OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TAVERN LEAGUE OF WISCONSIN
MAY/JUNE 2016 TLW.ORG
TLW Members’ Generosity Touches Thousands Fundraising Efforts Top Over $13 Million for Friends and Neighbors
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: May is Tavern Month Celebrate the Fundraising Success of TLW Members
Estate Planning Make Sure You’re Prepared for the Inevitable
Spring Conference Summary
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The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin MAY/JUNE 2016 VOLUME 34, NO. 3
FEATURES
MAY IS TAVERN MONTH. . . 10 TLW Members’ Generosity Touches Thousands
PLANNING FOR THE INEVITABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Estate Planning is a Necessity for All
TLW SPRING CONFERENCE SUMMARY. . . 22
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Fairway Fever: Tee it Up Fore the TLW
LEAGUE SPOTLIGHTS LEAGUE PROFILE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Polk County Tavern League
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 McKenzie Lanes
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Operation Christmas
MEET THE DIRECTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Jen Gunning
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DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Front Rail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 ABL Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Corporate Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Legislative Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Featured Affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Accounting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Affiliate Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Ask the Bartender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Local League Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SOCIALIZE WITH US:
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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE RECOGNIZING TRENDS AND BEING ADAPTIVE
D
oes your tavern stand out as the most memorable in town? Or is your business a cookie cutter cutout of the bar down the street or the one across town? Is your place so unique it’s the envy of other tavern owners? I know when I first opened my bar over 27 years ago, I wasn’t looking to make a name for myself or create a niche in the industry. I was focusing on ways to pay the bills and stay in business. Back then the competition was tougher. Banks weren’t lending much money, so most bars were purchased with little money down and on land contracts with high interest rates. Since then, many things have changed. Interest rates are half of what they were, and those thinking about getting into the bar business are doing their homework before purchasing. They’re coming up with business plans that will put them on the path to success. Those of us who have been in this industry for a long time have seen the introduction of tougher drunk driving laws as well as stricter health codes, making it imperative to differentiate our businesses from the rest of the competition. Whether you’re a neighborhood bar, nightclub, restaurant or sports bar, recognizing trends in the industry and adapting to the times is very important. We’ve all admired someone in the industry that sparked our interest to get into this business. Chances are a neighborhood bar owner knows the names of his customers and makes them feel safe and welcome when they come in. Nightclub owners typically have the latest music and a great dance floor with trendy drinks. Successful restauranteurs not only serve great food, but they will promote their bar during slow times. For instance, many restaurants struggle if a football game is televised late in the evening. To counter the lost revenue, they will run specials in their bar during the game. And as far as sports bars are concerned, it seems like everyone thinks their business is one, but that’s not the case. Just because you televise games featuring the Brewers, Packers, Vikings or Bears doesn’t make you a sports bar. A true sports bar should have several televisions showing multiple sports, not the same game. What’s important is to do your best to define your business. When the times change be ready to change with them. After a while you may find yourself changing, for example, from a nightclub to a sports bar. Nobody knows your customers like you do. Keep an open mind and give them what they want, after all, they’re the ones that will keep you in business. I love traveling and seeing all the great new ideas our members come up with — whether it’s food items, new drink choices or their establishment’s décor. One thing is for sure, regardless of these factors, the best places I visit are Tavern League of Wisconsin-member businesses. I hope during my travels, I’ll get a chance to stop in and see you.
Terry J. Harvath TLW President
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www.tlw.org
CORPORATE SPONSORS SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THOSE WHO
Support Those Who Support Our Association
SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION
PLATINUM PLATINUMSPONSORS SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS
2012 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
GOLD SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS
Anheuser-Busch Anheuser-Busch
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 SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS
Wisconsin Amusement & Music Operators, Inc.
Wisconsin Amusement & Wisconsin Amusement & Inc. Music Operators, Music Operators, Make sure to thank these groups for their support, and encourage others not onInc. the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call the (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists benefits ofothers the different Remember “Support those interested who support MakeTLW sureoffice and thank these groups for their support, andthe encourage not on categories. the list to participate. Any business in us.” joining should call
Make sure and thank these groups forfor their others not ondifferent the list tocategories. participate. Any business interested in joining should the TLW office (608-270-8591) oursupport, brochureand thatencourage lists the benefits of the Remember “Support those who support us.” call www.tlw.org 2016us.”On Premise 5 the TLW office (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support thoseMAY/JUNE who support n
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PRESIDENT Terry Harvath
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Chris Marsicano
SECRETARY Erin Farrar
TREASURER Tom Dahlen
SOUTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Jim Pickett, Dan Taivalkoski
EASTERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Terri “Sassy” Buman Gene Loose
CENTRAL ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Lori Frommgen, Robert “Bubba” Sprenger
NORTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Nancy Lorbetske, Rob Summerfield
EDITOR Pete Madland, Executive Director, Tavern League of Wisconsin
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Barb Howell, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc.
ART DIRECTOR Kayla Collins, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc.
GRAPHIC DESIGN Jerriann Mullen, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc.
ADVERTISING SALES Louise Andraski, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. louisea@merr.com
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Bodnovich, Jen Bradley, Michelle Eno, Terry Harvath, Barb Howell, Pete Madland, Chris Marsicano, Scott Stenger, Amanda Wegner
PRINTED BY RR Donnelley Long Prairie, Minnesota On Premise (ISSN #1051-4562) is a bi-monthly publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc., 2817 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, WI 53713, phone: 800-445-9221. 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 RR Donnelley, Long Prairie, MN. For advertising information, contact Louise Andraski, 262-729-4471, louisea@merr.com. Subscriptions included in TLW membership dues; non-member subscriptions: $15 per year. Postmaster: send address corrections to the Tavern League of Wisconsin Office, 2817 Fish Hatchery Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53713-5005. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI and other additional offices. ©2016 Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc. Permission to reprint must be secured in advance of publication and credit given to author and On Premise.
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UNITED WE
SUMMER
© 2016 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® and Bud Light® Beers, St. Louis, MO
FRONT RAIL INCREASE MEMBERSHIP NOW! BY PETE MADLAND, TLW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
W
e preach and preach, year in and year out, about the importance of increasing membership. We talk about membership being the backbone of the TLW, and without a strong membership we have a weak body. We all agree! So let’s get stronger! Let’s do it now! For many reasons now is a great time to talk membership. One reason is economics. While talking to liquor and beer wholesalers, the consensus is that there is an uptick in the on premise business. Sure it is slight, but we have not heard that for several years. For the first time in a long time, when I ask “How is business?” I am hearing more positive responses than negative. As a result, I believe more businesses can afford to join. For many, the impact of the smoking ban is behind us. There is no denying the negative effect it had on our industry and it definitely put some out of business. But now I think that most of our customers, as well as business owners, have adjusted. Smoking Rooms, more emphasis on food, the use of E-cigarettes and other changes have demonstrated the adaptability of both our customers and business people. Many members who were against the ban initially, now secretly tell me they like it. Smokers are more aware than ever of the concerns of the non-smoker and respect their wishes. Plus, we have the friendliest smoking ban in the country! Because of this, I feel many non-members who quit the TLW or would not join because of the ban may be more receptive now. Legislatively, we have had few, if any, setbacks. We prevented over 100 wineries from getting liquor licenses. (They even had a legislative proposal to allow anyone who wants one to get a license.) Grocers are not going to be filling growlers; you still have to go to a tavern to do that. By the way, you don’t have to fear you may be stopped at a sobriety checkpoint (i.e. roadblock) after haing a beer after work or enjoying your Friday night fish fry. You can thank the Tavern League of Wisconsin for that!
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Now is a great time to talk about what we do in our communities. While our statewide contribution of $15 million to over 25,000 Wisconsin charities is a great story, a local story may be even better. All of our local leagues have a local story to tell. Whether it’s donating to the Special Olympics, the food pantry or helping a victim of cancer, these stories cannot help but move non-members into a better understanding of how we make our communities better, and in the process, improve the image of our often attacked industry. Every non-member has heard of our SafeRide program. What better incentive is there to join when you can offer their customers a way to get home safely and without risk? For a minimal investment they can ensure their customers will return another day while demonstrating a genuine concern for them. What non-member can say “no” to that? If that is not enough, the TLW is always seeking ways to improve. Our On Premise magazine is better than ever and our newly designed website is informative, attractive and user-friendly. We now have a TLW app that not only locates member establishments, but allows members to promote their businesses as well! At no cost! As a result of these efforts, I sincerely feel the typical TLW member is well informed and up to speed on industry news and trends, and that is an important competitive advantage. Our membership has value. Now is a great time to be a member. We have no reason to apologize to anyone but have plenty of reasons to brag. So let’s do it. Let’s talk to a non-member about us. Be proud of our accomplishments and confident in our abilities. Believe in what we do. We have a great story to tell and what better time than now to tell it. TLW
www.tlw.org
Partners in Progress Major suPPorter of state and LocaL tavern Leagues 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 Give-away at TLW Fall Convention & Show • Donor of Large Screen TV at TLW Spring Conference & 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 250, Poynette, WI 53955 | T: 608.635.4316 | F: 608.635.4327 | E: wamomax@aol.com A complete list of WAMO members can be found on the web site. Visit us at www.WAMO.net Hosts of the World’s Largest Dart Tournament & the nation’s Largest Pool Tournament
TLW and Its Members Donated
$13,216,223 To 21,111 Local Charities!
COUNTY NAME
AMOUNT
# OF CHARITIES
COUNTY NAME
AMOUNT
# OF CHARITIES
Adams County
$109,950
55
Monroe County
$18,043
89
Ashland/Bayfield County
$281,000
48
Oconto County
$19,829
61
Barron County
$41,106
263
Oneida County
$60,825
80
Brown County
$1,316,478
336
Oshkosh City
$207,765
693
Burnett County
$15,271
122
Outagamie County
$131,248
104
Calumet County
$7,000
9
Ozaukee County
$165,600
57
Chippewa County
$82,200
197
Pepin County
$66,095
264
Clark County
$53,000
200
Pierce County
$106,000
212
Columbia County
$42,232
120
Polk County
$72,665
103
Crawford County
$71,351
300
Portage County
$149,585
163
Dells/Delton
$1,964,700
770
Price County
$387,000
204
Door County
$150,000
275
Racine City
$124,324
58
Eau Claire City/County
$74,435
60
Racine County
$81,028
21
Florence County
$6,500
30
Rock County
$53,498
107
Forest County
$29,900
20
Sauk County
$50,000
250
Grant/Iowa County
$1,040,910
1870
Sawyer County
$156,000
250
Greater Northwoods
$78,000
156
Shawano County
$16,063
75
Green Lake Area
$52,000
16
St. Croix County
$88,641
112
Jackson County
$127,000
31
Superior/Douglas County
$288,044
200
Jefferson County
$49,825
144
Taylor County
$4,050
7
Kenosha City
$570,746
90
Tomahawk/Merrill Area
$96,000
18
Kenosha County
$76,390
117
Trempealeau/Buffalo County $187,000
429
Kewaunee County
$93,686
31
Vilas County
$28,000
20
La Crosse City/County
$767,003
450
Walworth County
$78,342
143
Lakeland Area
$210,000
150
Washington County
$45,240
95
Langlade County
$214,712
96
Waukesha County
$54,000
172
Madison/Dane County
$136,000
272
Waupaca County
$431,000
510
Manitowoc County
$109,205
260
Waushara County
$48,979
95
Marathon County
$5,000
2
Wood County
$22,258
41
Marinette County
$88,000
9000
State Office of TLW
$36,600
Marquette County
$52,800
38
Milwaukee County
$2,026,101
950
Total
$13,216,223 21,111
TLW Members’ Generosity Touches Thousands Fundraising Efforts Top Over $13 Million for Friends and Neighbors
By Jennifer Bradley
T
here’s no question that TLW member-businesses are a gathering place for so many communities throughout Wisconsin. What happens when these TLW members join forces with their customers to support good causes can only be described as amazing! On Premise spoke with a few of your fellow TLW friends to see what kind of charitable giving efforts they were up to this past year. The dollars raised again are astounding! It’s no wonder the TLW is strong in numbers, but also in heart. Your communities support you because you support them. Congratulations! BOWLING ALLEY WELCOMES MANY CHARITIES TO ITS LANES Carey Catania says he and his wife Jeanne bought Motion Plus Lanes in Cudahy ten years ago. It was actually built in 1923 and family owned until the duo took it over in 2006. Catania is wellknown around the area for his 9-Pin Tap bowling events, raising approximately $91,000 in the past year. His list of events can be found online at www.motionpluslanes.com, and covers a variety of charities from Huntington’s Society, American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis, Autism Speaks and more. Catania says they ask bowlers to pay a certain amount to bowl in each event and 100 percent of that is donated to the charity. Participants also receive some food for their money and they usually take part in raffles and other activities. “I know there’s a cost associated with bowling, but we make it up at the bar,” he says. “We like to donate all the proceeds.” The Toys for Tots fundraiser is also one that Catania says has grown tremendously over the years. The first year, he explains, they just asked bowlers to donate toys and they raised $450 and a halfbox of toys. Nine years later, in December 2015, he says more than $20,000 in cash and 60 boxes of toys were given to the Toys for Tots program. “We’re the number one contributor in the state as far as I know,” he says. “It’s now a two-day event held the first Saturday and Sunday of each December. The Marines come down, we have raffles, food and even sponsors pay to advertise on banners.”
started by the bowlers themselves. We get people from all over and some that just come in once a year for their specific event.” Catania says his wife works very hard coordinating these events with lead volunteers for each, and that the networking people have had while bowling in leagues or just spending that time together each week is what makes the fundraisers such a success. “You get one chance at life,” he says. “You start to notice that as you get older. Have fun. People work hard all day long and we hope that when they come into bowl, it’s a time to relax, laugh and let their brain go for a while.” He says that he still gets choked up when doing the check presentations to the various charities, but believes that thanking the people who plan them and come to bowl is equally important. “Once we got some of the fundraisers going, it just snowballed from there,” he says while reflecting on the years past. “What a big way to be able to give back to so many different kinds of people!”
This year, he says Motion Plus Lanes charitable giving is looking to reach six figures. Catania honors his recently deceased parents, whom he says were always concerned about helping others. “I thought if I ever got into a position to help others succeed or put a smile on their face, I would,” he says. “All these fundraisers were www.tlw.org
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LA CROSSE TAVERN CRUSADES FOR LOCAL CHARITIES Tammy Keating, new owner of L&M Tap in La Crosse, says that she’s been with the tavern 24 years but has enjoyed her role switch which happened this past August. While her title may have changed, Keating’s commitment to charitable giving in her community has not. Each year, L&M Tap supports the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse through a food drive, and Keating says they have been reigning champs for two years now in a contest that involves the entire La Crosse County Tavern League and La Crosse Beverage, a local beverage distribution company. The first year, L&M Tap gathered more than 2,000 pounds of food donations for the Soup-er Bowl Food Drive in January, and this year, tavern patrons offered up another 2,500 pounds to support their local community needs.
Keating explains her customers really support these events and get excited to help others. “They were going through the paper, finding the best deals on canned vegetables, pancake mix or syrup and cereals,” she says. “Then they would go buy it and bring it in.” Keating says L&M Tap also is active in the Christmas Crusade for Children, raising money and then buying/wrapping gifts for local children that wouldn’t receive Christmas presents otherwise. She says she finds children to help through the YWCA La Crosse, Salvation Army’s Caring Tree, through the La Crosse Housing Authority, as well as patrons that know families in need. In the spring, Keating says, it’s Chicken-Q season at L & M Tap, a TLW member since 1993. In mid-April, patrons buy a chicken dinner (the food is catered by Pogy’s), and proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life through the group Darlene’s Angels. She says people eat their dinner at the tavern, but the fundraiser also has many purchasing carry-outs meals. “For the Chicken-Q’s, I have people who come to L&M and help serve the meals, even stand outside with a chicken outfit on,” Keating laughs. She explains Darlene’s Angels is the Relay for Life team honoring the late grandmother of an L & M Tap bartender. “The entire family comes and helps me sell tickets, whatever we need done,” Keating adds.
An annual luau party is also a fundraiser for the Relay for Life cause. “I consider myself a very caring, giving person and people are in need,” she says. “I like to help them out, and a lot of my customers do too.”
MILWAUKEE NEIGHBORHOOD BAR CELEBRATES VETERANS Deb Seibel calls Plainfield Pub the local “Cheers” of Milwaukee, a neighborhood corner bar where everybody knows everybody and gives generously. She and her husband John, have owned the Plainfield Pub just north of Mitchell International Airport for 14 years. In that time, the duo and their staff and customers have spent countless hours and dollars helping their local community as well as soldiers serving overseas. Seibel says most Thursdays are taco days at the Plainfield Pub. For a $2 per taco donation, all money collected goes to Books for Soldiers. (The food is all donated by Seibel.) In November, she says the pub community did a cookie bake and sent cookies out of that small establishment to soldiers
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across the world. She also raises money to pay for the shipping, which is nearly $18 per box. “My customers bake like crazy for me,” Seibel says. “Then we package them here at the bar in baggies, they’re taken to Franklin Library where they are sorted into flavors.” She says the soldiers each receive cookies, hot chocolate and a bag of candy, and the boxes are insulated with popcorn. “The soldiers love it,” Seibel exclaims. “First we started making the popcorn without salt, but they said they really loved the popcorn, so now we just add everything to it!” Fisher House Wisconsin, located in Milwaukee, a brand new facility that offers free or low cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers, is also a beneficiary of Seibel’s work. During football season, www.tlw.org
But the most exciting event this year was the TLW $100 raffle ticket she bought that won $10,000 for Fisher House. She bought one for herself, her husband, one for Books for Soldiers and one for the Fisher House. She says she already had a $2,000 check to give to the Fisher House from the Milwaukee County Tavern League’s golf outing, so she drove to Leinie Lodge to present Dick Leinenkugel, a Fisher House Board Member, with it. A few days later she called him to say they had won the $10,000 from the TLW ticket. “He was laughing and couldn’t believe it,” she adds. she started a 50/50 raffle, and 50 percent of that money raised went to Fisher House, as did the money raised at her St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Again, a donation per plate of $10 was given to the charity and all the food was donated by Seibel. “That was $300 plus what we collected for the 50/50 which came to $1,700 this last season,” she says.
As a tribute to the military, Seibel has adorned the Plainfield Pub with photos of veterans. “As you walk in our front door, both sides of the hallway are dedicated to vets who have visited the bar. I ask them for their military pictures and we hang them on the wall. One of them is my daughter, who has been in the Army for 18 years.”
OSHKOSH CORNER BAR CARES ABOUT COMMUNITY
Another charity Back Again Stadium Bar supports every year is the N.E.W. Pawsibilities animal rescue in Oshkosh through its Christmas for Critters event. His patrons help gather donations of pet food and pet supplies, everything from blankets and toys too. This is an ongoing charity the bar proudly participates in every year.
Butch Eckstein says he’s enjoyed being “back again” at Back Again Stadium Bar in Oshkosh. He owned the tavern in the late ‘80s and bought it again in 2004, reopening on Thanksgiving Day that year.
Speaking of animals, he says part of those funds also benefit the Oshkosh Humane Society. Then, on the topic of holidays, Eckstein adds that the Turkey Gobble Box, a dice game, is another fun way the bar helps the Honor Guard. Whether it’s displaying posters or letting people come and promote their events and ask for donations, Eckstein says his patrons are always willing to give. “It shows the community that we’re out here, working every day too and a small business,” he says. “If you didn’t have the small businesses, there’d be a lot of people without jobs.”
Every summer the bar has a charity ride to benefit United Veterans Honor Guard which participates in the majority of veterans’ funerals around the Oshkosh area, nearly 200 a year. Last year, says Eckstein, the ride raised around $8,000. As one of the nearly 60 members, Eckstein explains that sometimes there are multiple funerals on the same day, and this helps defray the cost of the uniforms, gas, etc. the members use for the events.
Eckstein’s proud of the college students he’s seen work for him all four years, then graduate to pursue other things. He says they are an important part of the charitable efforts at Back Again Stadium Bar. “It’s not all me,” Eckstein concludes. “The customers are the ones giving. It’s everybody who walks through that door.”
“We’ve actually been told by active military that we’re the best in the state of Wisconsin,” he says. “If you’d see them, you’d understand.” When it comes to uniforms, he says Standard Cleaners in Oshkosh helps with the costs, but everybody matches. “Same shoes, same shirts, same coats,” says Eckstein. “They have long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, gloves, belts, etc. It takes a lot of money to keep that up and going.” www.tlw.org
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FUNDRAISING EFFORTS STRONG IN THE NORTHWOODS On Lake Minocqua, Randy Albrecht, owner of Albee’s Yacht Club Bar and Grill, says his wife starts each year prepping for the business’ largest annual fundraiser that it co-sponsors with neighboring tavern and league member, The Thirsty Whale. This year on March 5, the 14th Annual “Best Ball” Ice Golf Tournament drew more than 300 golfers, and about another 200 spectators. Together, the two taverns raised $14,800 for local charities in the one-day event. “It’s quite a sight,” he says. For $20, golfers get to play the 36 holes set up on the lake and enjoy a meal, with all food donated by local businesses. In fact, Albrecht says 157 businesses this year made the event a success. Businesses sponsor the holes too and donate raffle prizes. The recipients of the proceeds are the local hospice care center, food pantry, as well as the Wounded Warrior Project, Danielle Gorectke Scholarship, and the Howard Young Foundation. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a fun event at a slow time of year that brings people together,” he says. “The tavern owners up here are really giving people.” The other big event Albrecht works on each year is the Wounded Warrior’s VFW Benefit on Father’s Day, which includes the famous belly-flop contest off the pier into Lake Minocqua. In addition to the Wounded Warrior Project, the event helps
TAKING TO THE STAGE FOR FUNDRAISING TELETHON Brad Schinke, owner of Kamps Bar and Grill in Combined Locks, says it was a fun time when the Outagamie and Brown County Tavern Leagues teamed up to take calls for the 62nd Annual CP (Cerebral Palsy) Telethon in Green Bay. Much more than a fun time, this group raised approximately $7,000 in one hour of the telethon, a record for a VIP group during that hour. Schinke, also the Outagamie County Tavern League president, explains a VIP group is the cluster of people visible to viewers at home during a telethon. (They’re the ones you can see answering phones.)
benefit the Woodruff VFW, with proceeds helping defray costs of replacing the VFW cemetery flags each year. The day includes raffles, a brat fry and beer specials. The brats are donated by Trigg’s Foods and the VFW cooks them. Miller of the Northwoods is also a big contributor. According to Albrecht, the event typically raises about $5,000 each year, but 2016 is looking to be an extra-special Father’s Day event. An anonymous donor is starting off the event with a $5,000 sponsorship, says Albrecht. “Generally, taverns get a bad rap, and personally I just don’t see it,” says Albrecht. “I see all the work they do putting on charity events.’’
TLW members took to the WBAY-TV2 stage in early March during what is called the “Tavern Hour,” 11 p.m. – midnight for the CP Telethon. Cerebral Palsy, ironically, is a condition Schinke’s son Arthur is diagnosed with. “I think that’s a neat part of this story,” Schinke says. “The guy had just called me because I was the contact for the Tavern League, but had no idea I had a son with Cerebral Palsy. My two oldest kids came and took donations over the phone as well that night.” Money raised from this annual event benefits Cerebral Palsy Inc. (known as CP Centers), a non-profit organization that for more than 60 years has been assisting adults and children in Northeast Wisconsin who have challenges due to Cerebral Palsy. Schinke says the group of 20 TLW members taking calls on stage had help collecting donations during this record-breaking hour. Schinke had live entertainment at his bar during that time, as did other TLW member-bars. Phones were being passed around the bars, and Schinke says next year they’re hoping to have a live feed to the telethon from the taverns that are participating. The on-stage group, however, was interviewed by the telethon emcee, an exciting part of the experience, Schinke explains. “It was so much fun and everyone who attended wants to do it again next year, whether I plan it or not,” he says with a laugh. “That’s how much fun we had. The hour went by so fast, it felt like minutes and the response we got from people at the bars was great.” TLW
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ABL Dispatch – The Latest Industry News From Washington By ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich ABL HEADED TO DENVER FOR ANNUAL MEETING
SHORT LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR SHRINKS FURTHER
Registration is now open for American Beverage Licensees’ 14th Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado on June 12-14, 2016. The event will connect leading on-premise and off-premise beverage alcohol licensees for a program full of informative speakers, issue discussions, industry networking and hospitality events.
With the presidential election year in full-swing, an already abbreviated legislative calendar may be shrinking further if a group of GOP House members have their way. Some House conservatives are pushing GOP leadership to refrain from holding a legislative session after the November election, which is generally referred to as a “lame duck” session. These House Republicans purportedly don’t want to risk Congress passing a budget agreement, trade deal or the Senate confirming a Supreme Court nominee.
The 2016 ABL Annual Meeting will look at the issues of the day for independent beverage licensees and explore what lies ahead in the evolving beverage alcohol marketplace. Part of the meeting’s program will examine Colorado’s regulated recreational cannabis market, including its impact and implications on beverage licensees and the broader beverage alcohol industry. Announced events include: • Colorado Rockies/San Diego Padres baseball game and hospitality • Opening night welcome reception • Annual luncheon • General session featuring speakers addressing craft brewing, recreational marijuana and the general business outlook for the beverage alcohol industry • ABL Honors Gala featuring the ABL Top Shelf Award presentation Registration for the 2016 ABL Annual Meeting is $299. This year’s ABL Annual Meeting will be held at the Grand Hyatt Denver. Attendees can visit the ABL website to book online or by calling 888-421-1442 and referencing 2016 ABL Meeting to receive the discounted rate. To stay up-to-date on the 2016 ABL Annual Meeting including speaker announcements and social events, attendees can visit www.ablusa.org.
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The Republican National Convention takes place July 18-21, and the Democratic National Convention takes place July 25-28. As it stands now, and with no confirmation that a lame duck session will be held, after July 15, the House will be in session just 17 days for the rest of 2016, and not at all after September 30.
GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN MUSIC LICENSING Speaking to the National Association of Broadcasters at its State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 23, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) discussed the need for greater transparency in the music licensing ecosystem. Congressman Pallone said: “Even today in this age of streaming music and new distribution channels, local artists can still make their names by playing local venues. But over the past few years, this route to success— the one that Springsteen took—has become much harder. Not because of new technology, but because fewer and fewer small bars and restaurants are allowing artists to play live music.
“They are making the hard choice to turn off the spotlights because it is just too hard to figure out who to pay for the right to perform music. And these small businesses cannot afford to end up in court if they get it wrong. “That’s right, venues are deciding to forgo live music only because they cannot find the right people to pay. This problem may sound familiar to some broadcasters here. “Clearly, this is a bad result for everyone. But I think a little sunlight could go a long way towards making this right. Why can’t we simply set up a transparent database that venues, artists, and broadcasters can use to figure out who to pay for performance rights? This way performers can choose the songs they want to play. And they can pay the appropriate rights holders. This seems like a commonsense solution that could really help out local artists.”
MIC COALITION SENDS LETTER TO ATTORNEY GENERAL On March 31, ABL joined fellow MIC Coalition members on a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch expressing “concern about proposed amendments to the consent decrees that would permit ASCAP and BMI to limit their blanket licenses to licensing only the proportionate copyright shares that affiliated songwriters and publishers have in the works in their respective repertories – the practice referred to as ‘fractional licensing.’” “Current blanket licenses, as well as license terms and affiliate agreements of ASCAP and BMI, allow for the ‘100 percent’ licensing of a work by any one partial owner of the work. Modifying the consent decrees to allow fractional licensing would gridlock the licensed www.tlw.org
music market and introduce a structure that all but guarantees widespread collusion among competitors. It is a loselose proposition: either all co-owners of a work must coordinate with each other for each use (thus reducing competition), or a lone holdout prevents all co-owners from actually licensing a performance of a work (meaning the work is not performed and no rights-holder gets paid). Such a modification would not be good for consumers, songwriters or artists, nor would it satisfy the public interest.” ABL, through its membership in the MIC Coalition, continues to push for greater transparency in music licensing so that bars and taverns know what they are paying for and can make independent business decisions based on the needs of their businesses.
NEW BAC LEGISLATION IN JUST TWO STATES Despite six states and the District of Columbia introducing .05 percent BAC bills in 2014, just two states have introduced bills in 2015-2016 to lower the legal threshold. In New York, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz has introduced a bill (AB 4369) to lower the state’s limit to .06 percent BAC. In Hawaii, a bill was introduced to lower the state’s limit to .06 percent BAC, but failed in Committee. There is no federal .05 percent BAC legislation at this time.
TTB ISSUES GUIDANCE ON CATEGORY MANAGEMENT AND “TIED HOUSE” On Feb. 11, and in response to industry requests for clarification, the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued general guidance concerning promotional activities commonly associated with category management programs and whether or not those activities are lawful. Specifically, TTB Ruling 20161, The Shelf Plan and Shelf Schematic Exception to the “Tied House” Prohibition, and Activities Outside Such Exception clarifies what is and what is not permissible in terms of shelf plans and shelf schematics.
large national retailer and a large national wholesaler. Having previously made exemptions for shelf plans and shelf schematics, TTB has now gone further to address other category management activities that could be in violation of federal laws. The TTB highlighted six category management practices that it would consider as clear violations of the Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act. They are:
ABL responded to the guidance with the following statement on Feb. 12:
1. Assuming, in whole or in part, a retailer’s purchasing or pricing decisions, or shelf stocking decisions involving a competitor’s products.
“It’s also an important piece of a larger ongoing conversation about trade practices and anticompetitive behavior. Enforcement remains a critical component for this ruling to be taken seriously.
2. Receiving and analyzing, on behalf of the retailer, confidential and/or proprietary competitor information. 3. Furnishing to the retailer items of value, including market data from third party vendors. 4. Providing follow-up services to monitor and revise the schematic where such activity involves an agent or representative of the industry member communicating (on behalf of the retailer) with the retailer’s stores, vendors, representatives, wholesalers, and suppliers concerning daily operational matters (such as store resets, add and delete item lists, advertisements, and promotions).
“The guidance issued by the TTB concerning category management programs and tied house concerns is a good start to addressing the importance of maintaining a fair and vibrant beverage alcohol marketplace, and clarifies what is and is not permitted under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act.
“With many states facing pressure to scuttle established and effective alcohol regulations in favor of relaxed trade practice laws, this ruling should serve as a reminder of the vigilance and forethought required to avert anticompetitive practices from occurring in any segment of the industry.” TLW The American Beverage Licensees is the voice of America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers in Washington, D.C. The ABL represents the Tavern League of Wisconsin and its many members as well as thousands of other on- and off-premise retailers of beverage alcohol across the United States.
5. Furnishing a retailer with human resources to perform merchandising or other functions, with the exception of stocking, rotation or pricing services of the industry member’s own product, as permitted in section 6.99(a) of the TTB regulations.
The ruling was prompted by a handful of letters from industry trade groups questioning a proposed category management program to be executed by a www.tlw.org
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Planning for the Inevitable Estate Planning is a Necessity For All
By Amanda Wegner
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state planning, says attorney Peter Grosskopf, should be part of any business plan.
Grosskopf, a solo practitioner and owner of Grosskopf Law Office LLC in Eau Claire, presented a seminar at the TLW spring conference on estate planning, but for those Tavern League members who weren’t able to attend, Grosskopf spent some time with On Premise, sharing the highlights of his seminar so all members can best prepare themselves for the inevitable. 18
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WHAT IS ESTATE PLANNING? Regardless of your income level, everyone has an “estate,” which comprises everything you own: your home and vehicle, your business, your checking and savings accounts, your investments and insurance accounts, your possessions. Large or small, everyone has an estate, and there is one common thread in all estates: You can’t take it with you when you pass. And when you do pass — because it’s a matter of when, not if — you likely will want some reassurance that someone responsible is in charge and your assets and belongings are being divided according to your wishes. “Estate planning, in general, consists of making sure that assets are managed and disposed of in the way the individual wants,” says Grosskopf. “It’s a way to ensure your assets go to the correct beneficiaries, you minimize exposure to taxes, and very often, that assets aren’t lost or spent to pay for long-term care like a nursing home. It’s also an effort to avoid probate time and the cost to go through court to have matters decided, likely in a way you didn’t really want.” Estate planning, adds Grosskopf, consists of three main documents that he recommends everyone have: 1. A will or will substitute 2. A health care power of attorney 3. Financial power of attorney There are also some optional legal documents he recommends having in place as well, but let’s explore the basics first.
COVERING YOUR BASES A will is a legal document that dictates whom should receive which of your assets upon death (and also names guardians for minor children). Without a will, your estate will go to probate court, which will decide what happens to your assets and who is responsible for any minor children. For wills, says Grosskopf, Wisconsin does have a statutory simple will. “For some situations it will work if properly www.tlw.org
witnessed,” he says. “Again it’s ‘simple.’ It’s not right for everyone as not everyone has a simple situation.” Be forewarned that wills do have limitations. In particular, the beneficiary designations on financial accounts, insurance policies and other assets take precedence over wills, so it’s important to make sure your beneficiary designations are up to date and reflect your wishes. There are also a handful of will substitutes as well. They include: • Revocable living trust: This document names someone to be responsible for managing your property. Because it’s revocable, as long as you are mentally competent, you can change or end the trust for any reason. (If it’s a joint trust with your spouse; then you need their permission.) • Transfer on Death/Payable on Death: Transfer on Death and Payable on Death beneficiaries are simple ways of designating beneficiaries to inherit your assets such as bank and retirement accounts, securities, vehicles, and real estate at the time of your death to avoid probate. • Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship: This is a way for two or more people to share ownership of real estate or other property when co-owners own equal shares of the property. When one joint tenant dies, the other owner(s) automatically own the deceased owner’s share.
For Health Care Power of Attorney, says Grosskopf, there is a statutory form freely available for individuals who want to do it themselves. “It’s fairly effective as long as it is correctly completed,” he says. To “correctly complete” this document, your signature must be witnessed by two disinterested people over the age of 18, preferably not a family member and not your health care provider. Another pitfall, adds Grosskopf, is that some boxes on the form are not necessarily obvious, including whether your agent can consent to enter you into a nursing home. By checking “Yes,” your health care agent can admit you to a nursing home for purposes other than recovery or respite care. But by saying “No,” to entering a nursing home, you may have to go through guardianship. There is also a statutory Financial Power of Attorney form in Wisconsin, but Grosskopf does not recommend it. “The problem we find with the standard form is that a lot of third-party companies, like banks and insurance companies, don’t honor or accept it.” For Financial Power of Attorney, naming an agent you trust is paramount. “A big pitfall is the misuse of financial power of attorney,” he says. “You must select someone you trust and believe can execute [your estate] properly.” While some statutory forms are available and the Internet offers a wealth of do-ityourself forms, it’s preferable to meet with an attorney to customize these necessary
“It’s [estate planning] a way to ensure your assets go to the correct beneficiaries, you minimize exposure to taxes, and very often, that assets aren’t lost or spent to pay for long-term care like a nursing home. It’s also an effort to avoid probate time and the cost to go through court to have matters decided, likely in a way you didn’t really want.” Peter Grosskopf, Attorney MAY/JUNE 2016
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forms. “It’s my preference that someone meet with an attorney to get documents customized for your own situation and drafted for the things that you want them to accomplish,” says Grosskopf. He also recommends reviewing these documents every five to 10 years. “Some of these documents don’t become stale and stay perfectly valid, but some third parties won’t accept, for example, a Power of Attorney, if it’s eight or nine years old.” Major life events, including marriage, remarriage or divorce, the birth of a child, children turning of age, the death of a spouse, retirement, and more, are also prompts for revisiting these documents. “Those are big events that warrant the review of your documents,” says Grosskopf.
OPTIONAL NECESSITIES Two optional documents to consider include burial/funeral pre-planning and long-term care/nursing home planning. With burial/funeral preplanning, married couples (unfortunately, this doesn’t
“It’s my preference that someone meet with an attorney to get documents customized for your own situation and drafted for the things that you want them to accomplish.” Peter Grosskopf, Attorney
apply to single individuals), can get an estimate for the burial expenses and exempt that amount from the value of their estate without having to pre-pay. With this option, the money still has to be paid, but they can always decide to spend more or less without any penalty.
PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS Another reason to consider burial/funeral pre-planning, says Grosskopf, is that many people have specific desires for their funeral and burial, such as where they should be buried. Designating these desires in a burial authorization document ensures your choices are legally binding. With long-term care, there is a lot of misinformation regarding what assets are exempt and what are vulnerable or available to a long-term care facility to pay for your care upon your death. For a married couple, there are some fairly generous benefits or exemptions, but for someone who is single or widow/widower, the exemption becomes narrower. Specifically, says Grosskopf, the state is cracking down on estate recovery and is making it a priority to go after assets. There is now a five-year look back period that includes a divestment penalty for giving away assets within the five years before going to a nursing home or other long-term care facility. In addition, there is now an additional five-year restriction after approval of Medicaid that limits a person’s ability to give assets away. “The state of Wisconsin has become increasingly keen on restricting and limiting what you can give away or rights you can retain, and has become much more aggressive on enforcing ‘estate recovery’ against assets that you may own.”
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If you have a disabled child, it’s also important to speak with an attorney. “There are specific things you’ll want to do to be sure he or she doesn’t lose government benefits. For some families, that’s an important thing to be aware of.”
For business owners, Grosskopf often recommends the use of an LLC, or Limited Liability Company, a hybrid between a corporation and a partnership. “The advantage of an LLC is that is has a protection of liability in case there’s some claim against the business. Should that occur, your personal interests are protected. It eases the simplicity of a partnership while offering the protection of a corporation.” In regards to estate planning, the structure of an LLC can provide for business continuation, including designating managers or succession managers, transferring ownership, and/or naming your children as silent partners or owners.
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW With estate planning, says Grosskopf, education is key. “What’s more telling for people is what happens if they don’t plan; with that, there is often going to be some unforeseen circumstances. By doing proper planning, the assets you do have are protected as much as possible, and you can direct where they go while minimizing taxes. If your spouse is on the way to the nursing home, oftentimes, that’s too late. The more you preplan the better off a person is.”TLW Editor’s Note: Attorney Peter Grosskopf, with the frim Grosskopf Law Office LLC, has more than 30 years of experience in elder law, estate planning, and probate and trust administration.
www.tlw.org
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TLW 81ST ANNUAL
SPRING CONFERENCE FAIRWAY FEVER: TEE IT UP FORE THE TLW
A
theme evoking sun-splashed days on the links greeted Tavern League of Wisconsin members as they descended on Eau Claire, April 4-7 for the 81st annual spring conference. Although golfing weather certainly wasn’t on tap for the more than 600 TLW member and vendors, the warm welcome by conference host, Eau Claire County/City Tavern League and the Plaza Hotel & Suites made up for Mother Nature’s lack of cooperation. MONDAY’S EVENTS The TLW Board of Directors met throughout the day Monday, covering a full agenda encompassing topics of local, state and national significance. Wrapping up the day’s events was a welcome party at The Complexx at Wagner’s. From 8 p.m. – midnight, partygoers enjoyed a buffet and cocktails while reconnecting with old friends and meeting new TLW members. During the evening, members could try their luck at a bean bag toss as well as the indoor driving range, plus take part in live band karaoke with Jenny and the Jets.
TUESDAY’S EVENTS The General Session attended by several hundred members opened with rousing renditions of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” performed by the Eau Claire Men’s Chorus. Linda John, Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire welcomed
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everyone to the city, followed by TLW Northern Zone Vice President Nancy Lorbetske, and Dino Amundson, president of the Eau Claire City/County Tavern League. Next up was TLW President Terry Harvath, who as usual, had a little fun with the convention theme. Not to be outdone by Amundson, who was dressed in modern-day golf shirt and cap, President Harvath entered the ballroom, fairway driver in www.tlw.org
2016 Spring Conference Summary hand, sporting traditional Scottish golf attire, complete with tasseled cap and argyle vest. After a few self-deprecating remarks, President Harvath shared information from the previous day’s board meeting, and then introduced Secretary Erin Farrar and Treasurer Tom Dahlen who each presented their reports. Following a standing ovation, former Green Bay Packer and Super Bowl Champion Frank Winters gave an informal keynote address that highlighted his time anchoring the offensive line that blocked for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Brett Favre. Winters opened up the floor to questions and his candid answers touched on all aspects of his 16-year career in the NFL.
TLW Executive Director Pete Madland closed the morning session by thanking members for their attendance at the conference. Madland emphasized how important it is to recruit new members. He went on to acknowledge 14 leagues that hit an all-time high in their membership rolls this year. “We have a good story to tell,” Madland stated. “We need to be proud to tell others about the good work the association is doing.” He went on to add, “If every league would get five new members, we’d have over 5,000 regular members.” Tuesday afternoon members attended seminars and the tradeshow featuring over 67 vendors. The silent auction was open all afternoon, allowing members to bid on many items donated by leagues, districts and vendors. Tuesday evening’s cocktail and costume party featured the music of Crystal and the Commotions, sponsored by ASCAP, and featured the live auction presided over by Colonel Pete Madland. The auction raised $16,875 for TIPAC.
Some of the highlights of Winters’ remarks: his respect for the Packers as an NFL franchise; winning Super Bowl XXXI, the greatest moment in his career; the many practical jokes Favre was known for both in the locker room and in team meetings; the team chemistry built through his years in the NFL’s smallest city; and his nod to Donald Driver and Bill Schroeder as two of the most talented athletes on the Packers’ roster during his tenure there. Winters, who owns a nightclub in Cleveland, acknowledged the hard work of Tavern League members. He also spoke about his time in small bars throughout the state. He said he learned through those visits the importance of the establishments to their communities, especially the good work bar owners do every day to give back to those less fortunate. Next, President Harvath presented Dana Skillrud the Tavern League of Wisconsin’s Presidential Award. Dana, instrumental in developing the TLW’s food safety course, has represented the TLW in many state meetings on food safety.
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2016 Spring Conference Summary WEDNESDAY’S EVENTS The conference opened on Wednesday with Robert “Bubba” Sprenger, the TLW’s ABL representative. Sprenger gave a brief re-cap of industry news from Washington, D.C. He indicated that Congress has finally passed a transportation bill but it has no new mandates on BAC levels or intoxilyzers. In other news, Sprenger said research continues on DADS (Driver Alertness Detection Systems) and the MIC coalition is working with the House Judiciary Committee regarding fairness in music licensing. The ABL annual meeting is scheduled for June 12-14 in Denver and Sprenger indicated the TLW will pay the $250 registration fee for members if they are interested in attending. Before turning the microphone over to Scott Stenger, TLW government affairs director, President Harvath thanked the 300 TLW members who attended Legislative Day on March 8. Harvath emphasized that many new members came to Madison to attend the meeting and visit with their legislative representatives.
One bill that passed and is fully supported by the TLW, according to Stenger, is Senate Bill 455 which makes a fourth offense OWI a felony and increases penalties for fifth and subsequent offenses. (For a complete overview of all bills in the last legislative session, contact Stenger Government Relations or the TLW office in Madison.) Stenger concluded his remarks with a review of the SafeRide program and the TLW’s role in creating a solution to the problem of drunk driving. Stenger reiterated that all OWI convictions are subject to a $50 SafeRide surcharge and due to additional support for the state legislature, the program should be safe for the foreseeable future. Following Stenger’s remarks, candidates seeking district level offices were allowed to introduce themselves to attendees and provide a brief campaign pitch. On Wednesday afternoon, TLW members attended the tradeshow and Executive Director Pete Madland visited vendor booths and awarded exhibitor prizes. District caucuses were held Wednesday afternoon, followed by the President’s Reception for TIPAC sponsored by Saratoga Liquor.
Stenger talked at length about the recently adjourned legislative session and how it was extremely successful in terms of bills that did not pass that could have been a detriment to TLW-member businesses. “Over 25 bills were introduced, including those criminalizing first offense drunk driving, sobriety checkpoints, expanded ignition interlock devices, intoxicated use of ATVs, snowmobiles and boats, etc., and none of these passed,” Stenger said. His presentation featured a full explanation of all the Assembly bills that were being considered, but eventually rejected, including a bill allowing wineries to sell liquor and a bill that would have allowed grocery stores and convenience stores to refill and sell growlers.
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2016 Spring Conference Summary THURSDAY’S EVENTS Thursday morning’s general business meeting got underway with a few announcements, including the final totals for the live and silent auctions. The silent auction netted $3,634 and the live auction generated $16,875 for a combined total of $20,509 for TIPAC. Next, Brad Schinke, sixth district director presented the CORE Report. Following his presentation, the Nomination Committee Report was given by Dave Hills of the Walworth County Tavern League. Rules Committee Chairman Mike Vales from Marquette County announced winners of that morning’s elections, and all newly elected officers were sworn in. The morning session wrapped up with a DVD presentation of the four-day event, and after closing remarks by President Harvath, the conference was adjourned. The Eau Claire City/County President’s Reception followed at Lake Hallie Golf Course. A big thank you is extended to Eau Claire City/County Tavern League, the city of Eau Claire and The Plaza Hotel & Suites for their hospitality during the TLW’s four-day conference. TLW
April 2016 Election Results All offices are for 2 years unless otherwise noted: Eastern Zone Vice President (1 year) Terri “Sassy” Buman 18 Bob Geitner 17 First District Director Jen Collison Lou Larson
20 10
Fifth District Director (1 year) Tom Dorsey Harlon Wright
17 12
The following candidates were running unopposed: Southern Zone VP (1 year) Jim Pickett Southern Zone VP
Dan Taivalkoski
Central Zone VP (1 year)
Lori Frommgen
Central Zone VP
Robert “Bubba” Sprenger
Northern Zone VP (1 year)
Nancy Lorbetske
First District Director
Dennis Salverson
Second District Director (1 year)
Kathy Proffitt
Second District Director
Eric Christenson
Third District Director
Dan “Tuna” Frisch
Third District Director (1 year)
Todd Giraud
Fourth District Director
Tim Tomchek
Fifth District Director
Ray “Bear” Bruch
Sixth District Director
Judy Vandenhouten
Sixth District Director (1 year)
Brad Schinke
Seventh District Director
Diane Schwartz
Seventh District Director (1 year)
Kris Zappa
Eighth District Director
Russ Fisher
Ninth District Director
Lorie Helm
**New Board Members also include: Eighth District Director (1 year) Keith Kern
Nominations for Fall 2016 Senior Vice President
Chris Marsicano
Secretary
Erin Farrar
Treasurer
Tom Dahlen
All stand unopposed and will be sworn in at the Fall Convention in Wisconsin Dells. www.tlw.org
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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
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ot only is MillerCoors the largest beer producer in the state of Wisconsin, churning out more than eight million barrels of beer each year, it’s also a strong proponent of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, having supported the organization at least since the 1940s, if not before. “We’ve been involved with the Tavern League for many years … we may even be an original partner,” says James “Junior” Wright III, MillerCoors’ general manager for Wisconsin. “Obviously, Tavern League members are some of our most important customers. We not only want to support them, but offer them great brands and quality products. Our ultimate goal is to put beers in your bars that you can sell, that customers want and that make you money. When our customers — tavern owners — are happy, we’re happy.” While MillerCoors’ products are delivered via distributors, the company is directly involved with the Tavern League, attending conventions and manning a booth to share new products and programs. The company also sponsors the Milwaukee Brewers’ Tavern of the Game, a promotion that’s been going on for several years. For every televised game, MillerCoors and Tavern League give away 40 MillerLite Beer Pen tickets to a Wisconsin tavern. As a sponsor of the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Green Bay Packers and more, MillerCoors also helps drive brand recognition, which has a trickle-down effect to taverns. “We are a top brand. We offer great beers, great people, brands that sell and a lot of great programs that help Tavern League members get customers in the door,” says Wright. One such program is the company’s Building with Beer tool, which helps analyze a tavern’s tap handle business to maximize profitability. “Many bar owners don’t know the profitability of the individual beers they have on tap. With Building with Beer, we can help bar owners understand the profitability of their draft beer lineup, whether its two handles or 50 handles,” says Wright. “This tool helps analyze your business to better understand which brands will make the most money based on how much you charge, the velocity of brand, customer demand, glassware size, pricing scenarios and more.” Introduced about a year ago, Wright recommends that Tavern League members contact their local distributor to walk
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through the Building with Beer tool. “It’s something we are pretty passionate about,” he says, “and it’s really a big opportunity to help bar owners.” In addition to its commitment to bar owners, MillerCoors wants to ensure bar patrons get home safe. In 2014, MillerCoors helped 1.4 million people get home safe with free rides, taxi rides, voucher programs and the like, which brought the company’s cumulative total to more than 13.7 million people since 2009. This far surpasses the company’s goal set for 2015 for 10 million riders. In turn, MillerCoors has increased its commitment to its sustainability and alcohol responsibility programs, setting a 2020 goal to encourage 20 million people to participate in planning ahead and taking a safe ride home. How is the company achieving this? By activating a meaningful alcohol responsibility program in each of its top 100 priority markets annually. In Wisconsin, this includes Miller Lite Free Rides on holidays such as New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day (in Milwaukee) and free rides for the season opener in Green Bay, among other opportunities. In terms of brands, MillerCoors has introduced a number of new brands in the past six to eight months, including Henry Winehard’s Hard Soda. Right now, two are available — Orange and Ginger Ale— with a Cherry Cola debuting in August. These hard sodas are made with cane sugar and contain alcohol. “Flavored malt beverages like this,” says Wright, “are actually growing faster today than craft beers. People are interested in sweet, they’re interested in flavor, and these appeal to a broad spectrum. It’s definitely a growing category, and Tavern League members need to be out front with this.” Also worth mentioning, says Wright, is Leinenkugel’s new Wisconsin Red Pale Ale, which is only available here in the state. In business since 1855, the company appreciates the opportunity to have forged such a deep, strong connection with the Tavern League and its members. “We wouldn’t be where we are without their help,” says Wright. “We appreciate this ongoing partnership.”TLW MillerCoors P.O. Box 482 Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-931-3129 www.millercoors.com www.tlw.org
SPECIAL CLUB MEMBERSHIP PLATINUM CLUB MEMBERS OUTAGAMIE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE OSHKOSH CITY TAVERN LEAGUE PORTAGE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE WAUSHARA COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE TLW 3RD DISTRICT TLW 5TH DISTRICT
GOLD CLUB MEMBERS DODGE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE DOOR COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE MANITOWOC COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE OCONTO COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE TLW 7TH DISTRICT
SILVER CLUB MEMBER REPP’S BAR
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 800-445-9221
Tee it Up with Your Peers Don’t Miss the 18th Annual TLW State Golf Outing Monday, September 12, 2016 Kestrel Ridge Golf Club, Columbus, Wisconsin Four-person Scramble Event with Shotgun Start Begins at Noon $100 Per Person Fee Includes: Golf Cart, Beverage Tickets, Lunch, Dinner & Awards Event is Limited to 72 Teams
Please visit www.tlw.org for more information and to register. www.tlw.org
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LEGISLATIVE NOTES 2016 FALL ELECTION PREVIEW BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
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he 2016 election is shaping up to be unpredictable, headlined by the top of the ticket in the race for president. Presidential turnout in Wisconsin is typically 10-20 percent higher than non-presidential years, and usually favors Democrats as the race draws in certain demographics of voters that don’t vote regularly, such as young college students. Republicans have not won Wisconsin in a presidential election since 1984. In Wisconsin, state constitutional offices (governor, attorney general, treasurer, and secretary of state) are all four year terms that offset with the presidential election, meaning none of those races are on the ballot this fall. Wisconsin will see a U.S. Senate race, races for all eight congressional seats, plus 16 of 33 state Senate races are on the ballot as well as all 99 state Assembly seats. Candidate nomination papers started circulating on April 15 and must be filed on June 1, when the slate of candidates is finalized.
U.S. SENATE Six years ago in the 2010 Republican wave election, Ron Johnson upset popular U.S. Senate incumbent Russ Feingold. Late last year, Feingold announced his plans to run again for his old job, setting up a rematch.
U.S. CONGRESS All eight congressional seats are up, and the incumbents are likely to win re-election in seven of them. In the 8th Congressional District, however, Republican Reid Ribble somewhat unexpectedly announced earlier this year that he wouldn’t be running for re-election, immediately creating a potential pick-up opportunity for Democrats. While the seat leans Republican, it is close enough where this can be a tight race, especially in a presidential turnout year. State Sen. Frank Lasee and Mike Gallagher, a former Marine and foreign relations staffer in the U.S. Senate, have announced their intentions to run on the Republican side. Democrats have lined up Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson as their candidate.
WISCONSIN STATE SENATE Republicans control the Wisconsin State Senate by a 19-14 margin.
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The most vulnerable of the seats for the Republicans is in the 18th Senate District, where incumbent Sen. Rick Gudex has announced he isn’t seeking re-election. While Republicans had previously held this seat for 50 or more years, they lost it during the recall elections of 2011, only to regain it a year later in 2012. Four years ago, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney won the district with 50.6 percent of the vote. Democrats have recruited current Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris to run for the seat, while two Republicans have announced, Republican activist Dan Feyen and Mark Elliot, a businessman and former pastor. In the next tier of races, Sen. Rob Cowles (2nd District from Green Bay), Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (10th District from River Falls), Sen. Tom Tiffany (12th District from Little Rice) and Luther Olsen (14th District from Ripon) all represent seats that lean Republican, but can fluctuate depending on the political environment and the candidates that are running. Dave Polashek, a former school administrator from Oconto Falls, has announced his intentions to run against Sen. Tiffany. Democrats have not yet announced candidates against Cowles, Harsdorf and Olsen.
WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY Republicans currently hold a sizable 63-36 advantage over Democrats in the State Assembly. All 99 Assembly seats are up for election this November. Two TLW members are running for open seats in the Assembly and have primaries on Aug. 9. Brad Schinke is running as a Republican in the 3rd Assembly District and Rob Summerfield is also running as a Republican in the 67th Assembly District.
TWO BILLS PASSED AT END OF SESSION TO HELP TAVERN OWNERS As the legislature scrambled in the last month of session to complete their action on hundreds of outstanding bills, there were two bills in particular that passed that help Tavern owners in Wisconsin.
ASSEMBLY BILL 864 Assembly Bill 864, authored by Rep. Tyler Vorpagel, was introduced to address the issue of citations in undercover sting operations. As you are aware, under current law, law enforcement can give a citation to either the bartender, or the licensee (but not both), if an underage person is served illegally. Assembly Bill 864 stipulates that if the violation is detected by means of a law enforcement sting operation, only the bartender (and not the licensee) may be cited. This bill was signed into law as 2016 Wisconsin Act 339 and has now taken effect. www.tlw.org
ASSEMBLY BILL 624 Assembly Bill 624, authored by Rep. David Steffen and Sen. Luther Olsen, make two somewhat technical changes to the law, but should help the tavern industry immensely. Under current law, retailers are required to maintain invoices for the purchase of beer and intoxicating liquor, for not less than two years. AB 624 specifies that the invoices may be kept electronically, allowing the tavern owner to decide the most
convenient way to store the records. Also, AB 624 repeals a current law that allow the electors of a municipality to determine by referendum, whether or not the municipality may issue retail licenses, and also a provision that allows residents of a residential district to file a petition to prohibit the municipality from issuing licenses within the district. TLW
TLW MEMBERS VISIT MADISON FOR LEGISLATIVE DAY The Tavern League of Wisconsin hosted its 32nd Annual Legislative Day in Madison on Tuesday, March 8. Approximately 300 TLW members, many of them new to the association, descended on the state capital to learn about issues of concern to their industry and discuss these concerns with their legislators. After a welcome by Legislative Day Chair Ray Bruch and TLW President Terry Harvath, Governmental Affairs Director Scott Stenger walked attendees through a number of issues that the Wisconsin Legislature addressed in the most recent session. As always, a number of legislators took the podium to discuss these issues and emphasize the importance of the input provided by TLW members. Following the general session, members walked across the street to the Capitol for one on one conversations with their legislators. These visits were followed by a reception sponsored by the TLW at the Inn on the Park. Thanks to all those who attended. Hopefully, time spent away from your businesses and in Madison at this event proved to be worthwhile. A special thanks is also extended to the members of WAMO and Altria for their financial support of this event. Next year’s date for the 2017 Legislative Day has not been established, but we hope more members will take the time to participate in this important event. Your voice needs to be heard and this is a great opportunity for that to happen. TLW Photos by Holly Leitner
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LEAGUE PROFILE POLK COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE
Polk
COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE
Members of the Polk County Tavern League work hard at fundraising for a variety of causes such as Special Olympics, Alzheimer’s Association, The Salvation Army, and Operation Christmas, to name a few.
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n the northwest corner of the state bordering Minnesota, the Polk County Tavern League is keeping busy.
In fact, right now the league is busy working on its first trapshooting tournament, which will be held June 12 at Balsam Lake Rod & Gun Club. The tournament, says Secretary Kevin Cassellius, owner of Kassel Tap in St. Croix Falls, is the Polk County Tavern League’s answer to a league golf outing and was inspired by a similar event the Grant-Iowa County Tavern League hosted last year. “We don’t have enough active golfers up here,” says Cassellius, “but we do like shooting, talking smart and drinking beer.” The tournament is open to all members and surrounding county Tavern Leagues. Groups can bring as many shooters as they’d like; the top five scores from each team will be counted. There will be prizes for first through third place, and a traveling trophy for last place. (Interested groups can contact Cassellius at 715-483-9390 for more information.) Last month on April 18, the league held its annual Spring Fling fundraiser and the money raised during this event will support a variety of organizations, including Special Olympics; Alzheimer’s Association; the hockey association; school backpack programs through Salvation Army; a youth fishing tournament; and numerous family benefits, says Cassellius. Each year, only 100 tickets are offered for sale for the Spring Fling event and each $100 ticket buys dinner for two. A variety of cash prizes are available, as well as raffles. For instance, there’s a raffle where attendees buy tickets for a chance to win one of five coolers; three have prizes in them, two are empty. Cassellius’s wife also runs a secret raffle where the winner has a choice between cash or a mystery prize. There are three mystery prizes – one of them is a “joke prize” – and the top cash prize is $150.
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“It’s usually a pretty good fundraiser,” says Cassellius. “It’s really the social event of the season.” The league also has a separate fundraiser to support its longrunning contribution to Operation Christmas, a Toys for Totslike program. On average, the Polk County Tavern League gives $10,000 to Operation Christmas each year. The league’s membership base is about 60 members, but that wasn’t always the case. “At one time, about 20 years ago, we were down to seven members, but with the help of a few people, we built it back up,” President Curt “Hager” Liljenberg said in a recent interview. “We currently have 57 members, and as soon as I’m done speaking with you, I’m going over to sign up another golf course.” A bartender at the United VFW Post #6856 in Milltown, Liljenberg and his fellow league leaders are working hard to grow the league. From a retention standpoint, the Polk County Tavern League adds value to members with its twice-a-year Beer Goggle Book, which is similar to a poker run. One book covers the Memorial Day through Labor Day time frame; the other runs from January through March. Now in its 16th year, the book originally wasn’t intended to be a moneymaker, but to introduce patrons to Polk County Tavern League members. But six years ago, the league started selling advertising, and almost every member and all distributors advertise. Now the league sells 800 books. Liljenberg says the ads cover all expenses, and sales of the books are profit for the League. “Everyone wants to get in that book,” he adds. TLW www.tlw.org
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT MCKENZIE LANES
McKenzie Lanes, located on Highway 35 outside Centuria, has an eight-lane bowling center, a bar that seats about 80 people and a restaurant. Jim and Kathy McKenzie bought the original business, located in downtown Centuria, from Jim’s parents in 1975.
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hen McKenzie Lanes first opened, the small town of Centuria had approximately five gas stations, three grocery stores, two hardware stores, two implement dealers, a lumberyard and a railroad, says owner Jim McKenzie. “We were a pretty busy little town.” Today, life in Centuria has slowed considerably, but McKenzie Lanes continues to thrive. McKenzie Lanes has been a family establishment since Jim McKenzie’s parents, Willy and Alta, bought the business in 1959 in downtown Centuria. In 1975, Jim and his wife Kathy purchased the business consisting of a four-lane bowling alley with a bar, small café and four hotel rooms upstairs. In 2001, the McKenzies built a bigger facility on Highway 35. “There used to be more self-employed people and farmers who didn’t mind coming into town late for bowling,” says McKenzie. “Now, things have changed; people are getting jobs, doing shift work and commuting to Minneapolis-Saint Paul.” The McKenzies now have an eight-lane bowling center. It has a larger bar that seats about 80, and a larger restaurant. There’s also an apartment on one side of building for the family. “We have a lot of tables in the restaurant and it’s quite an asset to the business,” says McKenzie. Homemade pizzas and Kathy’s homemade soups are the biggest draws, according to McKenzie. “We have a lot of people who come just for the soups. We get a lot of compliments on those,” he adds. The restaurant also has a popular Friday fish fry.
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McKenzie believes that what draws people to the business is that it’s a family-oriented place with a friendly, long-tenured staff. In fact, McKenzie says, he hasn’t hired a new bartender in 10 years. “Our staff is very helpful and conscientious of serving our customers,” he says. “I think that helps. Plus, Kathy and I are kind of old timers in the community. People know us, and we’ve established a track record we’re proud of.” The McKenzie family has been involved with the Tavern League for the better part of the business’s existence. “My dad was a member back in the ‘60’s; he was secretary and was involved for many years. My wife and I weren’t involved when we first bought the bar, but we have been involved consistently for the last 20 years.” The McKenzies have stayed involved in the Tavern League because they are firm believers in the organization and what it offers fellow business owners. “In my point of view, the group offers so many positives. We’re very fortunate in Polk County because our officers do such an excellent job and are well liked. We’re proud to participate and be part of the Tavern League and everything they do. It’s a good organization, a brotherhood for tavern owners, where everyone can share their ups and downs, things to do and not to do.” TLW McKenzie Lanes 75 Highway 35, Centuria 715-646-2228 www.mckenzielanes.com
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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT OPERATION CHRISTMAS
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or 24 years, Alberta Olson has been helping bring Christmas cheer to less-fortunate families in Polk County through her program, Operation Christmas, which collects and distributes gifts during the holidays. “It started when I worked for Polk County Human Services and when I retired, I took it with me because no one else wanted to do it,” says Olson, Operation Christmas coordinator. Each year, Olson sets up 30 shelving units in the basement of the United VFW Post #6856 in Milltown and fills them with gifts donated by churches, organizations and private donors or purchased by Olson herself thanks to monetary donations. With the help of a volunteer, parents who have come on hard times, shop for their children in the VFW basement. All items are assigned a point value based on their dollar value and 100 points are allotted for each child. In addition to gifts, children get hats, mittens and socks, five to 10 stocking stuffers, and a blanket or stuffed animal. Families also receive a gift certificate for about $15 to purchase a holiday ham or turkey. “We usually serve 300–350 families,” says Olson, “which consists of 750–1,000 children.” Running for 12 days starting the first Monday in December (excluding Sunday), families set up appointments to shop, with one family coming through every 15 minutes for a total of 27 families a day. About one-third of families are repeat; the rest are new clients. For 16 years, Polk County Tavern League has been Operation Christmas’ major supporter, donating, on average, $10,000 a year. “They are our biggest contributor,” says Olson. “If I need anything during that time, the Tavern League, particularly Hager (Polk County Tavern League president), is there to help. I don’t know what I would do without them to tell you the truth. I know I can always depend on them if I need something.”
Polk County Tavern League is the largest contributor to Operation Christmas, typically donating $10,000 a year to the cause.
While the local cinema and ski lift both donate passes, one of Olson’s greatest needs each year is for teen gifts, such as gift certificates, CDs, games, sporting equipment, hooded sweatshirts, and makeup and perfume. “They [teens] are usually the hardest to buy for,” she says. “People usually buy for little kids, but we give to children up to 18 if they are still in school.” Operation Christmas, says Olson, helps fill a void during the holidays that isn’t covered by usual assistance programs. “I realize they get food stamps, but that’s for the basics; they don’t get extra at Christmas,” says Olson. “It’s hard for people around here. It’s actually a very poor county, and there are a lot of children who would go without Christmas if it weren’t for Operation Christmas.” TLW Operation Christmas P.O. Box 455 St. St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
To raise money for Operation Christmas, Tavern League members sell paper stockings, which helps bring awareness to the program as well. “By having the stockings all over the county, it really helps with PR. People are aware of the program and besides purchasing the stocking, they will make donations or even volunteer and help.”
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www.tlw.org
MEET THE DIRECTOR MEET THE DIRECTOR: JEN GUNNING In this column we’ll introduce you to a district director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin. The individual featured is a director representing the league that is highlighted in this issue. For the May-June issue, we’d like to introduce you to Jen Gunning, 7th district director.
Q: TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND, INCLUDING YOUR FAMILY AND THE LOCATION AND TYPE OF BUSINESS YOU OWN. Jerel and I have been married 22 years. We have two daughters 19 and 21, both in school for nursing in Rochester, Minnesota. Prior to owning Re-Pete’s, we owned and operated Club 95 in Hixton. We felt there was a dining niche missing in Black River Falls, so we purchased Re-Pete’s Saloon & Grill and opened it in December 2007. The facility has a sports bar atmosphere on one side and the other side is a quiet dining room. We feature a full menu ranging from steaks, chicken, seafood and pasta to Mexican, appetizers, burgers and sandwiches — available all day, every day, except Sundays when we’re closed. Friday night we feature a traditional Wisconsin fish fry and on Saturday, our special is prime rib.
Q: WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN BECOMING A TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBER? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER AND WHAT OFFICES, IF ANY, DID YOU HOLD LOCALLY BEFORE BECOMING 7TH DISTRICT DIRECTOR? When we first purchased Club 95, my father, who owned a bar for many years, was adamant we join the TLW as it was the only association that was watching out for the welfare of my business. We’ve been members for 12 years. I became the secretary/treasurer of Jackson County Tavern League soon after. I’ve remained treasurer for 11 years, SafeRide coordinator for four years and a 7th District Director (two-year term) for six years.
Q: ARE THERE SPECIFIC ISSUES THAT ARE UNIQUE TO THE 7TH DISTRICT THAT YOU’D LIKE TO WORK ON? We are monitoring the bills that keep being introduced on behalf of the wineries as we have quite a few in our district. Yes, we’d like to see them succeed as it brings more tourists to our area, but not at the cost of our businesses. They opened knowing the laws pertaining to their operation. Membership is also at the forefront. Over half of the counties in the 7th District are at a five year high. We keep stressing the www.tlw.org
importance of membership to remain a strong association and it is paying off.
Q: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBERS TODAY? I see all the OWI legislation that keeps being introduced session after session as a serious issue that we need to focus on. Other issues affecting our businesses are music licensing and wineries.
Q: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A DISTRICT DIRECTOR? I like being able to pass on the knowledge that I’ve gained from board meetings and conventions to our members. I like being able to impart all the positives this association has done and the work we continue to do. The TLW gets a bad rap in the media and it’s important to show all of our charity work, the numbers of people we employ, the taxes we pay and the impact we have on the state.
Q: HOW ELSE ARE YOU INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? I was on the Black River Area Chamber Board for five years serving as president for a one-year term. I also work with Riverfront Industries which employs physically and mentally handicapped individuals. My establishment serves as an assessment place for them and I employ Big Willy who is my silverware roller extraordinaire! Recently, I’ve partnered with local photographers by displaying and selling their photos in my dining area. The proceeds go directly to the artist. It’s been a great conversation starter with the tourists and locals and it gives us a chance to show off our beautiful community. TLW
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414.259.9161
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FEATURED AFFILIATES
BADGER MUTUAL INSURANCE
STAR CONNECTION/LODGEVISION
Milwaukee-based Badger Mutual Insurance has been in business for more than 125 years, dating back to 1887.
2016 marks the 20th anniversary for Star Connection/ LodgeVision, a digital television and telecommunication services company based in Baraboo.
“Badger Mutual is able to maintain a close-knit family atmosphere and personal, genuine customer service,” says Dan Nigro, vice president of marketing/information technology. “Although we have one home office with less than 100 employees, we are represented by 175 agencies in over 300 locations in Wisconsin.” For TLW members, Nigro says: “Badger Mutual’s Sports Bar and Tavern Program has the coverage you need.”According to Nigro, the program can be customized to fit a member’s specific needs. Whether that’s increasing or decreasing coverages, or adding or subtracting certain coverages, the program can be catered to fit the specific need of a person, their business, and employees. “As a company, we have been working very hard on improving the products we offer,” says Nigro. “By adding unique coverages to our programs, such as Cyber Liability Coverage, our insurance protection can better fit the needs of the modern-day business owner.” Other coverages Badger Mutual offers include, but are not limited to: worker’s compensation; umbrella liability; business income; glass; signs; crime coverage; liquor liability; and inland marine coverages. He continues by saying Badger Mutual Insurance’s main priority is protecting its clients when they need it most. As an affiliate member of the TLW and by supporting its members, Nigro says agents get to know their insureds, their families and the businesses that mean so much to them. Approximately half of the company’s commercial book of business is comprised of bars and taverns. In fact, bars and taverns have become Badger Mutual’s niche. “By attending TLW events and speaking firsthand with bar and tavern owners in Wisconsin, we have been able to customize an insurance product that will provide the protection they need and deserve,” Nigro says. “We are proud that we are able to support the TLW members who have been dedicated to owning and operating their business so successfully,” he concludes. “After meeting many TLW members at the recent convention in Eau Claire, we now know that they share the same values that we have here at Badger Mutual: genuine care for their customer and a sincere dedication to their job.” Badger Mutual Insurance Company 1635 W. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204 • 414-383-1234 www.badgermutualinsurance.com
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“The business started when big outdoor dishes were popular,” says Anastasia Stampe, the company’s accountant. “We have years of experience and have done simple TV installations up to more complicated ones for hotels.” She says Star Connection/LodgeVision knows that TV is a very important part of the service bars and restaurants offer to its customers. “We deliver a good service, so customers stay longer at the bar, which means more profit to the owner,” she says. “It’s a win/win for everyone.” Star Connection/LodgeVision employs about a dozen people out of its Baraboo office, but provides these services to hotels, restaurants, bars, hospitals, correctional institutions, stores, gyms and offices across the country: high-definition digital television (satellite or cable); broadband internet (wi-fi or hard-wired); audio systems; high-definition, closed-circuit television security systems; and phone systems. Star Connection/LodgeVision is an authorized dealer for Charter and Time Warner cable services in Wisconsin, but also offers other services nationwide. Its staff also provides installations for Dish Network and DirecTV as satellite options for TV. “When a customer calls, we will see what they currently have, what’s available in their area, which option will save them money and then recommend the best service,” she adds. “We’re a one-stop shop.” As a current promotion, Strampe says DirecTV and Dish Network are offering a two-year price guarantee. She feels this is a good promotion for TLW members interested in locking in a contract for the next couple of years, a “set and forget” for their TV service. She also would like members to know the business offers security installations, both CCTV (unmonitored) and other systems that are linked to the local fire and police stations. These have been popular with TLW members who already use Star Connection/ LodgeVision for their TV services. “We specialize in these things so that when bar owners call us, we can evaluate what they have and offer them competitive services,” she says. Star Connection/LodgeVision S2634 Cty. Rd. BD, Ste. 1, Baraboo, WI 53913 • 608-355-2025 www.lodgevision.com www.tlw.org
Super Sports
SafeRide
Breast Cancer
VFW
BLUEGRASS LED LIGHTING Bluegrass LED Lighting has its roots in Kentucky, so it was natural to pick a name that honored the bluegrass state, explains Larry Lanham, one of three employees in this small, yet robust company. They joined the Tavern League of Wisconsin in February 2015, and since then, Lanham says the experts at Bluegrass LED Lighting have been working with owners to reduce their energy and maintenance costs related to lighting. TLW members have been most interested in recessed ceiling lights, and replacing those incandescent and fluorescents with LED lights. Also, in their kitchens, many tavern owners are replacing the 4-foot-long fluorescent tubes with LED tubes. “Anything with LED technology is probably a 90 percent energy savings over incandescent and 50 percent savings over fluorescent,” Lanham explains. “Then, we eliminate the maintenance because LEDs last five times longer. No more purchasing lamps and installing lamps.” Lanham says LEDs have a number of other benefits to tavern owners. First, they’re a good environmental product and contain no mercury. They also do not flicker, hum or operate off a ballast in the same way fluorescents do. “Everyone’s been very happy with these lights,” he adds. He says a big focus of Bluegrass LED Lighting is to help customers get rebates on the products they buy and it’s something they’ve been very successful doing. So much so that the savings are passed onto the customer up front, so they don’t have to wait the month or more for the rebate to process, Lanham explains. “The TLW is a good fit for us as an affiliate member.” Lanham says, “We’re able to stay with what we’re good at, a small business working with other small businesses.” He says that as a small business, Bluegrass LED Lighting understands the challenges TLW members face, especially in fixed costs. “We’ve been able to help them reduce energy and maintenance, but also receive a quick payback on the LED systems,” Lanham says. “It’s been a good deal for them.” The most exciting thing in LED today is the prices, he adds. They have come down drastically through the years, but the technology continues to improve. The biggest hold up TLW members have is the initial cost, but Lanham says the returns come fast and in full. Bluegrass LED Lighting 8383 Greenway Blvd., Ste. 600, Middleton, WI 53562 • 608-826-7400 www.bluegrasslighting.com
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Mike Disher - Matt Disher - Andrew Disher - Michael Disher II MAY/JUNE 2016
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ACCOUNTING HELP BEING PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED BY MICHELLE ENO, CPA
the financial and operational impact that each of these situations would have on your business.
IMPLEMENTATION
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ost business owners don’t want to think about operations being interrupted by an emergency or unexpected event. Yet the possibility is real. Will you and your staff know how to handle the situation if need be? Although you may not be located in an area prone to natural disasters, you still need to consider the possibility of power outages, cyber attacks, fire, data breaches, illness epidemics, and other potential hazards. Fortunately, there are many ways you can prepare your business for these types of emergencies. It is in the best interest of every business to identify potential risks and develop a plan to address them — before a crisis hits. Many resources are available to assist business owners in developing an emergency plan. Here are the necessary steps to help you create an emergency plan:
ASSESS YOUR RISK You will need to assess your risk by identifying all potential risks and hazards for your business, and, at the same time, create ideas for minimizing their impact. Your risk assessment should highlight threats that are considered probable and could cause injury, property damage, or business disruption. You will also need to analyze and determine
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Management will need to identify and assess resources, create written plans, develop a system to manage incidents, and train employees as needed. It is important to have written documents to contribute to successful program implementation. These documents could include crisis communications, emergency response, and business continuity plans.
MAINTAIN AND REEVALUATE To evaluate the success of employee training, management should run tests and drills to see what works. During this testing or an actual incident, as weaknesses in the program are revealed, it is important to document them and create strategies for eliminating these problems in the future.
EMERGENCY PLAN RESOURCES The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers many resources designed to help small businesses assess their emergency preparedness. The SBA website provides templates and worksheets that will help you gather the data you need to start the process of creating an emergency plan for your business. While the SBA website is very helpful, the SBA’s main form of emergency/disaster relief for businesses is the Disaster Loan Program. This program offers two types of disaster loans designed specifically for small business owners located in a declared disaster area.
Cross Ready Rating program, which is a free, self-paced program designed to help member businesses assess their level of emergency preparedness. The program is a 123-point self-assessment of your level of preparedness to show you areas of improvement. Through this program you will learn tips and best practices and most importantly, make a commitment to improve your “readiness” score each year.
USEFUL WEBSITE The website, preparemybusiness.org has other resources for emergency planning for business owners. From this website, you can access educational information on how to prepare your business for a disaster, webinars to help you plan your recovery strategy, and a framework of testing strategies to assess your emergency preparedness. Emergencies and disasters are unpredictable, and they can put you, your employees, and your business in jeopardy. However, many of their worst effects can be prevented, or at least minimized, through a structured emergency management plan.TLW Michelle (Shelly) Eno is Tax & Business Services Department Manager with Wegner LLP, CPAs & Consultants with offices in Madison, Baraboo, Janesville and Pewaukee. This article is not intended to give complete tax advice, but a general review of the subject matter. You can contact Michelle at 608-442-1951 or michelle. eno@wegnercpas.com
The American Red Cross provides resources for small business owners that are preparing for the possibility of disasters and emergencies. This organization offers The American Red www.tlw.org
AFFILIATE MEMBERS TLW AFFILIATE MEMBERS AS OF APRIL 25, 2016 AcclaimPOS Solutions Inc.
Dean’s Satellite & Security
Insurance Center
Pepsi Beverages Company
Ackley Novelty Inc.
Delafield Brew Haus
Johnson Brothers Beverage
Plunkett’s Pest Control
Affiliated Investment Group
DeVere Company Inc.
Just in Time Refrigeration LLC
Portesi Italian Foods Inc.
Allied Games Inc.
Dierks Waukesha/U.S. Foods
Karen’s Koasters LLC
POS Partners
Allied Insurance Centers Inc.
Dining Publications LLC
Precision Pours Inc.
American Entertainment Services Inc.
DISCUS
Kavanaugh’s Restaurant Supplies
American Income Life American Welding & Gas Amusement Devices Inc. B & K Bar & Restaurant Supplies B-M Music & Games Badger Mutual Insurance Company Baraboo Sysco Food Services BarsGuru Enterprises LLC Batzner Pest Control Bay Towel/Linen Rental Bayland Insurance Benedict Refrigeration Service Inc. Best Bargains Bevinco Bi-State Point of Sale Solutions Big Game Sports Cards/ Sterling Graphics Bill’s Distributing LTD. Blue Honey Bio-Fuels Inc. Bluegrass LED Lighting BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) Bob Schuchardt Insurance Brakebush Brothers
Disher Insurance Services Edge One Inc.
Kessenich’s Ltd. KevCorp International
Racine Amusement Inc. Rally Bus Red’s Novelty LTD.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
KLB Insurance ServicesIllinois Casualty
Elite Amusements
Kobussen Trailways
Retail Control Solutions
Emil’s Pizza Inc.
Lamers Bus Lines
Riverside Foods Inc.
Energy Distributing
Lebby’s Frozen Pizza
Rock Cheese Company
Engels Commercial Appliance Inc.
Lee Beverage of Wisconsin LLC
S & S Distributing Inc.
Legacy Advisor Network
Safe Harbor Payment Systems
Fabiano Brothers
LJP Insurance Agency/ Rural Mutual
Sam’s Amusement Co.
Fintech
Luiges Frozen Pizza Inc.
Flanigan Distributing
Sanimax USA LLC
Fleming’s Fire I
M & R Amusements & Vending LLC
Saratoga Liquor Co. Inc.
Flipside Coin Machines Inc.
Magnuson Industries Inc.
Focus on Energy Small Business Program
Mass Appeal Specialties Inc.
Foremost Business Systems
Meyer Brothers LLC
Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band
Micro Matic
Engineered Security Solutions
Friebert, Finerty & St. John S.C. Game Management Corp. Games Are Us Inc. GameTimeUpdates General Beer - Northeast Inc. General Beverage Sales Co.
MBE CPAs
Mid Wisconsin Beverage Midstate Amusement Games Midwest Amusements Midwest Coin Concepts of WI Midwest Hospitality Solutions Midwest Insurance Group Mike Lindy Amusements Inc.
Reinhart Food Service LLC
Sam’s Club
Schmidt Novelty Service Specialists Special Olympics Wisconsin Inc. Stansfield Vending Inc. Star Connection/LodgeVision Stevens Point Brewery Superior Beverages LLC Superior Vending Taylor Ent. of WI Inc. Tesch Chemical Think Ink & Design Ticket King Inc.
Brat Stop Products LLC
Gimbel, Riley, Guerin & Brown LLP
Bromak Sales Inc.
Glavinsured Agency Inc.
Milwaukee Pedal Tavern LLC
Capital Brewery
Great Lakes Amusements
Mitchell Novelty Co.
Cash Depot
Great Lakes Beverage
Modern Cash Register Systems
CCI Merchant Services
Great Lakes Distillery
Modern Specialty Company
Central Beer Distributors
Great Northern Amusements
Murphy Desmond S.C.
TRL Int’l. Mtkg Group/ Global Vending LLC
Central Ceiling Systems Inc.
Guardian Pest Solutions Inc.
National Chemicals Inc.
Unifirst
Chambers Travel
Gunderson Linen
Nei - Turner Media Group Inc.
City Screen Print and Embroidery
Hansen Foods LLC
New Glarus Brewing Co.
US Bank Payment Solutions/ Elavon
Health Markets Insurance Agency
NHS Food Service
Vern’s Cheese Inc.
Coffee Express Inc.
Heartland Payment Systems
Northern Lakes Amusement
Vital Tokens
Complete Office of Wisconsin
Hiawatha Chef, Bar and Janitorial Supply
Northwest Coin Machine Co.
Wausau Coin Machines Inc.
Cornerstone Processing Solutions Inc.
Northwoods Cab
WI Hospitality Insured
Corporate Casuals & Promotional Products
Holiday Wholesale Inc.
NSM Music Inc.
Wine Institute
Horizon Foodservice Equipment
On Mobile
HSC Business Brokers
Paradise Printing Company
Wisconsin Environmental Services
Hyer Standards
Park Ridge Distributing Inc.
Indianhead Foodservice Dist. Inc.
Pehler Distributing Inc.
County Wide Extinguisher Inc. Cover5.com D & D Amusement Games LLC www.tlw.org
Milwaukee Brewers
Tim-Todd Services Inc. TIPS Program Tito’s Handmade Vodka Tri-Mart Corporation Tricky Dick & Specialty
Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps Wisconsin Tavern
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NEW MEMBERS TLW NEW MEMBERS FEBRUARY 19, 2016 TO APRIL 19, 2016 DISTRICT 1 Kenosha City Paddy O’s Pub LLC Terry Phillips Kenosha Kenosha County Big House Bar Rich Couture Genoa City
Racine City Uptown Pub & Grill Lorain Micic Racine Racine County Cooler by the Lake Tavern Brian Olson Waterford Rock County Off the Hook Grub & Pub Nicholas J. Lambert Edgerton
DISTRICT 2 Columbia County Jack’s Tap Jada McGovern & Tara Glendenning Portage Dodge County Pribnow’s Maple Inn Gary P. Pribnow Ixonia Jefferson County Belmont Bar & Grill Richard Halverson Fort Atkinson Brock’s Riverwalk Jamie & Joe Brock Fort Atkinson Helenville Still & Grill Heidi Stuckey, DA Helenville Baba’s Thirsty Rhino Andrew Rosenow Watertown Gunnerz Pub & Grill Patrick Mikush Watertown n
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Logan’s Heroes Bruce & Julie Bill Loganville
Madison/Dane County Esquire Club John Kavanaugh Madison
Ring’s Bar Allen & Jane Ring Plain
Mr. Brew’s Taphouse Brad Wirtz Verona
Great Lakes Dragaway Randy Henning Union Grove
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The 920 Miguel A. Sanchez Watertown
Off Broadway Drafthouse Joe Klinzing Madison Silver Eagle Bar & Grill Mitch Marks Madison Waukesha County Boulder Junction Giuseppe Militello Brookfield Mugshotz Bar & Grill Craig Werner Pewaukee
DISTRICT 3 Grant/Iowa County Trader’s Bar & Grill Terry & Krystal Askevold Arena Fayette Saloon Jamie Anderson Darlington Pardtown Pub Ronald Rule Linden The Ridge Bar & Grill Kim Akins Ridgeway Monroe County Warriors Retreat Casey Chamberlain Sparta Smitty’s Overtime Inn Dawn Beghardt Tomah Sauk County Drifter’s Saloon Kim Brandt Loganville
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BS Bar & Grill Mary Schlough Reedsburg Donnie’s Restaurant Donnie Farrar Reedsburg Shooter’s Bar and Grill LLC Jeff Potts Reedsburg Touchdown Tavern Mike & Kari Walker Reedsburg
DISTRICT 4 Calumet County Split Happens Lanes M & J Schwartz Ent. Brillion Fond du Lac City/ County Marytown Tap Brian Luxem New Holstein Fat Boy’s Bar and Grill Josh Sippel St. Cloud Oshkosh City JJ’s Drinks & Dining James Redlin Oshkosh Twisted Roots Jeff & Brenda Stieg Oshkosh Sheboygan County Parnell Tavern Amanda Seil Cascade Sipp’s Bar-N-Grill Steve Sippel Cascade My Place Bar & Grill Sandra Susa Sheboygan The Silver Fern Eric Kriete Sheboygan
Washington County Big Guys II Big Guys II Hartford
Rick & Becky’s Sunrise Richard A. Kutil Wausau
Raceway Bar & Grill Gregory Chiconas Slinger
Marquette County Neenah Valley Memorial VFW Post 6003 Neenah Valley Memorial Post Oxford
Grasshopper Restaurant Stefanie Ulma West Bend
DISTRICT 5 Adams County Point Bluff Camping Resort Fred & Julie Wemmer Wisconsin Dells Green Lake Area The Kingston House Nicole Casey Kingston Langlade County Heartbreakers Bar & Grill LLC Jackie A. Hipke Antigo Marathon County Family Traditions Bar Dwayne Bembenek Hatley Marathon City Sports Center Dale Elliott Marathon Rib River Ballroom Inc. Philip G. Kramer Marathon 51 Bar & Grill LLC Scott A. Newbauer Mosinee Central WI Convention & Expo Center Dale Elliott Rothschild Cop Shoppe LTD. Rod Carlson Wausau Roc’s Place Tim Nawrocki Wausau
Firehouse Pub Station 9 Megan A. VanDerNoord Princeton Shawano County White Clay Lake Resort Linda Smentek Cecil Leaky Roof Saloon Kendall P. Eggert Gresham Rooster’s Bar & Breakfast Jerry Fuss Nichols Sandbar Grille Robert Jacques Shawano Waupaca County P J’s Chimney Inn Patrick & Janice Hetzel Weyauwega Waushara County R-Bar-N-Grill David M. Schneider Plainfield Lake of the Woods Campground Sue Scimeca Wautoma
DISTRICT 6 Brown County Jekyll and Hyde Mitchell Hyde Green Bay No Limits Jeremy Joseph & Jeff Connor Green Bay
www.tlw.org
54303 ., GREEN BAY, WI 2247 ULLMER CT sales@massappealinc.com
1-800-345-5432 NAT’L
Rum Runners Matthew Kispert & Jeff Hunter Green Bay Door County Steel Wheel Saloon Scott & Tina Nowak Brussels Marinette County Amberg Pub Mary Herlache Amberg Fisher’s Camp Chadwick Spaulding Athelstane Oconto County TNT Russted Nail Todd & Traci Lindstrom Mountain
Chippewa County Maple Hill Tavern Daniel Luzinski & Crystal Maier Boyd Missy’s Bar and Grill Melissa Christianson Chippewa Falls Eau Claire City/ County Bug Eyed Betty’s LLC Jordan Hedrington Eau Claire Bullpen Bar Craig F. Pingel Eau Claire Local Lounge Nick White Eau Claire
The Windmill Craig Garfield Oconto Falls
Pine Meadow Golf Club & Dining Inc. Mark Held Eau Claire
Kelly’s Sports Bar & Grill Kelly Drieger Suring
Pierce County The Big Horn Jim J. Kubiak Beldenville
Outagamie County Hideout Bar LLC Amanda Ernst Appleton
Bill’s Bar LLC Brittany K. Birmingham Spring Valley
Damn Yankees Watering Hole Damn Yankees Hortonville
Polk County Frederic Golf Club Tim Vasatka Frederic
Benchwarmers Bar Ken Zastrow Kaukauna
Lumber Jack’s Saloon & Pizzeria Stacy Irwin Milltown
DISTRICT 7 Barron County The Webb Matt L. Barrett Cameron Caddy Shack Bar Grill Katie Bernard Chetek Dutchman’s Bar Todd Miller Ridgeland
St. Croix County Harley & Jude’s Emerald Inn Judith Glenwood City
DISTRICT 8 Ashland/Bayfield County Airport Inn Terry Pfeiffer Ashland Sports Hollow Brian Mrnak Ashland
www.tlw.org
The Second Street Bistro Jere Schroeder Ashland Greater Northwoods Heart of the North Stephen Ogden Mercer Oneida County Three Lakes Winery Mark McCain Three Lakes
EMBROIDERY & IN-HOUSE CUSTOM SCREEN PRINTING Thousands of Advertising Items to Help Promote Your Business!!
Your Logo IS Our Business
ASSORTED COLOR MUSCLE TEE’S
SOLD IN PREPAKS: 2-S, 5-M, 3-L, 10-XL, 1-2XL, 2-3XL, 1-4XL
$3.95ea
Price County Soo Lake Resort Elke Kresin Phillips Sawyer County DJ’s Dock James Arnold Hayward Pat’s Landing Kristina TrelandNeumann Hayward Superior/Douglas County Landmark Lanes Carl Mencel Superior
COLORS INCLUDE: NAVY, RED, HEATHER GREY, BLACK, OLIVE, KELLY, WHITE, INDIGO BLUE
12 piece minimum. Includes one color, one location imprint
ASSORTED COLOR POCKET TEE’S
SOLD IN PREPAKS: 3-M, 10-L, 6-XL, 3-2XL, 2-3XL
$4.50ea
Steel Toe Tap David Regner Superior Vilas County Buckshot’s Saloon Daniel Ullsperger Eagle River O’Brien’s Pub Paul O’Brien Eagle River
DISTRICT 9 Milwaukee County Hospitality CJ’s Sports Bar John & Sue Kasprzyk Milwaukee
COLORS INCLUDE: NAVY, RED, HEATHER GREY, BLACK, BROWN, ORANGE, WHITE, FOREST GREEN, INDIGO BLUE
12 piece minimum. Includes one color, one location imprint
ASSORTED COLOR SWEATSHIRTS
SOLD IN PREPAKS: 3-S, 4-M, 7-L, 3-XL, 3-2XL, 4-3XL
$10.40ea
The Red Zone MKE Roger Hein Milwaukee
12 piece minimum. Includes one color, one location imprint
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.massappealinc.com MAY/JUNE 2016
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ASK THE BARTENDER
In this column, we answer some of the most often asked questions by Tavern League members. Please feel free to submit your questions for consideration to TLW Senior Vice President Chris Marsicano, cmarsicano@yahoo.com.
Q: I’VE HEARD THAT SOME LICENSES COST OVER $10,000. IS THAT TRUE?
Q: I AM SO CONFUSED BY ALL THE LIQUOR LICENSES AND THEIR CLASSES. I’M NOT SURE WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THEM FOR ME?
Q: HOW DOES MY TOWN OR CITY DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF LIQUOR LICENSES THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN MY COMMUNITY?
• Class “A” fermented malt beverage licenses allow retail sale of fermented malt beverages (beer) for consumption off the premises. Examples: grocery or convenience stores. • “Class A” liquor licenses allow retail sale of intoxicating liquor (including wine) for consumption off the premises. Examples: liquor stores or grocery stores with full liquor sales sections. • Class “B” fermented malt beverage licenses allow retail sale of fermented malt beverages (beer) for consumption on or off the premises. Examples: restaurants, “beer bars.” • “Class B” liquor licenses allow retail sale of intoxicating liquor (including wine) for consumption on the premises, and wine in original sealed containers and not more than four liters of intoxicating liquor for consumption off the premises in the original sealed container. State law also allows carryout of a single, opened (resealed) bottle of wine if sold with a meal. Examples: taverns and restaurants with full alcohol service. • “Class C” wine licenses allow the sale of wine for consumption only on the premises and allow the carryout of a single opened (resealed) bottle if sold on premise at a full service restaurant.
Yes that is true, “Reserve Licenses” are subject to a one-time fee of not less than $10,000.
The State is responsible for determining quotas and reserve fees, based on formulas set in 1940 of one license per 500 residents with existing licenses being grandfathered. Numbers of licenses available were restructured as of December 1, 1997.
Q: IF I WANT SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT LICENSING IN MY COMMUNITY WHERE DO I GO? Issuance of licenses are all controlled by the municipality. For more information regarding the availability and fees for “Class B” licenses, please contact the clerk in your municipality where the license will be issued or applied for.
Q: HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING A LIQUOR LICENSE? Contact the clerk for the city, village, or town where you wish to do business. The clerk will give you an application and information about legal requirements. After you apply, the clerk will publish the application three consecutive days in a local daily newspaper or once in a weekly newspaper to determine if there are objections in the community. The licensing authority (city council, council licensing board, town board, etc.) will vote on the application. The license may or may not be granted until at least fifteen days after the application is filed with the clerk. The license may or may not be issued pending a vote by your local governing body. TLW
• Temporary Class B licenses (often called picnic licenses) allow retail of malt beverages at temporary events like fairs and festivals. Only certain organizations qualify for such a license. They must be bona-fide clubs, county or local fair associations, churches, lodges, or societies that have been in existence for at least six months, and may not operate for pecuniary gain; selling alcohol beverages is only incidental to their operation.
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LOCAL LEAGUE UPDATES SPRING REGIONAL CAUCUS HELD IN SUPERIOR On March 21 over 50 members of the 8th District attended a caucus at Vintage Italian Pizza in Superior. The meeting, hosted by Superior/Douglas County Tavern League, included presentations from Executive Director Pete Madland and Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander). In addition, general business such as fundraisers was discussed along with the acceptance of nominations.
TLW MEMBERS GET AWAY TO LAS VEGAS
ONEIDA COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE TLW BOWLING EVENT
TLW members escaped the cold and snow this winter to enjoy some fun in the sun during the annual Las Vegas Getaway, Feb. 21-25. The trip, sponsored by the Tavern League of Wisconsin and The El Cortez Hotel & Casino, is always a great way to break up our long Wisconsin winter, while networking with fellow TLW members.
Thirty members of the Oneida County Tavern League gathered at Hodag Lanes in Rhinelander on Sunday, Feb. 28 for a first-ever bowling event in support of the TLW.
WALKER SIGNS BILL INTO LAW UNDERAGE CITATION AT LAMBEAU FIELD REVISION GOES INTO EFFECT On Tuesday, March 29 Gov. Scott Walker signed Assembly Bill 612 into law which helps the Village of Ashwaubenon issue additional licenses for the Titletown District being constructed by the Green Bay Packers, ultimately bolstering local economic development without increasing the liquor licenses available in the region.
TLW members Bob and Terry Boehnen attend the bill signing ceremony for Wisconsin Act 339, which specifies that only a bartender, and not a licensee, may receive an underage citation if the violation occurred during a law enforcement sting operation.
WANT TO SEE YOUR LOCAL LEAGUE FEATURED IN ON PREMISE? Send your photos and a brief description to: Pete Madland, petem@tlw.org • Chris Marsicano, c.marsicano@yahoo.com • Barb Howell, bhowell@ntmediagroup.com www.tlw.org
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ADVERTISER INDEX Promotional Products
1000’s of items for your advertising Pens • Calendars • aPParel • Bar Tokens
Many American Made Products Anheuser-Busch Inc. www.anheuserbusch.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 B&K Bar Supplies www.bandkbarsupplies.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Breakthru Beverage www.breakthrubev.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cornerstone Processing Solutions www.cornerstoneps.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Disher Insurance www.disherinsurance.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Edge One www.edgeone.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Fair Neon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Great Lakes Amusement www.glastore.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Halo Rep. - Jim Flynn Janesville 608-758-3470 or Cell 608-201-2055 Email: jimsspecialties@yahoo.com Website: www.halo.com/jimsspecialties
Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcap
Pulltab ProMotionS
Great Profits Employee Incentive Program Used Pulltab Machines Available More Info: 414-217-1731 wbohrer@wi.rr.com www.wimilkcaps.com
Great Lakes Amusement Cherry Master - Video Poker Pull tab disPensers Coin Pushers - rePlaCeMent Parts
PLAtinum touch 3 34 GAmes in one cAbinet Affiliate tavern League member Green Bay, WI 877-354-7544 www.GlaStore.com
Great Lakes Distillery www.greatlakesdistillery.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Jim’s Specialties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Magnuson Industries Inc. www.posi-pour.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Mass Appeal Inc. www.massappealinc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Advertise in
On Premise the official publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin
MillerCoors www.millercoors.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 NSM Music Inc. www.nsmmusic.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Reinhart Food Service www.rfsdelivers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 WAMO www.wamo.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Wisconsin Souvenir Milk Caps www.wimilkcaps.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 42
CONTACT:
Louise Andraski, Account Executive louisea@merr.com Direct: 608-873-8734 Fax: 262-245-2000 NEI-TURNER MEDIA GROUP
Wisconsin Wine & Spirit Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
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Please Enjoy Leinie’s Responsibly. ©2016 Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., Inc., Chippewa Falls, WI