Corporate Spotlight

WISCONSIN WINE AND SPIRIT INSTITUTE

Astrong legislative partner of the TLW and a corporate sponsor, the Wisconsin Wine and Spirit Institute is based in Madison, but supports industry members statewide. It works on behalf of the wine and spirits industries to ensure proper legislation is heard at the state level, explains Director of Advocacy Nathan Conrad. Closely following regulatory developments and working for fair legislative rules are at the top of this TLW corporate sponsor’s agenda. The institute also provides educational opportunities for its members.

As the Tavern League advocates for and monitors legislation on behalf of tavern and restaurant owners, the Wisconsin Wine and Spirit Institute is working for the distilleries and distributors, integral partners in the state’s beverage family. Without one, the other doesn’t exist.

“We provide members with proper representation at the state level, and also ensure the public has a positive outlook on the wine and spirits industries,” Conrad says.

This mission may sound very familiar to TLW members, as it is very aligned with the league’s goals for its members. Conrad explains that, while he is the spokeperson, the organization has a board of directors that monitors all areas, like any other similar institute.

“It’s so imperative to keep elected officials and their staffs apprised of situations we feel are important to the wine and spirits industry,” Conrad explains. “We keep both the private and public informed on these issues.”

He says, from COVID-19 restrictions to other in-demand topics, the TLW and Wisconsin Wine and Spirit Institute are involved in the same issues in Madison, making sure those who want to build a successful business and provide jobs in the wine or spirits industry can.

Conrad explains that, in Wisconsin, 55,000 people are employed in the industries that surround wine and spirits. In wages alone, that accounts for approximately $1.9 billion in economic impact, a huge indicator for the state. “That’s not only the wine and spirits industries working, but the distributors and the members of the Tavern League, who are extremely important to ensure a healthy and vibrant economy when they work hand in hand,” he adds. In the United States, it’s $350 billion of economic impact, just under 2% of the gross domestic product, an “extremely important industry” for the entire nation, Conrad continues. He’s been encouraged though not surprised to see the resilience of the TLW community as challenges have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic, trying to maintain staff positions and contribute to communities in need.

While legislators aren’t in session until the new year begins, the work doesn’t end in advocating and promoting all of these intertwined industries — wine and spirits, taverns, restaurants and so on.

“At the end of the day, the biggest thing we want to do is advocate for growth of the economy and continue to help secure good-paying jobs that will not only help the wine and spirits industry, but our inline workers as well, so we can help the members of the Tavern League,” he says.

The Wisconsin Wine and Spirit Institute is proud to be a part of the Tavern League. Conrad says there’s no doubt how important league members are in the state’s economy and the daily lives of so many throughout the state. He believes the Tavern League provides a special and unique opportunity for mom-and-pop businesses to grow, be successful and live an American dream. “The TLW affords these businesses the ability to grow. We’re adamant that continues and are happy to be partners,” Conrad concludes. TLW

WISCONSIN WINE AND SPIRIT INSTITUTE

22 N. Carroll Street, Suite, 200, Madison, WI 53703