PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE CLOSING OUT 2020 AND LOOKING AHEAD
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y the time you are reading this, 2020 will be drawing to a close. Many of us are glad to see it go, yet apprehensive about what lies ahead for our industry in 2021. What a year it was with our businesses put in a situation we never thought we’d experience — the complete shutdown of bars and restaurants throughout the entire state of Wisconsin. The TLW went into immediate action, getting out all of the information possible as fast as we were receiving it. Our only concern was what we needed to do for you, our members, so you would survive this devastating economic shutdown. Those of us with food could at least still sell some carryout, but our members without were shut down tighter than a drum. We left no stone unturned in finding ways to get businesses open so that our members could continue to pay their bills and feed their families. We got involved in the Supreme Court case, writing an amicus brief to bring the plight of all small businesses to the attention of the court. The court overturned the governor’s order and, after more than two months, we were able to open in time to catch what should have been a great summer season. We did the best we could—moving tables and barstools, social distancing, wearing masks, putting up barriers, cleaning and sanitizing, and anything else that would make our customers more comfortable. But on Aug. 15, we were hit with a mask mandate and, then in October, we were hit with Emergency Order #3, which limited our businesses to 25% occupancy. For many of our members, it was a moneylosing proposition to even open their doors. Again, the TLW swung into action filing a lawsuit on behalf of our members. A judge in Sawyer County granted a temporary restraining order, once again letting our members open to a greater than 25% capacity. Less than a week later, however, a Barron County judge struck it down. Back to square one. On appeal, the 3rd District Court upheld the restraining order. Talk about your head spinning! This is not over yet. The original order expires on Nov. 6, so we will see what happens.
“IF MAKING TONS OF MONEY WAS THE GOAL, WE ARE CERTAINLY IN THE WRONG BUSINESS. THE GRATIFICATION WE AS HOSPITALITY PEOPLE GET IS SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS, MAKING THEM FEEL SAFE AND COMFORTABLE, AND HOPING TO SEE THEM AGAIN ANOTHER DAY. WE WOULD NEVER ENDANGER OUR CUSTOMERS, OUR EMPLOYEES OR OUR FAMILIES.” Throughout this whole ordeal, I must share with you, our members, what TLW Executive Director Pete Madland, TLW Lobbyist Scott Stenger and myself experienced for sticking up for our members. Our goal was always for our members to be able to open safely, follow the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) guidelines, and be able to run their businesses so that they could continue to pay their bills and employees, and keep their doors open. Some people, not all, were under the impression that we were after nothing but money, caring nothing for the safety of our customers and employees, only wanting to get our patrons drunk and put them on the road, while filling our pockets. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our members, who are responsible citizens of the community, are just trying to survive. Over the last six months, I heard from many members in tears wondering how they were going to continue in a business that took their whole life to build. A business that allowed them to keep a roof over their head and feed their children. A business that they poured their heart, soul and life into making a reality. If making tons of money was the goal, we are certainly in the wrong business. The gratification we as hospitality (continued on Page 6)
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
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