalia Kloehn Tomahawk
Vilas County Alpine Resort of Presque Isle Kim Bowler Presque Isle
Oneida County The Supply Station Daniel Stehl Rhinelander
Chef Rene’s at the Inn Rene Ayuazzadeh Eagle River
Ashland/Bayfield County The Cranberry Over Superior Lacey Lueth Herbster
Longshot at Miller Dam Gina Timm Lublin
Milwaukee County Bad Moon Saloon Chris Graves Milwaukee
Mojo MKE Todd Wargula Milwaukee The Pressroom MKE Robert Holmes III
The Wasted Grain William Riedel Thorp
Milwaukee
Root River Center Tammy Bresette Franklin
NEW AFFLILATE MEMBERS As of April 25, 2022 CarePlus Dental Plans
Gilbert Brown Foundation
Score No Score
Paul McDonnell Milwaukee, WI • (414) 202-2723 pmcdonnell@careplusdentalplans.com careplusdentalplans.com
Lori Severson Ettrick, WI • (608) 525-2326 lori@seversonandassociates.com gilbertbrownfoundation.org
Erik Little Austin, TX • (512) 771-9705 erikhlittle@scorenoscore.com scorenoscore.com
Carriveau Insurance Agency
JJ’s Bottleroom
Toast Inc.
Mike Biundo Crivitz, WI • (715) 854-7711 agency@carriveauinsurance.com carriveau.com
Jordan La Chance Kaukauna, WI • (920) 462-4187 luckyladsllc@gmail.com
Tony Robertson Boston, MA • (414) 677-0680 tony.robertson@toasttab.com pos.toasttab.com
On the Hill Bar Cozzie’s Tavern and Grill
Chris Cosgrove Stillwater, MN • (941) 330-5964 cchriscoz@gmail.com cozziestavern.com
www.tlw.org
Joshua Gibson Mosinee, WI • (715) 370-9442 onthehillbar@gmail.com
TRNXN Company
Paul Hadfield Newport Beach, CA • (866) 855-1171 trnxn.com
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INDUSTRY TRENDS First Ready-to-Drink Absinthe Seltzer
A
bsinthe is an herbaceous elixir with a long tradition of lore intertwining the romance of the spirit, and its use by artists, writers and bohemians throughout the centuries. Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor living in Switzerland, created absinthe in the 1790s with the intent for it to be used as an alcohol-based elixir distilled from the bitter-tasting herb Artemisia absinthium or wormwood. Hundreds of years later, Oldknow Bev Co. released its own interpretation of fairy water with the first absinthe-based seltzer in the United States. The spirited seltzer distillery makes its Verte Absinthe Spirited Seltzer from a combination of crisp mountain water, all-natural spirits and fresh herbs. Owners Mary Catherine Matheny and Ryan Warner Wood have been creating cocktails for 10 years. “We wanted to create something magical that highlights the notes and nuances of anise and fennel,” according to Wood. Founded in 2021 in Georgia, Oldknow Bev Co. also produces vodka and gin seltzers.
Digital Ordering Keeps Bar Businesses Buzzing
B
EES is a new digital ordering platform that connects you and your Anheuser-Busch wholesaler in new ways. You can browse your wholesalers’ catalogs to see all of their available products, including your favorite beer brands, with real-time pricing and discounts. With the app, you can submit orders around the clock, on your time, and schedule delivery dates at your convenience. As a bar owner, you can also view and manage all your past orders and invoices in one convenient, centralized place. “Anheuser-Busch wholesalers are committed to serving retailers in a more efficient way, allowing the sales teams more time to service accounts, launch new products and work together with retailers as a business partner in Wisconsin. BEES is a digital sales enablement application that will allow the sales organization to be partners with our retailers and grow businesses for generations to come,” says Johnny Moore, manager of sales tech enablement, Anheuser-Busch. TLW
ADVERTISER INDEX Anheuser-Busch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 anheuser-busch.com Ansay & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 ansay.com B&K Bar Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 bandkbarsupplies.com Cornerstone Processing Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 cornerstoneps.net
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
Enviro-Master Services of Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 enviro-master.com/commercial-cleaning-locations/milwaukee-wisconsin Johnson Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 johnsonbrothers.com McCain Foods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 mccain.com Molson Coors Beverage Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 molsoncoors.com
Stools, Tables, Booths, Outdoor Furniture, Glasswashers and Full Line of Bar Supplies. 5 Year Frame Warranty Available 27 Year Affiliate Tavern League Member
Society Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 societyinsurance.com
7100 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis
Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators (WAMO). . . . . . . . . 2 wamo.net
contact@bandkbarsupplies.com
Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 22 wimilkcaps.com
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MAY/JUNE 2022
414.259.9161
www.BandKBarSupplies.com www.tlw.org
Enjoy Responsibly.
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®
TC Hard Seltzer Company., Milwaukee, WI • Flavored Beer ©2022 The Coca-Cola Company, "Topo Chico" is a trademark of The Coca-Cola Company
