Here’s your sneak peek for what to expect at the convention in Wisconsin
September 30-October 3, 2024
What are the best options to get your business “out there” and how do you get started?
The Tavern League stands with those leaders who stand with us.
The TLW Member of the Year is Bob Wagner, the former owner of Mr. G’s Supper Club in Jacksonport.
The TLW remembers Val Grunenwald of the Beacon Bar and Restaurant in Merrill.
PRESIDENT Keith Kern
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Cathy Vales
SECRETARY
Kris Zappa
TREASURER
Todd Giraud
SOUTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT
Jennifer Collison
SOUTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT
Keith Koehler
EASTERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Vinny Egle
EASTERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Don Mjelde
CENTRAL ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Paul Salzwedel
CENTRAL DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Bob Carpenter
NORTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT Donn “Dino” Amundson
NORTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Nancy Lorbetske
PAST PRESIDENT Chris Marsicano
MANAGING EDITOR
Carrie Mantey, Nei-Turner Media Group Inc.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Jerriann Mullen, Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. jem@ntmediagroup.com
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Danielle Letenyei Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. danielle@ntmediagroup.com
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On Premise (ISSN #1051-4562) is a bimonthly publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin Inc., 11801 W. Silver Spring Dr., Ste. 200, Milwaukee, WI 53225, Phone: (608) 270-8591.
On Premise is produced by Nei-Turner Media Group Inc., 400 Broad St., Unit D, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Gary Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President; Barbara Krause, Publisher.
For advertising information, please contact Danielle Letenyei at (608) 438-6996 or danielle@ntmediagroup.com. Subscriptions are included in TLW membership dues; nonmember subscriptions cost $15 per year.
Postmaster: Send address corrections to the Tavern League of Wisconsin Office, 11801 W. Silver Spring Dr., Ste. 200, Milwaukee, WI 53225. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI and other additional offices.
And just when everyone thought things were getting back to normal, inflation and supply chain issues were improving, and interest rates were coming down ...
The second half of 2024 said hold my beer and watch this. Regardless of your political views, the last couple months have been wild.
With the primary elections in the past and the ballot now locked down for November, things still have a chance to change significantly. But as we move closer to the elections, the TLW will have a full list of endorsements and a successful convention to help support our friends.
Switching gears, it continues to be a busy summer on the road getting around the state for various events, plus I took a short trip to San Antonio for the American Beverage Licensees (ABL) annual meeting. Several of us converged in Texas to have a joint event with our friends from the Texas Package Stores Association (TPSA).
From educational speakers in the industry to discussions on hospitality trends to a large trade show, it almost felt like we were at another TLW convention or conference. I will say, though, that the motto that Texas does it big definitely plays true. The TPSA and ABL did a great job, and we appreciate both their hospitality.
We also extended an invitation for some of their leadership to make the trip up to Wisconsin Dells for the upcoming TLW Fall Convention & Trade Show.
With our convention right around the corner, we are finishing up all of the planning and details. We are especially excited to announce that we have booked another highenergy band, Super Tuesday , to rock and roll the crowd for our Tuesday night party.
And just when everyone thought things were getting back to normal ... the second half of 2024 said hold my beer and watch this.
With our convention right around the corner, we are finishing up all of the planning and details ... Registration and room blocks are still currently open at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, and we are hoping to hit the 1,000 mark this fall.
Registration and room blocks are still currently open at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions , and we are hoping to hit the 1,000 mark this fall.
From League Leaders Day to the State Golf Outing, it’s definitely been a busy couple of months. And as the dog days of summer continue to carry on, with a Brewers push and a Packers season underway, we still have something to distract us from thinking about the next season.
Although I personally enjoyed the last winter we had, I do know how important snow is for our members and industry, and I hope we get a more seasonable winter (just minus the weeks of subzero temperatures that even the most avid winter hopeful dislikes).
Who knows? Maybe I’ll bust out the ice shelter and get invited to a local league’s ice fishing tournament somewhere in the state. I’ll consider it ... well, just as long as the beer doesn’t freeze.
As always, it continues to be my pleasure representing each and every single one of you, and I’m grateful for the trust you have instilled in me as your president.
As times and trends continue to change, it’s been an honor to work with the board to navigate our way and continue to shape our great association.
I’m still only a call away for any and all questions or concerns, or if you ever want to invite me to attend a local meeting or event. Please reach out!
Cheers, Keith Kern TLW President
We recently held League Leaders Day in Stevens Point, changing things up from its usual Oshkosh location. In addition to a briefing on the coming elections, we thought it would be a good idea to bring in strategic planner Russ Salzman, CEO of Sea Level Solutions , to help local leaders focus on their local organizations and goals.
Attendees were urged take a critical look and self-assessment of their organizations, including their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Commonly known as the SWOT analysis, responses to each varied among the leagues, but themes did emerge. For example, most of us would like to improve membership levels and get more people involved in completing needed tasks.
The points raised during the session were too numerous to list, but among those emphasized by Salzman was the need to bring people into leadership roles before those in charge are burned out. It’s better for outgoing leaders to elevate others earlier, so they can help the new folks transition to leadership roles rather than just turn over league records and wish them luck. In other words, identify tomorrow’s leaders early and bring them along to ensure the organization remains strong at the end of any transition.
We’ll likely have a follow-up League Leaders Day meeting at the Fall Convention & Trade Show in Wisconsin Dells. Salzman will be there to continue the dialog that began at League Leaders Day and discuss progress.
Also mentioned at the meeting was the need to be active in this fall’s elections. Presidential elections have higher turnouts, so candidates are looking for all the help they can find to assist in getting the word out, especially because legislative redistricting intensified this campaign cycle.
Local leagues drove the Tavern League’s endorsements, which you can find on Page 21. While the TLW is open with members about those legislators and candidates who have been friendly to our issues and those who have not, it is ultimately up to local leaders to establish relationships with their legislators and candidates, so please get involved with your local legislative candidates. Since they are facing new district lines, they’re looking to establish relationships with local business owners and community leaders now more than ever.
Helping candidates that are friendly to the Tavern League is vital to maintaining our influence in protecting our members when decisions are made in the Capitol.
This creates the perfect opportunity for our members to build close relationships with the people who will represent them in Madison and will have a big role in shaping policies that will affect Wisconsin’s alcohol retail industry.
There are a lot of things you can do to get involved. Be sure to seek out candidate events to attend. Donate money or offer to help out on the campaign, even if it’s just knocking on doors or putting up yard signs. Helping candidates that are friendly to the Tavern League is vital to maintaining our influence in protecting our members when decisions are made in the Capitol.
The next two years will see a lot of new members of the legislature. These new legislators will tackle a myriad of issues affecting the industry, including overseeing the implementation of the new alcohol laws that were passed last year. The Department of Revenue and its new Alcohol Enforcement Division will be seeking legislative approval of an overhaul of operator license renewals and possibly increased staffing for enforcement, just to name a few. The TLW will need to have input throughout that process.
Of all the groups involved in the state’s alcohol industry, it’s the TLW that represents the strongest grassroots organization. We have 5,000 members from communities throughout Wisconsin. Our members are opinion leaders and elected officials in our communities, and your views are respected. We provide 160,000 jobs to the state, paying over $2.5 billion in taxes and over $3 billion in wages, and state leaders need to be made aware of it.
Please use your influence to make a difference this fall and participate in the electoral process over the next two months. It will pay big dividends for you and the Tavern League in the months and years to come.
Sincerely,
Mark Jefferson TLW Executive Director
SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION these groups for their support, and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support those who support us.”
Make sure to thank these groups for their support and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call the TLW office at (608) 270-8591 for more information regarding the benefits of the different categories. Remember to “support those who support us.”
sure and thank these groups for their support, and encourage others not on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call office (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support those who support us.”
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HOW A RESTAURANT CLOSING CHECKLIST BENEFITS YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENT
Tasks for Front-of-House Staff:
• Make sure servers have closed their tables properly and have cashed out for the night
• Take out the trash and secure the garbage or dumpster area
• Polish glassware and roll silverware for the next day
Tasks for Back-of-House Staff:
• Clean and sanitize food prep areas and work surfaces
• Take inventory and report low-stock items
• Update food labels
Tasks for Managers:
• Reconcile or balance cash registers
• Properly secure all cash in a drop safe
• Take notes on the night’s operations
• Set building alarms and lock the doors
Some of the main benefits of a thorough and consistent closing checklist include enhanced restaurant safety, energy savings, improved organization and smoother business operations, and reduced business risk.
To learn more about how Society Insurance can help your business, contact your local agent today.
This information is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It is provided to assist you in recognizing potential unsafe work problems or conditions and not to establish compliance with any law, rule or regulation.
Long-standing industry expertise means that nobody understands the unique challenges of protecting your hospitality business better than Society Insurance. Offering tried-and-true specialized programs, we are proud to provide comprehensive coverage for restaurants and bars.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells
Monday, September 30
8:30 a .m . to 3 p .m .
Food Safety Class and Exam
The class and exam are open to members and nonmembers. Preregistration is required.
9 a .m . to 5 p m
TLW Board of Directors Meeting
2 p m to 6 p .m
Registration and $2 Bill Exchange
6 p .m . to 11 p .m
Dells/Delton Area Tavern League Welcome Party
Location: Bobbers Island Grill, 750 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy. S, Wisconsin Dells. The band Retro Specz will entertain.
Tuesday, October 1
8:30 a .m . to 5 p .m
Registration and $2 Bill Exchange
8:45 a .m to 9 a .m .
Nominating Committee Meeting
9:15 a .m . to 12 p .m .
General Session
• Welcome
• Introduction to Local Leaders
• Opening Ceremony
• TLW Updates from the President, Secretary and Treasurer
• Speaker 1: Robert C. Smith, CEO, Nightlife Security Consultants
• Special Club Member Recognition
• President’s Award Presentation
• Speaker 2: Andrew Disher, Regional Sales Manager, Society Insurance
• Charity Presentations from Hogs for Heroes, VetsRoll, the Gilbert Brown Foundation, the Center for Suicide Awareness, the Hunger Relief Federation, the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE)
• Attendance Drawing
12 p m
First-Timers Orientation
12 p m to 4 p m
Silent Auction Benefiting the Tavern Industry Political Action Committee (TIPAC)
12 p m . to 5 p .m . Trade Show
12:30 p m to 1:30 p m
Seminar 1: Active Shooter Q&A
Presented by: Robert C. Smith of Nightlife Security Consultants, and Local Law Enforcement
2:30 p m to 3:30 p m
Seminar 2: New TLW 401K Program
Presented by: VantagePointe Financial Group
7:30 p .m . to 12 a .m .
Tuesday Night Party
The band SuperTuesday will entertain and the TLW will hold the live auction benefiting Direct Givers.
Wednesday, October 2
9 a .m . to 4 p m .
Registration and $2 Bill Exchange
9:30 a m . to 11 a .m .
General Session
• Welcome
• Legislative Update from TLW Lobbyist Scott Stenger
• Operations Update from TLW Managing Director Tina Conley
• Update from TLW Executive Director Mark Jefferson
• Speaker 3: Mark Meyers, Department of Revenue Division of Alcohol Enforcement
• Good and Welfare
• Attendance Drawing
11 a m to 2 p m
Silent Auction Benefiting TIPAC
11 a m to 3 p m Trade Show
11:15 a m to 12:15 p m
Seminar 3: Division of Alcohol Enforcement Q&A with Mark Meyers and Tyler Quam
Presented by: Department of Revenue Division of Alcohol Enforcement
1 p m to 2 p m
League Leader Meeting
Seminar 4: Part II: Strategic Planning
Presented by: Russ Salzman, CEO, Sea Level Solutions
2 p m to 2:45 p m
Vendor Drawings
Attendees must be present to win.
2:45 p .m to 3 p .m .
Exhibitor Booth Drawing
Exhibitors must be set up to win.
3 p m to 4 p m
District Caucuses (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9)
4 p m to 5 p m
District Caucuses (Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8)
5 p .m . to 6 p .m .
President’s Reception
$25 Donation to TIPAC for Admission
Thursday, October 3
10 a .m . to 12 p .m .
General Session
• Parade of Candidates for Spring 2025 Election
• Nominating Committee Report
• Host League Drawing
• Foundation Raffle Drawing
• Silent Auction Drawing
• Buyer Raffle Drawing
• Good and Welfare
• President’s Closing Remarks
• Video Wrap-Up of the Convention
• Attendance Drawing
12 p .m .
Dells/Delton Area Tavern League President’s Reception
Location: The Keg & Patio Bar & Grill, 732 Oak St., Wisconsin Dells
Note: Times and events are subject to change without notice.
Keith Koeher, TLW Southern District vice president, Dells/ Delton Area Tavern League president and owner of The Keg & Patio Bar & Grill in Wisconsin Dells, wowed the crowd with his band at the Monday night party at the Fall Convention & Trade Show in Wisconsin Dells in 2022.
This year, the Dells/Delton Area Tavern League President’s Reception will be located at one of Koehler’s establishments, The Keg & Patio Bar & Grill, at 732 Oak St. in Wisconsin Dells on Thursday, October 3, at the 2024 Fall Convention & Trade Show. Come enjoy a drink and camaraderie with your fellow TLW members.
Make your hotel reservations now!
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
1305 Kalahari Dr. Baraboo, WI 53913 (877) 525-2427
Register online here: book. passkey.com/event/50817293/ owner/49796246/home Web: kalahariresorts.com/ wisconsin
Custom challenge coins will be available for purchase during online registration and on site at the 2024 TLW Fall Convention & Trade Show. Profits from sales will be donated to Hogs for Heroes.
•This great new design is av ailable on a v a r iety of shirt s tyles and colors.
• Small minimum order of 12 shirts.
• Every shirt will have your bar name and location printed on the front.
•No art or screen charges.
By Maura Keller
For many taverns and bars, marketing and promotional items — whether provided by distributors or created on their own — can be challenging. Understanding what promotional techniques will resonate with your customer base is part art, part science. The good news? Using the right mix of your own creative promotions, along with strategic marketing efforts, can expand your tavern’s clientele and improve your bottom line.
In today’s competitive marketplace, tavern and bar owners must compete to survive. And yet, some owners believe that simply putting a few cardboard promotional placards in the front window or taping a couple signs to the wall are their best marketing tools.
More proactive bar owners are working to strengthen their promotions so they are more impactful and increase sales. Indeed, as part of the marketing mix, promotions can make a critical contribution to a company’s ability to achieve its fiscal objectives.
Marketing and branding expert Brett Townshend, senior vice president of strategy at Quester , a strategy and insights firm, says that, while we initially think of local bars and taverns differently, they are the same as any national brand when it comes to branding, marketing and promotional strategies.
“All bars and taverns basically serve the same alcoholic brands and drinks. Many serve food. And all do promotions on drinks. It’s very similar to many available brands of potato chips, cheese, televisions or beer. Like many brands, bars and taverns rely on the easily duplicated strategies of price and promotion, so it’s hard to create any true distinction or identity,” according to Townshend. “The best marketing strategy is always to develop your own, organic story that no other competitor can tell.
“Think of it like the 1980s show, ‘Cheers,’ “where everybody knows your name.” It was a unique positioning that wasn’t about partying, watching sports or meeting romantic partners. It was about a place you could unwind with familiar friends.”
Experts agree that, to stay competitive and profitable, you must determine your marketing objectives, which will result in different promotional strategies. For
for a referral for a plumber or electrician on Facebook, you’ll find hundreds of answers from people suggesting their favorite person.
“Having a sweatshirt or T-shirt available gives your clients a way to recommend you,” suggests Vanden Avond. “The long-term goal is to get your gear out in your city or neighborhood. This creates top-of-mind advertising with people always seeing your name. It also creates credibility for your establishment when people see so many other people supporting you.”
And remember that promotional merchandise is tax deductible. If you are giving it away, you can file it as a marketing or advertising expense. If you are reselling the merchandise, you can forego paying the supplier sales tax (tax exempt) and collect/pay sales tax on the sale of the product.
According to Alex Schwartz, marketing manager for Signature Systems Inc. , a bar and restaurant technology company, marketing and promotional strategies are always changing, so don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they seem strange at first glance.
“Look for inspiration on strategies from other bars and taverns, both those in your local area and those that have become popular in other places,” Schwartz says. “While some tactics may work well for you, others won’t. The most important thing is to keep a close eye on each strategy and set a realistic bar for success.”
For example, if you try a new promotion, decide how much more revenue you need to increase it after two months to deem it successful and then periodically reevaluate it to make sure that it’s continuing to accomplish your goals.
When it comes to offering swag and other promotional items, the first priority is letting people know that it’s available. You can either invest in a small display case and nicely lay out your merchandise, or you can hang your merchandise behind the bar. Either way lets people know that it’s available.
Some people say advertising and promotions are a waste of money. They say it’s word of mouth that sells a bar or tavern and its products. Others feel that it is the total communications mix — and the appeal of your establishment — that really sells. Regardless, putting your tavern in front of your target audience across a number of marketing channels can help drive the message home.
“I’ve seen a couple different ways to get your gear out in public. I spent a summer training in Georgia for the Navy. Our favorite bar offered a free T-shirt with a shot. By the end of summer, my drawer was full of JR’s Bait Shack T-shirts. (And I don’t usually do shots, I only did it for the T-shirts).
Also, in Green Bay, there was a bar that had a membership system and, when you paid your membership dues, you would get a free sweatshirt,” Vanden Avond says. “I swear half of Green Bay was walking around in that bar’s sweatshirt.”
So what are some of the trending items and products that are effective for marketing and promotions? Vanden Avond says that the most viewed promotional products are koozies and pens, but that the trending promotional products right now tend to be swag bags, tumblers, mugs and water bottles.
“Koozies are always a great way to get your name out there. There are so many options now, from 12 to 16 ounces to pint glasses. You can get them for as little as 67 cents each, or get more creative and get a more adventurous image for a little more,” he shares.
Another impactful promotional strategy is to serve drinks in branded drinkware that people can take home with them. Offer your most popular beverage or signature drink, such as a Bloody Mary or Old Fashioned, in your own plastic cup or mug.
“It gets people in the establishment curious about the drink and can boost sales. When people take it with them, and use it at home or work, you’re back to achieving top-of-mind advertising,” Vanden Avond says.
Of course, keeping things fresh in the world of promotions and marketing is paramount. How often a bar or tavern should introduce new marketing and promotional elements to their strategy really depends on the establishment and how quickly you can turn over your merchandise.
“Newer gear and providing different options can increase sales and excitement,” Vanden Avond says. “If you come out with a new design twice a year, many times people will buy it just because they have to have the new thing.”
He says that one way to change it up is to introduce new items as the seasons change. In Wisconsin, that means introducing new promotional items four times a year.
“With hunting being so popular in Wisconsin, camouflage is a great choice in the fall. Also look for upcoming events that you can take advantage of. Green Bay has the NFL Draft coming up next April, but it will have an impact throughout the state. This is a great way to offer some new gear,” advises Vanden Avond.
Providing clothing and merchandise is a great way to create another revenue stream, but Vanden Avond always says, even if you’re just breaking even (not the goal), you are still getting great advertising and marketing for free.
“I’m always amazed at the different taverns that can blow through gear. Small neighborhood bars can do three to four times the amount of some larger establishments,” Vanden Avond says. “If you have a fun, exciting atmosphere, offering different apparel designs (patriotic, humorous, sportsy, etc.) is a great way to add to the culture of your bar.”
So what are some other marketing techniques that work?
Schwartz suggests focusing on Google Maps reviews as another promotional avenue. As he explains, individual reviews can garner thousands or tens of thousands of views from potential patrons looking for a place to eat or drink in your area.
“Encourage your patrons to review your offerings with pictures by posting signs asking for a review, or offering a promotional item or discount for a review,” Schwartz says. “Social media is also a massive tool for promoting your events and newest offerings. Instagram and Facebook are built to promote local businesses, while X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and TikTok are not.”
Digital advertising can also be a massive benefit to bars and taverns. While Google’s paid advertising suite can be difficult for beginners to grasp, Meta’s (Facebook and Instagram) is much simpler and often offers lower costs per view. “You can even set up campaigns that encourage users local to you to message your account to
ask about deals, promotions, reservations, menu items and more,” Schwartz says.
Additionally, he warns that, while some promotional tactics, including tangible items, can grow stale over time, it’s important to put guide rails on any tactic and evaluate the success of each strategy. If you notice declining interest and revenue over the weeks and months following the launch of a new marketing strategy or new promotional T-shirt, put it on ice, and try something new or iterate on the strategy.
If you bring in a local DJ on Friday nights, for example, and after eight weeks, you notice the promotions you run for your Friday events get less views or reactions on social media, and lower revenue, consider asking the DJ to switch to every other Friday or once a month while you try out other events.
Some people say advertising and promotions are a waste of money. They say it’s word of mouth that sells a bar or tavern and its products. Others feel that it is the total communications mix — and the appeal of your establishment — that really sells. Regardless, putting your tavern in front of your target audience across a number of marketing channels can help drive the message home. TLW
To see details and register online, please visit tlw.org/food-safety-courses. Have questions? Call the TLW Food Safety Hotline at (608) 296-9226.
Date
Monday, September 23 Marshfield Eagles Club No. 624, 1104 S. Oak Ave.
Wednesday, September 25 Madison/Cottage Grove Doubledays, 4586 Baxter Rd.
Monday, September 30 Wisconsin Dells/Baraboo Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, 1305 Kalahari Dr.
Monday, October 7 Hudson/New Richmond Ready Randy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 1492 131st St.
Monday, October 7 Green Bay Stadium View, 1963 Holmgren Way
Tuesday, October 8 Eau Claire Elks Lodge No. 402, 3411 Stein Blvd.
Wednesday, October 9 Kenosha Brat Stop/Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St.
Monday, October 14 Rhinelander Cabaret Cove, 1540 Pueblo Dr.
Tuesday, October 15 Plover Springville Sports Grill, 1800 Post Rd.
Tuesday, October 15 Oshkosh Fox River Brewing Co., 1501 Arboretum Dr.
Wednesday, October 16 Milwaukee Dugout 54, 5328 W. Bluemound Rd.
Wednesday, October 23 Madison/Cottage Grove Doubledays, 4586 Baxter Rd.
Tuesday, October 29 Two Rivers/Mishicot Good Times Restaurant and Banquet Hall, 16607 County Rd. B
Wednesday, October 30 Kenosha Brat Stop/Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St.
Wednesday, November 6 Janesville Elks Lodge No. 254, 2100 N. Washington St.
Monday, November 11 Solon Springs St. Croix Inn, 11390 S. Fifth St. E
Wednesday, November 13 Waukesha Sunset Bowl Entertainment Center, 333 W. Sunset Dr.
Monday, November 18 Wausau/Weston Dale’s Weston Lanes, 5902 Schofield Ave.
Monday, November 18 Wisconsin Dells Spring Brook Sports Bar & Grill, 242 Lake Shore Dr.
Tuesday, November 19 Fond du Lac Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Fond du Lac 625 W. Rolling Meadows Dr.
Wednesday, November 20 Madison/Cottage Grove Doubledays, 4586 Baxter Rd.
Tuesday, December 3 Plover Springville Sports Grill, 1800 Post Rd.
Tuesday, December 3 Antigo Northstar Lanes, 400 Prosser Pl.
Wednesday, December 4 Janesville Elks Lodge No. 254, 2100 N. Washington St.
Monday, December 9 Green Bay Stadium View, 1963 Holmgren Way
Monday, December 9 Hudson/New Richmond Ready Randy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 1492 131st St.
Tuesday, December 10 Eau Claire Elks Lodge No. 402, 3411 Stein Blvd.
Wednesday, December 11 Kenosha Brat Stop/Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St.
Monday, December 16 Dodgeville Dodger Bowl Lanes, 314 King St.
Wednesday, December 18 Milwaukee Dugout 54, 5328 W. Bluemound Rd.
Monday, January 6, 2025 Wisconsin Rapids Jammers Bar & Grill, 2810 Eagle Rd.
Election day is November 5. Early voting begins October 22. Please review the following TLW candidate endorsements for this year’s election. Your voice matters, so make sure to cast your vote and get involved. The TLW stands with those leaders who stand with us. Find your polling location at myvote.wi.gov/en-us/find-my-polling-place.
Assembly District 1 Incumbent: Joel Kitchens
Assembly District 2 Incumbent: Shae Sortwell
Assembly District 3 Incumbent: Ron Tusler
Assembly District 4 Incumbent: David Steffen
Assembly District 5 Incumbent: Joy Goeben
Assembly District 6 Incumbent: Elijah Behnke
Assembly District 15 Incumbent: Adam Neylon
Assembly District 16 Incumbent: Kalan Haywood
Assembly District 21 Incumbent: Jessie Rodriguez
Assembly District 25 Incumbent: Paul Tittl
Assembly District 26 Incumbent: Amy Binsfeld
Assembly District 27 Incumbent: Lindee Brill
Assembly District 28 Incumbent: Rob Kreibich
Assembly District 29 Incumbent: Treig Pronschinske
Assembly District 31 Incumbent: Tyler August
Assembly District 33 Incumbent: Robin Vos
Assembly District 34 Incumbent: Rob Swearingen
Assembly District 35 Incumbent: Calvin Callahan
Assembly District 36 Incumbent: Jeffrey Mursau
Assembly District 37 Incumbent: Mark Born
Assembly District 38 Incumbent: William Penterman
Assembly District 39 Incumbent: Alex Dallman
Assembly District 40 Incumbent: Karen DeSanto
Assembly District 41 Incumbent: Tony Kurtz
Assembly District 49 Incumbent: Travis Tranel
Assembly District 51 Incumbent: Todd Novak
Assembly District 53 Incumbent: Dean Kaufert
Assembly District 55 Incumbent: Nate Gustafson
Assembly District 56 Incumbent: Dave Murphy
Assembly District 57 Incumbent: Kevin Petersen
Assembly District 59 Incumbent: Robert Brooks
Assembly District 61 Incumbent: Bob Donovan
Assembly District 63 Incumbent: Robert Wittke
Assembly District 64 Incumbent: Tip McGuire
Assembly District 65 Incumbent: Ben DeSmidt
Assembly District 66 Incumbent: Greta Neubauer
Assembly District 67 Incumbent: David Armstrong
Assembly District 68 Incumbent: Rob Summerfield
Assembly District 69 Incumbent: Karen Hurd
Assembly District 70 Incumbent: Nancy VanderMeer
Assembly District 72 Incumbent: Scott Krug
Assembly District 74 Incumbent: Chanz Green
Assembly District 75 Incumbent: Duke Tucker
Assembly District 78 Incumbent: Shelia Stubbs
Assembly District 79 Incumbent: Lisa Subeck
Assembly District 80 Incumbent: Mike Bare
Assembly District 81 Incumbent: Alex Joers
Assembly District 84 Incumbent: Chuck Wichgers
Assembly District 85 Incumbent: Patrick Snyder
Assembly District 86 Incumbent: John Spiros
Assembly District 87 Incumbent: Brent Jacobson
Assembly District 91 Incumbent: Michele Magadance Skinner
Assembly District 92 Incumbent: Clint Moses
Assembly District 94 Incumbent: Steve Doyle
Assembly District 95 Incumbent: Jill Billings
Assembly District 96 Incumbent: Loren Oldenburg
Assembly District 97 Incumbent: Cindi Duchow
Assembly District 98 Incumbent: Jim Piwowarczyk
Assembly District 99 Incumbent: Barbara Dittrich
Wisconsin State Senate
Senate District 2: Eric Wimberger
Senate District 6 Incumbent: LaTonya Johnson
Senate District 8: Jodi Habush Sinykin
Senate District 10 Incumbent: Rob Stafsholt
Senate District 12 Incumbent: Mary Felzkowski
Senate District 14 Incumbent: Joan Ballweg
Senate District 20: Daniel Feyen
Senate District 22 Incumbent: Robert Wirch
Senate District 24 Incumbent: Patrick Testin
Senate District 28 Incumbent: Julian Bradley
Senate District 30: Jamie Wall
Senate District 32 Incumbent: Brad Pfaff
Congressional District 1 Incumbent: Bryan Steil
Congressional District 2 Incumbent: Mark Pocan
Congressional District 3 Incumbent: Derrick Van Orden
Congressional District 5 Incumbent: Scott Fitzgerald
Congressional District 6 Incumbent: Glenn Grothman
Congressional District 7 Incumbent: Tom Tiffany
Congressional District 8 Incumbent: Tony Wied TLW
BY JOHN BODNOVICH, ABL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Congress returned from summer break on September 9 with a few important issues to address before heading back out for a final push on the campaign trail. The threeweek legislative sprint will focus heavily on funding the federal government, as the current funding package expires at the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
Appropriations bills in the House and Senate remain in various stages of the legislative process, and it is quite possible that Congress will be hard-pressed to compromise on a new funding package and, instead, pass a continuing resolution to fund the government at least through the election on November 5.
Most Washington insiders expect that Congress will return on November 12 for a lame-duck session, with the agenda largely to be determined by who wins the White House, and control of the House and Senate in 2025.
Despite the slow progress that Congress is making on legislation, ABL continues to advocate for the passage of the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) and the Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for Restaurants and Servers (CHEERS) Act, and support the 21st Amendment Caucus. There has also been activity on other legislation at the committee and subcommittee level, in which ABL has been engaged through coalition participation.
Moreover, there have been developments in the administrative and judicial branches that will have an impact on ABL members and the beverage alcohol industry. Efforts to update U.S. Dietary Guidelines are ongoing, and key decisions by the Supreme Court at the end of its spring term could shape the future business environment for beverage licensees. Despite the “do-nothing Congress” narrative, it’s hardly dull in D.C.
ABL held a successful annual meeting in San Antonio from July 27 to 29, celebrating beverage retailers’ important role in the American hospitality industry with educational sessions, product tasting and hospitality. Industry leaders, policy experts and members of the beverage alcohol community enjoyed insightful discussions, networking and recognition of outstanding contributors to the industry.
Speakers highlighted a wide array of issues facing beverage licensees, including third-party delivery companies for on- and off-premise alcohol; the evolving regulatory environment for hemp-derived THC and Delta-9; personal privacy laws and their impact on hospitality businesses; an overview of product, market and demographic trends currently shaping the industry; and industry reporters’ thoughts on the top stories in the alcohol industry.
Attendees also participated in events hosted by the Texas Package Stores Association , including an elegant wine tasting and a huge industry trade show featuring hundreds of products. ABL hosted a Brand Showcase of its own as well, featuring more than 50 brands for attendees to enjoy.
At the ABL Board of Directors meeting that was held as part of the conference, TLW President Keith Kern was elected to a two-year term as vice president of on-premise and continues his service on the ABL Executive Committee
Despite the “do-nothing Congress” narrative, it’s hardly dull in D.C.
following his two years as an at-large member of the committee. Former TLW president Terry Harvath also continues his two-year term as an at-large representative.
ABL recognized TLW member Kris Zappa of Bourbon’s Bar in Cumberland with an ABL Retailer of the Year Award. The award recognizes and honors ABL members who demonstrate excellence in advocacy, responsible sales and service practices, community engagement and service, and support of their state association.
In Case You Missed the TLW Op-Ed on the Dietary Guidelines Process
Kudos and a big thank you to TLW President and ABL Vice President Keith Kern, and the Tavern League, for using its voice to weigh in on the U.S. Dietary Guidelines review process currently underway in Washington, D.C.
Keith’s op-ed, “Could Prohibition Come Back? These Activists Might Declare Any Level of Alcohol Is Unsafe,”
ran in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in August and made important points about the long-lasting implications the decision-making process could have on the tavern industry.
This is a great example for all ABL members of speaking up on behalf of their businesses.
As Keith wrote, “The process of reviewing the guidelines should be open and transparent. It should be free of the influence of those with an agenda or a conflict of interest. And it should be decided as the law requires — by a preponderance of sound scientific evidence — not by the whims of anti-alcohol groups.
“There is plenty of evidence that people who drink in moderation live as long or longer than people who do not. Telling people not to drink at all could well cause them to just disregard all advice regarding drinking. It might also lead us further down the road to a “scold” culture — to a Prohibition 2.0 of sorts.
“Whether you’re attending the Wisconsin State Fair, celebrating Oktoberfest, tailgating at Camp Randall or having a beer after a long day at work, we just don’t need Washington telling us we shouldn’t have any alcohol at all,” Kern concluded.
There is additional time for Visa and Mastercard merchants to claim their share of the landmark Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement.
Business owners now have until February 4, 2025, to participate in this settlement that returns a portion of the interchange fees merchants paid from January 1, 2004, through January 25, 2019. More than $5.5 billion has been set aside by Visa and Mastercard for this purpose.
This is an extraordinary settlement that goes back 20 years and requires a longer claims period to ensure as many eligible merchants as possible have the opportunity to claim their share. Many small businesses, in particular, have limited resources, so the deadline extension now gives them more time to take action. It also allows more time for resolving conflicting claims and other similar issues.
For most merchants, the claims process is quick, simple and returns real money after years of allegedly inflated interchange fees. Visit paymentcardsettlement.com to learn more and start your claim today.
Congress — particularly the Senate — continues to hear from ABL and its retail partners about the need to pass the CCCA. As astute On Premise readers know by now, the CCCA would require card issuers to allow more than one network to be used on their credit cards, thus boosting competition in the credit card industry.
ABL is working to get the CCCA across the finish line before the end of the year — potentially when Congress returns from the elections in November. For more information on the CCCA, please visit merchantspaymentscoalition.com.
A U.S. appeals court has struck down a Biden Administration rule from 2021 that required employers to pay tipped workers the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, and not the lower $2.13 minimum wage for tipped work, for non-tipped tasks that take up more than 20% of their time or 30 consecutive minutes.
The rule, which replaced a Trump Administration regulation, was found by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to be contrary to federal law, and handed a win to the Restaurant Law Center and Texas Restaurant Association , which filed the lawsuit in Texas. The ruling comes on the heels of a recent U. S. Supreme Court ruling that limited federal agencies’ scope in issuing regulations.
The Fifth Circuit ruling represents a win for hospitality industry businesses that were forced to comply with what many held to be arbitrary definitions for “tip-producing” and “tip-supporting” work.
It remains to be seen if the Department of Labor will request a full or en banc review before the Fifth Circuit, and/or appeal the case to the Supreme Court. TLW
ABL is the voice of America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers in Washington, D.C. The association represents the TLW and its many members, as well as thousands of other onand off-premise retailers of beverage alcohol across the United States.
BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The 2024 general election is right around the corner and, with the August 13 primary behind us, the lineup is now set for November 5.
In addition to the U.S. Senate seat and all eight congressional seats, all members of the 99-member state Assembly and the even-numbered seats of the 33-member state Senate are up for election.
With this dramatic increase in contested races, the TLW must work harder than ever to elect TLW-endorsed candidates.
All the races in the state legislature districts will be in accordance with the new maps created by the legislature earlier this year. The new maps mean that many TLW members will be in new districts and may not be familiar with those running for the state legislature.
That’s why it is even more critical for the TLW to work diligently to elect our endorsed candidates. The new maps will likely impact the partisan makeup of the legislature, which is currently controlled by Republicans, 22-11 in the state Senate and 64-35 in the state Assembly. The new maps will also dramatically increase the number of contested races in the state, which means the TLW will require even more resources to invest in contested races across Wisconsin.
With this dramatic increase in contested races, the TLW must work harder than ever to elect TLW-endorsed candidates. Check out a few things you can do to make a difference in your local area election under “How You Can Make a Difference” to the right.
To determine what district you are in under the new maps, please visit the Wisconsin State Legislature website at legis. wisconsin.gov and enter your address. TLW
In 1993, Scott Stenger, owner of Stenger Government Relations, began his career lobbying the state Legislature and Congress for the TLW in Madison.
CAN
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Urge patrons, family, friends and employees to support TLW-endorsed candidates.
Contribute to the TLW political action committee (PAC), the Tavern Industry PAC, the Direct Givers Fund or directly to the campaign committee.
Put up an indoor or outdoor sign supporting TLW-endorsed candidates at your business.
Contact TLW-endorsed candidates to volunteer.
Promote TLW-endorsed candidates at local meetings.
Invite TLW-endorsed candidates to local meetings.
VOTE — either early or on election day!
BY VAN DONKERSGOED, LATSAMI SYSOUVANH AND TED RODRIGUEZ
For years, Wisconsin alcohol producers and distributors have danced a complicated tango of confusing laws and regulations stated in or arising from Chapter 125 of the Wisconsin statutes. However, everything changed on May 1, 2024, when Act 73 took effect. The act removed many of the law’s complications. Three major aspects changed: the three-tier system, contract manufacturing and full-service retail privileges.
The first and most anticipated change was a loosening of the three-tier system under which the Wisconsin alcohol industry operates. As things stand, entities involved in the alcohol production and distribution process fall into one of three tiers:
1. Manufacturers, which include distilleries, wineries and breweries that make alcohol.
2. Distributors, which include transporters of alcohol.
3. Retailers, which include bars, liquor stores and grocery stores that sell alcohol.
Prior to Act 73, entities in each tier were prohibited from engaging in business activities associated with the other tiers. This meant, for instance, that manufacturers could not distribute or sell alcohol. Additionally, under previous regulations, entities in each tier could not hold a direct or indirect interest in the businesses of other tiers. For example, a brewery (manufacturer) could not hold ownership in a bar (retailer). These restrictions disconnected many entities in the alcohol business and made getting into the industry difficult.
The law now grants entities more room to work across tiers. Act 73 allows for cross-tier ownership — meaning that an entity in one tier may hold ownership interest in an entity of another tier provided the interest is 10% or less of the other business’ outstanding stock and the entity holding the interest does not engage in the day-today operations of the other business. Further, a landlord in one tier can now lease space to entities across multiple tiers so long as it is removed from the day-to-day operations of the entity in the other tier.
The second change provided clarity for parties engaged in contract manufacturing. Contract manufacturing refers to an agreement wherein manufacturers with extra capacity in their facilities contract with and produce products for other manufacturers in need of products. Breweries, wineries and distilleries rarely operate at 100% capacity. Act 73 regulates agreements between manufacturers that wish to utilize this capacity.
Third, the law uncomplicates the rules surrounding full-service retail privileges. If an entity produces enough product, full-service retail privileges give breweries, wineries and distilleries the ability to sell third-party alcohol from their respective businesses. Pre-Act 73, breweries, wineries and distilleries navigated murky waters when it came to selling products produced by third parties.
To qualify for full-service retail privileges, a manufacturer must produce a threshold quantity of its own product. This quantity varies by manufacturer type. For instance, breweries must annually produce at least 250 barrels, distilleries at least 1,500 liters and wineries at least 1,000 gallons. Entities must meet these quantity requirements for one year during a three-year window to qualify for the privilege of establishing an off-site, full-service retail location. Producing more than the threshold qualifies manufacturers for higher “tiers of privilege,” which allows them to establish more than one off-site, full-service retail location.
Full-service retail privileges are also significant because they preempt certain municipal liquor license restrictions and replace the statutory quota system that based Class B liquor licenses on municipal population.
In all, Act 73 is likely a boon to Wisconsin’s alcohol industry. With clearer and up-to-date rules, there is a bright future for the established Wisconsin alcohol industry and those looking to get into the game. TLW
For any inquiries, please contact Van Donkersgoed, attorney at DeWitt LLP in Brookfield, at (262) 754-2861 or vud@dewittllp. com. Latsami Sysouvanh and Ted Rodriguez are law clerks at DeWitt LLP.
The Brown County Tavern League has a friendly little rivalry with its Milwaukee County counterpart.
“We go back and forth, Milwaukee and us, to see who is No. 1 in membership,” admits Tera Hansen, the president of the Brown County Tavern League and owner of State Street Pub in Green Bay. “We are half the size of Milwaukee County by area, but we have just as many members.”
The Brown County Tavern League currently has 184 members. Hansen notes that between 60 and 90 members attend monthly meetings. “We have our bigger establishments, but also mom-and-pops, a few supper clubs, restaurants and more,” she says. “It’s a very good mix.”
The Brown County Tavern League hosts several events each year to support the league’s operations and charitable giving. This includes a Fun Run that features about 170 participating bars, which pay to get in the Fun Run book. Held during the winter, participants have four to five months to visit as many bars as possible to get their books stamped.
Hansen mentions that the league brought its Fun Run back three years ago after a five-year hiatus. “It gets people out and working together,” she says. “As a bar owner, I don’t get out to other bars as often as I could. What’s cool is that, for the Fun Run, I get a bunch of my customers together to take our bus and go barhopping for the day.”
The county league also hosts an annual golf outing, typically the second week in July, and a “blindman” volleyball tournament, usually in February. In blindman volleyball, a bedsheet is placed over the net to make the game, and tournament, even more challenging. Money from this event benefits the county’s SafeRide program.
The Brown County Tavern League contributed about $15,000 to charity in 2023. Each year, during the holidays, the league supports one organization that helps children, one that gives back to veterans and one that benefits animals. For example, the organization supports an annual scholarship
program for county high school students pursuing a career in the hospitality field. TLW member Larry Rand, owner of Royal Scot Golf Course in New Franken, even matches the funds the league allocates toward the scholarship program.
Every Memorial Day, the league sponsors an event at Bay Beach Amusement Park for the students of De Pere’s Syble Hopp School. This public school provides educational programming for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Members and students have a picnic, go on rides and enjoy ice cream at this end-of-theschool-year event.
At each Brown County Tavern League meeting, members donate items for raffles and baskets during the Good and Welfare portion of the agenda as another way to support each other and the community.
“We are half the size of Milwaukee County by area, but we have just as many members.”
— Tera Hansen, State Street Pub
The Brown County Tavern League has additionally partnered with Dean Distributing and Triangle Distributing to print and distribute coasters with a QR code for the local Crime Stoppers program. “If you see something you want to report, it’s right there on the coasters,” says Hansen. “Bars don’t get coasters for free anymore, so it’s a great way to meet two needs.”
Hansen has been trying to work more closely with vendors since becoming president about two years ago. She invites vendors to attend monthly league meetings where they provide members with information and samples.
“It’s great because you have all these bar owners in one spot, which makes it easier for the vendors. And the bar owners like it because they get to try new things,” she says.
On the Brown County Tavern League board for five years, Hansen transitioned into the industry from another industry. She says the camaraderie and information the Tavern League provides is invaluable.
“There are so many people who have had their bars for so long,” concludes Hansen, “that, when you are with them, you learn so much, get new ideas and can capitalize on their experience. That has been so helpful to me and many others.” TLW
F or 40 years, Capital Brewery has brought the tradition of German-style lagers to the Heartland. And for four of those years, the brewery has also been a Tavern League corporate sponsor.
Owner Kevin Bagstad explains that he came to Capital Brewery seven years ago after working in the restaurant and tavern industry for 30 years, 20 of which he spent on the management side.
“I came from owning bars and restaurants, and it was important to me, from day one, to get more involved with Tavern League — it just took a little time to get there,” acknowledges Bagstad.
“Wisconsin has one of the largest, strongest Tavern Leagues in the country, and I know how important it is to Wisconsin’s taverns and restaurants. That’s one reason why we are a proud sponsor,” he continues.
“Wisconsin has one of the largest, strongest Tavern Leagues in the country, and I know how important it is to Wisconsin’s taverns and restaurants. That’s one reason why we are a proud sponsor.”
— Kevin Bagstad, Capital Brewery
Capital Brewery, which was founded all the way back in 1984, produced its first two styles of beer in copper kettles from the Krekeler Brewery in Hoxter, Germany, in the spring of 1986.
While the kettles are still in use today, the brewery has expanded its offerings to include not only American-style ales, but also barrel-aged beers, hard seltzers and distinct India pale ales (IPAs).
Its current brewery is located in Middleton.
“Wisconsin Amber and Supper Club are our big ones,” according to Bagstad. “We also have seasonal and limited beers. We probably have a dozen beers commercially available with another 20 just in the Bier Garten and the tasting room.”
Capital Brewery produces about 10,000 barrels a year and its beer is distributed throughout Wisconsin.
In April, it released its newest annual beer, Sticky Paw, a honey blonde. “That’s our newest and latest and greatest beer. I’m excited to see it in the market more,” says Bagstad.
The brewery has two salespeople who travel throughout Wisconsin to connect with restaurant and tavern owners.
“We are not allowed to sell directly, but we do spend a lot of time directly working with tavern owners. That connection between our brewery and taverns and restaurants is important for us,” says Bagstad.
Capital Brewery’s sales professionals spend time with owners to help them determine the right product mix for their establishments. For instance, in a smaller bar, Capital’s seasonal beers in bottles might be the better choice than dedicating a handle to the seasonal brew.
“A big piece is that we don’t push things we don’t think will work. We are focused on the right products for the right customer,” explains Bagstad.
“Our salespeople are focused on the old-school relationship way of selling, creating connections and not just making phone calls. We see it at the TLW conferences and conventions where we’re on a first-name basis with 90% of the people who walk up.”
For Tavern League members unfamiliar with Capital Brewery, Bagstad invites you to get acquainted.
“We are a Wisconsin brewery that’s been around for 40 years, making quality products,” he says.
“We have an understanding of your side of the business and the struggles you face. You’ve supported us for a while and we’re happy to support you,” Bagstad concludes. TLW
CAPITAL BREWERY
7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton, WI 53562 | (608) 836-7100
kbagstad@capitalbrewery.com | capitalbrewery.com
As of August 5, 2024
SIX-MONTH TRIAL MEMBERSHIP
Racine County
Mrs Rivers Bakery & Smokehouse Café
Lisa Rivers
Sturtevant
MULTI-UNIT MEMBERSHIP
Brown County
B2 Bar & Grill
Eric Boehm
Green Bay
La Crosse City/County
La Crosse Pettibone
Restaurant
Josh Pogreba
La Crosse
Racine City
Marci’s on Main
Marci Bruley
Racine
DISTRICT 1
Kenosha City
TR3S Hermanos
Angelica Castillo-Valdivia
Kenosha
DISTRICT 2
Jefferson County
Plattdeutscher Hall
David Belden
Watertown
DISTRICT 3
Grant/Iowa County
The Farmer’s Daughter
Heather Wiedenfeld
Blue River
DISTRICT 4
Fond du Lac County
Radisson Hotel
Suzanne Sattler
Fond du Lac
4603 DOMAIN DR., MENOMONIE, WI 54751
PH: (715) 235-2151 • (800) 472-2006
Tobacco/Cigarettes
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Beverages
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Supplying
League of Wisconsin
from Superior to La Crosse & from Hudson to Wausau
Sheboygan County
JAAAGZ Bar and Grill
Angela Girard Plymouth
DISTRICT 5
Portage County
Silver Coach Restaurant
Rob Tuszka
Plover
Waupaca County
Doc Kelly’s Public House
Kelly Koch
Waupaca
DISTRICT 6
Outagamie County
The Final Lap Bar and Grill
Danielle Whitman Seymour
The Granary Supper Club
Amrinder Singh
Sherwood
DISTRICT 7
Chippewa County
Dougie’s Bar & Grill
Douglas Bresina
Chippewa Falls
Just N Tyme Café
Justin Caffes
Chippewa Falls
DISTRICT 8
Ashland/Bayfield County
The Badger Den
Sports Bar
Patrick Hunt
Ashland
Greater Northwoods
Pappa Dave’s
Dave Brown
Hurley
Rusk County
JS Supper Club & Catering
Sherry Wallace
Lady Smith
Sawyer County
Coop’s Pizza
Samantha Mittlesdorf
Hayward
Washburn County
Shangri-La Campground
Nate Netz
Trego
DISTRICT 9
Milwaukee County
Village Bowl and Social Gary Brust
Alpharetta, GA
As of August 5, 2024
North Central Paving
Charles Kish
3210 WI-35
Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 963-3885
chuck@northcentralpaving.com northcentralpaving.com
Asphalt Paving, Asphalt Repair and Seal Coating
During the general session at the TLW Spring Conference & Trade Show in Lake Geneva, TLW President Keith Kern announced the President’s Award:
“There can be a lot of stories that can be told about this member. About 50 years of them,” he acknowledged. “He was raised in a supper club. He worked at Mr. G’s, which his parents owned in Door County.
“He has worn many hats in the TLW over the years and has never been
Valencia (Val) Barbara Jane Grunenwald (March 29, 1928 – August 9, 2024) and her late husband, Floyd, purchased the Beacon Bar and Restaurant in Merrill in 1960, which later became co-owned by Val and her son, Mike. The Beacon has been in the family since 1857.
Val was a proud member of the TLW for 65 years, making her the longest-standing member. She served as treasurer in the 1960s and, in 2023, was inducted into the Wisconsin Old Fashioned Hall of Fame.
Val was well-known for her pressurefried chicken and homemade stuffing. She also enjoyed sipping her brandy. “It keeps me young,” she would say. Through the years, her warmth and hospitality turned many customers into lifelong friends. TLW
afraid of talking to anyone about us. After many years away from the position of president of his local league, he shook dice, lost the round and re-won the seat. He’s a magician of sorts.
“He is the Tavern League. From the mid-70s to today, he’s donated his time to us. It’s my great honor to introduce Bob Geitner.”
The former owner of Mr. G’s Supper Club in Jacksonport accepted the award, mentioning, “I made a lot of friends in the bar business. It was fun. It was work. And it was challenging. Tavern League is in my blood.”
Mr. G’s legacy lives on in memory only as the building, which has been owned by the Geitner family since 1973, was set ablaze and eventually razed in late 2022. Bob, along with his wife, Mary, owned Mr. G’s Supper Club since 1981, after purchasing it from his father. TLW
• Co-Sponsor of TLW Legislative Day
• Underwriter of TLW Video on Jobs and Employment
• Sponsor of the TLW Trip Giveaway at TLW Spring Conference & Show
• Donor of Large-Screen TV at TLW Fall Convention & Show
(SafeRide, Golf, Others)
• Contributions and Support from Individual WAMO Members
• Matching Funds from WAMO to Taver n League Locals
• Contributions to SafeRide Program, Golf and Others
• Active Participation and Attendance
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