PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Summer is in full swing, and I hope business is good for each and every one of you. I, like many in our industry, continue to struggle with staffing issues and inflation. But the good news is the most recent numbers I have seen show inflation starting to flatten and, in some cases, actually fall back down to previous levels.

But in the meantime, the food market continues to fluctuate drastically and availability remains a concern. We all know how important it is to watch our bottom lines and keep our margins where we need to stay profitable and keep our doors open. We should all reanalyze the days of crazy happy hours, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals and the fear of raising prices, so we don’t force our industry into low margins and profits below national averages.

I understand we don’t want to lose valuable customers, nor listen to them complain about how much we make. Most consumers never realize our actual cost or the fact that we are still recovering from the effects of the shutdown. Don’t be afraid. Major companies are doing it daily, and we still consume their food and buy their products. I urge all my friends in the industry to not get caught carrying a burden that may jeopardize their business.

Meanwhile, our association is continuing to show strength, as our membership and corporate levels sustainably grow. I would like to say thank you to all Tavern League leaders for your constant effort to retain and recruit new members. Our office staff remains focused on the task at hand, and are demonstrating their ability to handle day-to-day operations, while accomplishing tasks and goals from league leadership and our board. We are currently rebranding our renewal packets, while also restructuring our corporate membership incentives. It is our intent to use these resources, in conjunction with the changes we are currently proposing (and hopefully passing!) in legislation, to continue accelerating our growth in the years to come.

We have successfully secured an offer for our building, with a closing date of August. The board is looking into the most effective way to invest this money so it continues to work for us. Additionally, we have discussed at length the idea of raising our member dues. I am happy to report that, by working efficiently in many areas, increasing cost savings and achieving additional revenue, we have discontinued that conversation, and will be looking at adopting a true and balanced budget this year. We are also still in the process of hiring a new executive director for our great association. Although the current structure without an executive director is working and showing results, it simply is not sustainable and we will need this position to further steer the ship in the years to come.

Since my last writing, I have remained dedicated to attending all sorts of events when my schedule allows. I just returned from our annual American Beverage Licensees (ABL) meeting in St Louis. Though attendance was slightly lower, the event was a success and the speakers presented a wealth of industry knowledge. Conversations on next year’s event have started and, once specifics are announced, I assure you that you would not regret attending! Congratulations to Mark Rehwinkel of Cusack’s Pub in Marinette, our Sixth District Director and member of the Marinette County Tavern League, who was recognized with one of ABL’s Top Shelf Awards for his service in the industry.

Golf outings, local meetings and caucuses are starting to fill the schedule fast. As always, please reach out anytime if you would like me to attend an event in your league or district.

Convention planning is in full swing for this fall in Appleton and we will continue to offer updates as things develop. League Leaders Day will reconvene in Oshkosh on August 28 and I strongly encourage attendance as this day offers great information, while also making it a special day for all the leaders who dedicate so much time to our association.

The TLW State Golf Outing will be in Fond du Lac this year and this event is shaping up to be a sellout once again! I am confident Vinny and KC Egle of Curve In Bar in Kewaskum, and the crew from Fond du Lac County are going to roll out the red carpet for all of us. I look forward to seeing many of you at all of these upcoming events! Remember to register online on our website or contact our office, where I guarantee they will be glad to help.

In closing, I wish you all a very successful summer season and I am humbly honored to be reelected as your president for the next two years.

Cheers!

Keith Kern TLW President