On Premise May/June 2018

The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin

MAY/JUNE 2018 TLW.ORG

TLW Members Generously Give to Their Communities Fundraising Efforts Raise Over $12 Million in 2017!

ALSO INSIDE: May Is Tavern Month

We Present a Selection of TLW Member Fundraisers

Dedicated for Decades

A Profile of TLW Leader Robert “Bubba” Sprenger

Spring Conference Summary

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The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin MAY/JUNE 2018 VOLUME 36, NO. 3

FEATURES

MAY IS TAVERN MONTH. . . 10 TLW Members Show Their Commitment to Community Service

END OF AN ERA. . . . . . . . . 20 Bubba Sprenger shares his thoughts on four decades of TLW leadership

TLW SPRING CONFERENCE SUMMARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

TLW GIVES

Go Hog Wild and Enjoy the High Life with the TLW

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LEAGUE SPOTLIGHTS LEAGUE PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Oshkosh City Tavern League

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Hough’s Bar

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Wisconsin Parkinson Association

MEET THE DIRECTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Tom Wenzel

20 DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Front Rail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 ABL Dispatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Legislative Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Corporate Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Accounting On Tap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Featured Affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Affiliate Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Local League Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

SOCIALIZE WITH US:

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE COMING TOGETHER AS AN ASSOCIATION AND AS COMMUNITY MEMBERS

T

ime flies when you’re having fun. We just had a very successful spring conference in Milwaukee and already we are looking forward to (hopefully) a very busy summer here in Wisconsin.

The TLW will also be very busy this summer. We have many things we are working on especially updates in the office, and to our website and social media presence. We are also very busy working with our Government Affairs Director Scott Stenger on legislative issues that will affect your business and bottom line.

I had a great time visiting and talking to all of you at the spring conference in Milwaukee. It was terrific to hear about all the things that our local leagues are doing around the state. I look forward to getting to some of your summer fundraisers, golf outings and local meetings. Please keep those invitations coming and I will do my best to visit you.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Milwaukee County Tavern League for all their hard work to put together a great conference. We had fun visiting their members and hopefully you all got a chance to experience some of that Milwaukee County hospitality. Rick Berman gave an excellent speech on the state of our industry and it was a wake-up call for many to hear about issues that face us. Rick’s speech reinforced why the TLW exists and how important it is to be a member. Kelly Grebe from MillerCoors spoke of why those of us in this industry need to stick together. We thank MillerCoors for being such a strong partner of the TLW. Two very informative seminars were presented at the conference and they are available on video from the TLW office for viewing at local league meetings.

I was very honored to be able to present the President’s Award to TLW Executive Director Pete Madland. I selected Pete for this award for his continuing passion and leadership of this association. Personally, Pete has been a great mentor to me during my many years on the TLW board and he has given me the skills to lead this organization. Thanks again Pete for all your hard work!

We also have four new district directors on the TLW board that were elected during this conference. In the first district: Renee Peterson; third district: Keith Koehler; fifth district: Doug Korth; and seventh district: Dino Amundson. Thank you all for stepping up into leadership positions. I look forward to working with all of you. Local leagues in these districts, please add these new directors to your newsletter mailing lists and invite them to a local meeting or fundraisers to get to know them better.

In closing, I must add that it never ceases to amaze me what a great group of people belong to this association. The overwhelming support that you have given as business owners to those in need in your communities is unbelievable.

May is Tavern Month and it is a time when we blow our own horn and let people know what the members of The Tavern League of Wisconsin contribute around the state to our communities and to charity. The response to the VetsRoll fundraiser was phenomenal with a final donation of $51,300, which is the largest single donation that VetsRoll has ever received. Your generosity in providing closure to these great American patriots with a trip to Washington, D.C. is nothing short of amazing.

Keep up the good work and let everyone know that not only are we in business to provide for our families and our futures, but we also support our communities by giving back to those who have helped us prosper. I’ve never met such a giving group of people as the members of The Tavern League of Wisconsin, and I am continually humbled to be your president.

I look forward to seeing many of you over the summer! Salute!

Chris Marsicano

TLW President

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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

Fine Wine & Liquor

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 Inc. on the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call TLW office (608-270-8591) regarding the others benefitsnot of the different Remember to “Support thosein who support us.” call Makethe sure and thank these groups for for more their information support, and encourage on the list tocategories. participate.

Any business interested joining should

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 2018us.”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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EDITOR

Pete Madland, Executive Director, Tavern League of Wisconsin MANAGING EDITOR

Barbara Howell, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. GRAPHIC DESIGN

Chris Livieri, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. ADVERTISING SALES

Louise Andraski, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. louisea@ntmediagroup.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

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Julie Schiller, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. ads@ntmediagroup.com PRINTED BY

LSC Communications Pontiac, Illinois 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 LSC Communications, Pontiac, IL. For advertising information, contact Louise Andraski, 608-873-8734, louisea@ntmediagroup. 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. Š2018 Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc. Permission to reprint must be secured in advance of publication and credit given to author and On Premise.

www.tlw.org

MAJOR SUPPORTER of

State and Local Tavern Leagues

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS 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 Spring Conference & Show • Donor of Large Screen TV at TLW Fall Convention & 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 259506 Madison, WI 53725 www.WAMO.net

608.709.1960 608.824.2205 E amanda@wamo.net P F

A complete list of WAMO members can be found at www.WAMO.net.

Hosts of the World’s Largest Dart Tournament & the Nation’s Largest Pool Tournament.

FRONT RAIL WHO IS THE ENEMY?

BY PETE MADLAND, TLW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I

t is no secret that we have many challenges facing us in the tavern industry. Smoking bans, tougher DUI laws, attacks from the health community, new competition – the list goes on and on.

We can see by the decline in Class “B” licenses (less than 11,000, down from 15,000+) that many were not up to the challenge.

That is just a cold hard fact, but one that saddens me nonetheless.

have heard of: The Robert Woods Johnson Foundation; The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth “CAMY;” The Center on Addiction & Substance Abuse “CASA;” Center for Science in the Public Interest “CSPI;” and Alcohol Justice.

Through the years, those who have heard me speak may have heard me talk about the difference between “competitors” and “the enemy.” It is important to know the difference. I feel the true enemy is not the bar across the street or down the road — he/she is your competitor. Your real enemies are the people and groups that want to shut your business down. In fact, I will go a step further and say your competitors, many times, are good for you. Obviously, that is not the case when they are taking your customers by selling $1 cans of beer. However, when you look deeper at the competition, they can do you a favor. A good competitor will keep you on your toes and keep you from getting complacent. When they keep their building cleaner or put on a new coat of paint, you should feel compelled to take a closer look at your place. A good competitor is someone you can work with to promote an event that allows both businesses to benefit.

Remember, we all cannot be the busiest place in town, but we can all succeed. Competition is good for us if we look at it with a proper perspective.

I hope you understand why I call these people the enemy. Believe me, they are a greater threat to you than the tavern down the road.

Who is the enemy then? There are too many to mention here, and I’m sure you all have your own thoughts on that question.

The first people who come to my mind are MADD, big government and the health zealots. They all have their own agendas and are pursuing them quietly and sometimes not so quietly.

MADD’s mantra has changed from “Don’t Drive Drunk” to “Don’t Drink and Drive.” The difference is huge. They are now involved in the fight against underage drinking in an effort to stay relevant. Government wants more sin taxes and more regulation over our industry while the health industry is saying drinking causes every cancer known to man with a new study saying that one drink will shorten your life.

The list of anti-alcohol groups in existence today would astound you and are too numerous to list, but a few of these you may

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Why are these groups the enemy? They all share common goals.

Among these goals are: 1. Higher Alcohol Taxes 2. Limited Availability 4. Prohibit and Censor Advertising

5. Warning Labels 6. Increase Liability for Servers (Dram Shop) 7. Lower BAC

Now understand why these groups exist. They get grant money and sometimes tax money to do research and try to find data that will support their premise. They do not try to hide their agenda, in fact they are proud of their purpose. They are indeed a formidable opponent.

To make things worse we now have a member from the alcohol industry joining them. Recently the CEO of Heineken has come out publicly and said if you have one drink you should not drive. So much for “Don’t Drive Drunk.”

Here is a man who expects you, the neighborhood tavern, to sell his product but is saying don’t get behind the wheel if you have had one 12 oz. bottle of beer. Heineken then piles on by spending millions of dollars on TV spots featuring racecar driver Jackie Stewart repeatedly claiming he won’t have a drink because he is driving. So much for “Drink Responsibly, Drive Responsibly.” This is a dangerous road to go down, one that I fear others in the industry may choose to follow in the name of “Responsibility,” or some would say “Political Correctness.”

Once the industry buys into this crap that there is no level of responsible drinking, our tavern industry is doomed.

So know who your enemies are and know who your competitors are. The enemy wants to put you out of business and must be fought at every opportunity. Your competitors are different. Work with them and even learn from them; you all can compete and prosper. Remember we are competitors in the business but partners in the industry. Know your competitors, know your enemy, but most importantly – know the difference! TLW www.tlw.org

Nearly 2,000 ‘Thanks’ to the TLW for Supporting VetsRoll Inc.®!!!

Private sector support since 2010, has allowed VetsRoll to transport nearly 2,000 heroes to Washington, D.C. at NO CHARGE!!

The Tavern League of Wisconsin presented a check for $51,000 to VetsRoll Inc® at the spring TLW Conference in Milwaukee. Pictured (L-R) Mark Finnegan, VetsRoll Inc. president, Steve Hepp, Jefferson County Tavern League, Chris Marsicano, TLW president and Pete Madland, TLW executive director. Also special thanks to Sharen Hoskins of Rock County Tavern League, Vickie Sheridan Smith of VetsRoll Inc. and Steve Bysted of Ott-Schweitzer Distributing, who could not be present for the photo.

For more information, visit VetsRoll.Org

Looking forward to seeing our TLW friends at The Kalahari in October!! www.tlw.org

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TLW and Its Members Donated $12,427,051 To 15,120 Local Charities In 2017 County Name

Amount

# of Charities

County Name

Amount

# of Charities

Adams County $97,290 62

Milwaukee County

Ashland/Bayfield County

Monroe County $13,675 7

$284,000

15

$1,096,334

81

Barron County $48,129 57

Oconto County $43,332 89

Brown County $122,503 10

Oneida County $79,200 78

Burnett County $6,824 57

Oshkosh City $216,095 788

Calumet County $18,500 12

Outagamie County

Chippewa County

337

Ozaukee County $212,824 81

Clark County $8,700 140

Pepin County $108,439 88

Columbia County $100,000 60

Pierce County $106,000 404

Crawford County $84,574 562

Polk County $95,219 69

Dells/Delton

Portage County $936,510 193

$162,113

$2,300,000

4450

$4,348

12

Dodge County $96,250 820

Price County $239,600 25

Door County $184,400 22

Racine City $76,000 30

Eau Claire City/County

Racine County $149,395 38

$92,730

125

Florence County $6,000 60

Rock County $47,765 47

Fond du Lac City/County $25,000

Sauk County $30,000 120

50

Forest County $7,740 11

Sawyer County $72,100 52

Grant/Iowa County

$833,128

1403

Shawano County $38,705 40

Greater Northwoods

$68,000

340

Sheboygan County

$38,825

75

Green Lake Area $138,000 22

South Central $1,770 12

Jackson County $101,000 25

St. Croix County $44,958 75

Jefferson County $166,329 114

Superior/Douglas County $272,812

Juneau County $16,114 39

Taylor County $17,300 22

Kenosha City $552,980 55

Trempealeau/Buffalo County $237,500

Kenosha County $112,647 73

Vilas County $75,000 40

Kewaunee County

$182,689

73

Walworth County $106,506 54

La Crosse City/County

$450,000

312

Washburn County

$65,000

130

Lakeland Area $65,000 260

Washington County

$120,650

33

Langlade County $234,601 90

Waukesha County

$15,000

150

Lincoln County $103,000 25

Waupaca County $431,000 500

Madison/Dane County

$169,000

480

Waushara County $72,369 93

Manitowoc County

$101,000

196

Wood County $112,000 44

Marathon County

$4,469

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State Office of TLW

$102,310

Marinette County $92,000 290

VetsRoll Inc.

$51,300

Marquette County

CORE $15,000

$47,500

36

427

450

82

Total $12,427,051 15,120 10

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TLW Members Statewide

Are Committed to Community Service Fundraising Efforts Top Over $12 Million for Friends and Neighbors

By Jennifer Bradley May is Tavern Month and it’s a time to reflect on the selfless acts of kindness that define the hardworking members that make up the Tavern League of Wisconsin. The fundraisers and events held in 2017 may be a distant memory, but the generosity bestowed on communities by TLW members will impact friends and neighbors for years to come. What have your fellow members around the state been up to and how have they helped others? Let’s find out.

Predni says that for many years a focus of the restaurant’s charitable giving efforts have been Special Olympics, donating up to $5,000 per year to the cause. She annually runs two pool tournaments to raise money for the organization, one a coed event and the other for women only. Funds also are raised through a motorcycle/car run and a fishing contest.

She says a few customers have children who participate in Special Olympics, and Predni has become good friends with them. “They are so true to heart,” she says of the children.

“The money we raise helps them buy new uniforms and sends them to all the events, including state meets.”

The other cause close to Predni’s heart is hospice care. She works with Washburn County and Rice Lake hospice providers to provide meals to families currently with a loved one that is critically ill. She says this all began when a Prime Bar customer asked if she would be willing to bring meals to a family she knew needed relief from the day-to-day chore of making meals during this stressful time. “I did, and am happy to help when a family’s having a difficult time,” Predni adds, saying this is a way to make an immediate impact in the community.

PRIME BAR CONTINUES TRADITION OF GENEROUS GIVING Julie Predni just celebrated a milestone: Prime Bar Family Dining, which features a long history in Predni’s family, recently marked 40 years in business. Located in Trego, in Washburn County, Prime Bar has always been a part of their family, Predni says. She grew up in the business alongside her mother, Carol, and bought it 13 years ago from the family’s estate after both her parents had passed. www.tlw.org

This eighth district TLW member can also be found raising money for two $1,000 scholarships given each year to students at Spooner High School. The first, a business scholarship, is in her mother’s name and the other, an art scholarship, is given in honor of her deceased brother, Randy, who was an architect.

“I do a lot of these things because I was brought up to help those in need,” Predni adds. “Put others first and it will come back to you in a good way, and it has.”

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She says being an active TLW member runs in the family. Her mom was president of the county’s league for a number of years and Predni served as the state secretary/treasurer for a period of time. “We all get together and try to fight issues that might hurt our businesses,” Predni says. “We’re out there to help other people – the TLW is a team.”

Finally, Predni says all of this would not be possible without her customers who support the initiatives she takes on and are right there alongside her every step of the way. “Everyone here believes in what we do,” she concludes.

teachers, and parents/adults teach life skills classes. A twoyear case worker is also assigned. After they leave the shelter, residents are provided an apartment with a free year’s rent.

“The Tavern League has been very supportive of this shelter throughout the years,” Calleja explains. “The state does a matching grant to our county’s donation.”

Calleja says that he is also very involved with local school sports events, hosting banquets for teams at Ready Randy’s. He hosts a number of galas each year for a variety of organizations, providing the facility free of charge.

“People say I do a lot,” he acknowledges. “But I was brought up that way. It’s how I was raised and what I’ve always done, as my dad did.”

In addition, Calleja works with the local high school to raise funds for scholarships, approximately $30,000 - $40,000 each year. He was active in starting an all-night graduation event for the local seniors, which is completely community-driven and donated, from the food to the volunteers that host it at a local sports center.

ST. CROIX COUNTY BUSINESS SUPPORTS LOCAL RESIDENTS Ready Randy’s Bar & Grill is perfectly named by its owner, Randy Calleja, who is always ready and willing to meet a variety of community needs in St. Croix County.

One project Calleja feels especially passionate about is a New Richmond homeless shelter called Grace Place, which is making a tremendous difference in many lives. Calleja says he first got involved 13 years ago when the previous shelter’s staff came to him when they were unable to pay the shelter’s heating bill and needed help. He began holding wine tasting benefits at Ready Randy’s to pay for the facility’s operational costs. The first one raised $7,000, and in 2017, the amount donated to this fund was $25,000.

In 2013, a building that once housed a nursing home was donated for only $1 by Presbyterian Homes with hopes it would become a homeless shelter. In six months, Calleja and his team raised $265,000 to get the home, which had been sitting empty for two years, up and running. In another fundraising effort, the home’s 60 rooms were “sold” to community members, who have kept them updated. Outside each room a plaque honors each person’s contribution and efforts. Calleja currently is working to establish an endowment of $300,000 (and is half-way there) so the facility eventually can operate out of the fund’s earnings.

He says the shelter is only for families throughout St. Croix County, and nearly 20 children are living there at a time. The residents can stay 90 days, and during that time, the children are provided with tutors through a program comprised of retired

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Additionally, this TLW seventh district member works diligently to support Alzheimer’s research through his assistance with the county’s annual walk, which last year raised more than $90,000.

Calleja’s mother died of the disease just four years ago, and he says the dollars raised through this event are “tremendous.” The Tavern League also provided a matching grant for this event as well.

“You become part of the community, and that’s what the Tavern League was founded on,” Calleja says. “It’s one of our responsibilities as a member, to give back. It’s what I’ve always believed in and hope other people will see that too and in turn, come support these programs.”

MILWAUKEE COUNTY LEAGUE TAKES CARE OF ITS COMMUNITY Sharon Ward is a well-known name within the Tavern League of Wisconsin, and while she doesn’t own a business any longer, this retired member keeps the Milwaukee County Tavern League on its toes. She serves as the secretary/treasurer of the www.tlw.org

local league, which is very aware of the needs in its community and responds to meet them. The county league has 212 members and raises funds in many ways, including its annual bowling tournament and golf outing. Last year’s bowling tournament allowed them to gift $4,200 to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, with a donation match from an anonymous donor. Ward says the 2017 golf outing raised the traditional $1,000 for the administration of the county’s SafeRide Program and additional $13,000 for the Milwaukee County Hospitality Association Foundation. (The county league established this 501(c)(3) non-profit as a way to gift funds to organizations and individuals.)

Each year the league awards two $1,000 scholarships to local students who are enrolling in a hospitality-driven field at a university, college or technical school. The foundation supports the West Allis Community Improvement Association and awards $600 to the West Allis Police Canine Unit. Half of that amount is a match from the state TLW grant program.

MEAT RAFFLES TOP GIVING ROSTER FOR BRIDGE INN Jill Gruetzmacher says the Bridge Inn in Grafton is uniquely positioned in the hospitality industry. Foremost it’s a large sports bar, but it also attracts a different audience with its live music. “We host tons of parties and events here,” she says. “The price is right, as we don’t charge anything for people to utilize the facility, and we let them bring their own food in.”

The Milwaukee County Tavern League has also supported Ride for the Cure, an annual ride for breast cancer research through the Rock River H.O.G. Chapter, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle raffle is underway to help fund its foundation in 2018.

The building dates to 1911, and at 107 years old, Gruetzmacher says it has been fully remodeled and updated. She and her husband, Bill, are both very passionate about charity work and volunteering. She sits on the local chamber board of directors, and they both donate a lot of time to make Bridge Inn a place that people know will help out when needed.

Ward says the league has a unique partnership with the Milwaukee High School of the Arts, who is a benefactor of a $500 donation each year. The school’s music department helps the league with a special event each year when its jazz musicians perform for veterans who are receiving health services at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center.

From scholarship fundraisers to cancer benefits, Gruetzmacher says there is something going on all the time to benefit the community. For this distinction, The Bridge Inn was named Grafton’s 2017 Business of The Year. The honor, she says, is one she didn’t see coming, and she is shocked that a tavern would be nominated, and then win.

Another way Milwaukee County Tavern League shows its support to veterans and their families is with a $50 memorial donation to Fisher House Wisconsin in the name of a league member or family member who passes away.

“We employ a lot of people, the community sees what we do, and we were very honored,” Gruetzmacher adds. “All our employees have really stepped up and this has become important to them too. I feel that giving is what makes everyone better people.”

Children are also near and dear to the league’s mission. A benefactor of their support is the Wilson Premier Youth Baseball Association, an organization that Ward says teaches sportsmanship and cooperation to 5,000 youth in Milwaukee County. “They have an amazing field and we donate $600 to them on a biannual basis,” she explains.

One of the most popular events The Bridge Inn hosts, according to Gruetzmacher, is a meat raffle. This is simply a bucket raffle for various quantities and cuts of meat. While it takes her quite a while to organize, she says for the fundraising organization, it’s a quick way to make a nice amount of money, compared to selling pizzas door to door, for example. One meat raffle in 2017 raised $12,000 for a local family and others have raised approximately $3,000.

The league has given to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Two Lives One Heart, among others. Ward says Milwaukee County Tavern League has such a varied group of donations, but each one has meaning. In addition, Ward says members host many cancer benefits and give donations to groups independent of the county league whenever they can.

Gruetzmacher likes to partner with Mel’s Charities as well, a foundation run by a good friend who raises a lot of money for various organizations in Ozaukee County. She also gives scholarships in her niece’s and brother-in-law’s names, both of whom passed away from cancer.

“TLW members constantly give back to the community,” Ward says. “These people many times are our neighbors. You never know where the request is going to come from or for what, but we will make a donation to the members’ events through our foundation.”

She says they are very fortunate to be able to give back to so many deserving people and be an extension to fill that community need. “We live in a very affluent county as far as the state goes, but there are still families that can’t afford a lot,” Gruetzmacher adds.

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SOUTHWESTERN CHAPTER KEEPS ON GIVING In Juneau County, Dan (Tuna) Frisch recently retired as a TLW third district director, and while this veteran member no longer owns Heinie’s Tavern, he remains proud of the accomplishments he’s been a part of to help his community. During his tenure with the TLW, Frisch says he’s helped raise well over $250,000 for local and state charities.

COTTAGE GROVE HAS “BEST KEPT SECRET”

Each year, the county league’s big event is its summer golf outing and the other is a cash raffle, which has been going on for at least 20 years, says Frisch. The outing generally raises around $10,000 and the raffle, $4,000.

Gary and Debbie Stueber own Doubleday’s in Cottage Grove, just outside Madison. Although established almost 60 years ago, the Stuebers are relative newcomers to the tavern industry. In 2004 when Gary’s career in the printing industry ended due to a plant closure, he and Debbie, an experienced banquet manager, found themselves rethinking their life’s work. In 2008 they bought Doubledays; soon after the recession hit and the new smoking ban was imposed on the hospitality industry.

Every year, the league donates to all five county food pantries, the Meals on Wheels program, the Hope House for battered women and children, hospice centers and more.

“2018 is here and we’ve had to improvise, adapt and overcome many obstacles,” says Gary. “Fundraising and charitable organizations have helped fill our calendar with repeat customers.”

Frisch says the county league has purchased defibrillators for all of the Juneau County squad cars and has donated to the sheriff’s department to purchase a police dog. “One year we bought baseball cards for kids,” he says. “We do a lot of stuff that goes unnoticed.”

He says Easter Seals, Special Olympics, RSVP, the SafeRide program are just a few of the organizations which host events at their facility. “Anytime someone asks about fundraising, we help set up the event. And we’re glad to put the time into maximizing each event’s success.”

The Juneau County Tavern League awards five scholarships each year to students pursuing continuing education programs for hospitality, food and beverage service, or other fields in those areas.

Volunteers and staff help run the events, which help make them easier to run, since many are one-time projects, he explains. “We have learned over the years that people will come out and show support for people in need,” Gary says. “We provide the venue and donate the space to help people and they are genuinely thankful.

This helps promote good will in a society and community.”

They also donate to the state league initiatives, such as the CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees) and Fisher House Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

Frisch says that the TLW has always been a part of his life. His wife, Sherry (“Cupcake”) helps prepare baskets for the many fundraisers, and also served on the county league and was district secretary.

He says the previous owners had strong ties to sports and named the facility after Abner Doubleday, the Civil War general who supposedly invented baseball. Gary says the business was originally opened as a trap shooting range in 1959 and boasted a 10-lane bowling center and banquet/ballroom as well.

During his years in business, Frisch says he helped any organization sell tickets, plan fundraisers, whatever they needed. “I just believe in the Tavern League,” he adds. “It’s been my whole life. We have to fight for the laws that go against us and I just devoted my life to it.”

Johnny Cash, Chubby Checker, Stonewall Jackson and more big names have played at Doubleday’s, but Gary says even though thousands of people have visited the established since 1959, “we really get excited when people say they never knew this place was here. We call it the best kept secret.”

He and his parents owned Heinie’s Tavern for a combined 64 years and while selling it was tough, Frisch says it was time, and the new owners are carrying on the legacy of community giving, which he truly appreciates.

He says there was a time a local church was under construction and needed a place for worship. “We accommodated them, then had an Elvis impersonator in the afternoon and a high school jazz ensemble in the evening,” concludes Gary. TLW

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ABL Update: The Latest Industry News From Washington

BY ABL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOHN BODNOVICH

W

ith Congress now in an election year, the legislative climate in Washington will continue to slow as November approaches. Republicans appear mostly content to run on the tax bill that was signed into law in late 2017. There are some must-pass bills that will be addressed – most likely in an omnibus bill to fund the government. Odds of a successful infrastructure package and entitlement reform have dwindled, replaced on front pages by hot-button issues like immigration, gun control and the opioid epidemic.

ABL staff has been working on a handful of federal legislative issues. ABL has continued to support the Transparency in Music Licensing and Ownership Act (H.R. 3350), meeting with legislators and their staff to secure support for the legislation.

Achieving broad consensus has been challenging as the House Judiciary Committee has been focused on other music bills that do not necessarily address ABL’s concerns.

A flurry of new reports on impaired driving have been released in the past weeks, though federal legislative activity has been limited. State efforts, however, continue with the ongoing debate in Utah – and now Delaware – over moving to a .05 percent BAC threshold for drunk driving.

IMPAIRED DRIVING REPORTS

“Perhaps most troubling is the study’s unserious suggestion to reject meaningful contributions of the alcohol industry – and any groups that receive funding from the industry – when it comes to fighting impaired driving.

“To suggest that local bars, taverns and package stores have no role to play in this fight ignores those who are already on the front lines of preventing impaired driving and limits our societal efforts to address this problem.”

On the media conference call to highlight the report, representatives of the committee that produced the report stated that: • They are looking to tie “excessive” and “binge” drinking to 0.05 BAC. • Lowering the BAC threshold to 0.05 would save approximately 1,500 lives per year in the U.S. • Individuals who later report driving after “probably drinking too much” said they consumed at least eight drinks.

• The committee found that designated driver programs don’t have an impact on alcohol-impaired driving rates.

• The report did not address marijuana/drugged driving, distracted driving, etc.

• The committee felt widespread adoption of self-driving vehicles is too far in the future to consider as a factor to reducing alcohol-impaired driving.

NGA REPORT On Feb. 6, the National Governors Association (NGA) released its new report, State Strategies to Reduce Highway and Traffic Fatalities: A Road Map for States.

NAS REPORT On Jan. 17, ABL issued a statement in response to the release of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) study, Getting to Zero Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities: A Comprehensive Approach to a Persistent Problem. ABL pointed out: “The report reflects a battery of recycled recommendations and, more disturbingly, represents a squandered opportunity to be inclusive and forward-looking when it comes to drugged and distracted driving.

“It also raises serious questions about what the $2 million spent on the report could have funded to more directly address impaired driving.

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The impaired driving strategies recommended in the NGA Roadmap report include: • Increase the use of sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols.

• Increase the number of DWI courts and encourage other courts to impose appropriate penalties.

• Promote the use of ignition interlock devices and require them for first-time offenses.

• Consider license plate and vehicle impoundment penalties for DWI offenders.

• Develop standard detection-enforcement methods for law enforcement to identify drug impairment, including from prescription drugs and marijuana. www.tlw.org

MADD REPORT On Jan. 24, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) released its 2018 Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving “Rating the States” report. It rates the states based on the following laws/ programs: Ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, administrative license revocation, child endangerment and alcohol test refusals. The report gives partial credit vs. full credit based on quality of laws or programs such as endorsement of expedited warrants to deal with refusal; more credit to states that conduct checkpoints at least once a month; and more credit for states that require interlocks for refusal and/or during any license suspension.

require servers and other workers who earn tips to share them with non-tipped workers like kitchen staff. This rule would rescind a 2011 rule prohibiting businesses from including non-tipped workers in tip pools. Previously, the DOL only blocked employers that took the so-called tip credit — an option allowing them to pay tipped workers at below minimum wage if the difference is made up with tips — from maintaining tip pools.

States are eligible for a 5-star rating, but no state received five stars. The five states with a 4.5 rating: Arizona, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada and West Virginia. Montana had the lowest at a .05 rating. Right behind Montana were Michigan (1), Idaho (1.5), Iowa (1.5), Rhode Island (1.5), South Dakota (1.5) and Wyoming (1.5)

Soon after its proposal, the rule was before the 10th Circuit Court, which opened a circuit split with the earlier rulings of the 9th and 4th Circuit Courts on similar cases. Supporters of the proposed rule – including the NFIB, National Restaurant Association and American Gaming Association – have asked the Supreme Court to settle the circuit split.

On Feb. 2, the DOL sought its seventh extension of time to file its brief in response to the National Restaurant Association’s request for the U.S. Supreme Court to review the 2011 regulation.

UTAH .05 BAC

OVERTIME RULE

In spring 2017, a bill lowering the blood alcohol content level for DUI to .05 passed in the Utah Legislature. It was subsequently signed into law by the governor. The governor had initially called for a special legislative session in summer/fall 2017 to address concerns about the bill, but then decided to let the legislature work on the law in the 2018 regular session.

In June 2017, ABL sent a letter to the Utah Transportation Interim Committee in advance of a hearing, urging Utah to amend the law, which is set to take effect in 2019, to reflect a .08 BAC limit and bring Utah back in line with the other 49 states. This winter, Rep. Karen Kwan filed H.B. 345, a bill that would delay Utah’s .05 percent BAC law from taking effect until 2022.

Since the comment period closed on Sept. 25, 2017, with receipt of 140,000 comments, the DOL has not made any announcements on its plans to change the threshold for employees who are exempt from overtime pay. Recall that in May 2016, under the Obama Administration, the DOL announced that it was raising the threshold for employees who are exempt from overtime pay to $47,476 – more than double the current salary threshold of $23,660. That rule was struck down in court first in 2016 and then finally in 2017. It is expected that the DOL will make its position known in 2018 through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), with a more modest increase in the exemption level.

IN BRIEF END DRUNK DRIVING ACT Rep. Kathleen Rice’s (D-NY) End Drunk Driving Act of 2017 (H.R. 3374) does not have any cosponsors and no similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate.

As a reminder, the bill: • Requires that within 10 years, all new cars sold in the U.S. must be equipped with advanced technology that prevents the car from moving if the driver’s BAC is at or above the legal limit.

• Boosts funding for the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) program to help ensure the technology is fully developed within 10 years.

• Withholds highway funding from states that don’t have mandatory use of ignition interlock devices for all offenders.

WAGES TIP-POOLING The Department of Labor (DOL) is under fire for the December proposed rule that would make it easier for employers to www.tlw.org

Sports Betting: After hearing oral arguments in Dec. 2017, the Supreme Court is expected to rule in spring 2018 on a case challenging the Congressional ban on sports wagering. Currently, Nevada is the only state that permits single-game sports betting.

TTB: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) recently published additional Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform guidance that addresses issues related to tax credits/reduced tax rates on wine, distilled spirits and beer, including issues relating to transfers in bond.

Trade Tariffs: The Beer Institute and NBWA have come out in opposition to President Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on imported aluminum, which could cost upwards of $347 million. 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.

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ANNUAL MEETING 2018 ABL ANNUAL MEETING A SUCCESS beverage retail. These businesses and their owners were each recognized as a 2018 Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year and were presented their awards at the 2018 ABL Honors Gala. TLW First District Director Dennis “Salvo” Salverson was selected as one of the honorees.

“The Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year Awards provide us with an opportunity to recognize and honor our members – those individuals who serve as the face of the beverage alcohol industry to the consumer,” according to Bodnovich. “When selecting these members for their awards, there Teddy Graziano, Louisiana state manager, Brown-Forman, presents TLW First are numerous aspects of small business ownerDistrict Director Dennis Salverson with the Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year ship that are taken into account; among these Award as Salverson’s wife, Mary, looks on. are: excellence in advocacy, responsible sales and service practices, community engagement, and their support everage retailers and their hospitality industry partners from across the country gathered in New Orleans, of their state affiliate.”

Louisiana, March 11-13 for American Beverage Licensees’ (ABL) 16th Annual Meeting. Speakers addressed a wide range Also honored at the evening’s gala was Mark Brown, president of topics and themes impacting beverage retailers, including: & CEO of Sazerac, who was presented with the 2018 ABL Top impaired driving; music licensing; technology; the alcohol Shelf Award, the highest honor presented by America’s beer, wine retail landscape; industry and legal updates; policy, regulation and spirits retailers, and which recognizes those who have demonstrated professional excellence in the beverage alcohol industry and licensing; and other hot topics in retail. and have had a positive influence in their community. TLW “The past year has seen a number of major shifts in areas directly affecting beverage retailers – from mergers and acquisitions in the producer and distributor tiers, to impaired driving and regulatory and policy changes at the state and federal level,” explained ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “The breadth and scope of this year’s programming reflects these changing times and ABL’s efforts to position our members for success in navigating the future of the beverage alcohol marketplace.”

B

Bringing all the presentations together and synthesizing what it all means for ABL members, the Retail Hot Topics Panel provided attendees with insights into issues and trends for both onand off-premise beverage retailers. The session was moderated

by ABL President Steve Morris and featured a panel of four retailers who fielded a range of questions from the moderator and audience: Jodi Blakley, owner of the Mecca Bar in Fairbanks, Alaska; Terry Harvath, owner of the Wishing Well Bar & Grill in Appleton, Wisconsin; David Jabour, president of Twin Liquors in Austin, Texas; and Mac Thurston, president and general manager of Mac’s Beer & Wine in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to the informational and educational sessions, the 2018 ABL Annual Meeting provided ABL with the opportunity to recognize 16 retail beverage businesses from across the country for their leadership and outstanding examples they set for

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ABL President Steve Morris, Terry Harvath and Bubba Sprenger enjoy a cocktail and conversation.

ABL President Steve Morris presents the ABL Top Shelf Award to Mark Brown, president and CEO of Sazerac.

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Sprenger’s contributions are not limited to Wisconsin. He has been active on the national level as well, helping reorganize the national organization that would eventually become the American Beverage Licensees (ABL). Sprenger served as ABL’s first president from 2002 to 2004 and will serve out his term as an at-large member of ABL’s board of directors through March 2019.

Bubba Sprenger

shares his thoughts on four decades of TLW leadership

Story and Photography

By Amanda Wegner

L

ast month’s Tavern League of Wisconsin Spring Conference was a special one: It was the last one longtime member Robert “Bubba” Sprenger would attend as an executive officer of the Tavern League.

Sprenger has a rich history with both the Tavern League and the beverage alcohol industry as a whole. Shortly after joining the organization, Sprenger became secretary of the Waupaca County Tavern League in 1978. He was elected to the State Board in 1985 and became central zone vice president in 1987. In 1990, he became senior vice president and when former President Roger Breske was elected to the state Senate in November of that year, Sprenger took over the reins, serving as Tavern League of Wisconsin President until 1995. Following his five-year tenure as president, Sprenger assumed the role as central zone vice president, a position he held through last month’s convention.

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“What all this has meant to me is personal satisfaction,” says Sprenger. “I take a lot of pride that Tavern League of Wisconsin is idolized, that we’re known in the state of Wisconsin and the United States. If you don’t get personal satisfaction from a job, you’re doing the wrong job. I couldn’t have done this if I didn’t feel it wasn’t for the better good and that my efforts weren’t wasted. And they haven’t been.”

With the end of an era nearing, On Premise sat down to talk with Sprenger at the opening of the TLW Spring Conference in Milwaukee. Covering everything from how business has changed in his 41 years to his hopes for the future of Tavern League, here are the highlights of that conversation.

Pride in Leadership

Sprenger opened his bar, Bubba’s, in April 1977 at the age of 28. He was previously in the floor covering business, but when the bar came up for sale, he decided to buy it. “I’d always been interested in bars, and I was a good customer for other bars,” says Sprenger on his decision to purchase the business.

“I had tended bar part-time for other people, and I wanted to try it, so I gave it a shot.”

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END OF AN ERA Bubba

Sprenger

Being in his hometown of Marion, population 1,100, he also figured that knowing “tons of people” would give him a good base for his business, a downtown neighborhood bar with just 19 stools and two, five-chair party tables.

“We were known as the place to go to get something late. We always had people until late, and my staff was instructed to stay open. If you were out and about doing something and it was a weeknight, you could be guaranteed that Bubba’s would be open if you came to downtown Marion.”

Having heard about the strength of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Sprenger joined the organization as soon as he opened the bar. “It was kind of a no-brainer to belong. Some of my dearest friends were other bar owners, and they were members. Meetings were a chance to get together, trade ideas and just associate, and they all became my best friends.”

What drove him to executive positions with the league, he says, was that he saw how much there was to do. “We have so many grassroots groups and members, but not everyone has the opportunity to be heard. A lot more should be heard, but that falls on our shoulders as executives.

That’s a responsibility I wanted to accept, and I stayed with it.”

When asked about the Tavern League successes that he is most proud of during his tenure, Sprenger was quick to point out that sometimes victories are “when nothing changes… When a particular law doesn’t get rammed down your throat or when there’s a big push for something that will affect our industry and it doesn’t go anywhere, those are victories. Success isn’t always counted by big victories, but things we’ve prevented from happening.”

But there are tangible victories Sprenger is happy to talk about. For instance, Sprenger noted the Tavern League’s involvement in getting rid of a tax dating

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back to the Civil War that required beer and liquor retailers to pay an annual Special Occupational Tax to the federal government, a success that saved bar owners $250 annually.

Another success Sprenger points to is the Fairness in Music Licensing Act, which passed in 1998 with the help of Tavern League of Wisconsin and U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls). This act provided relief from music licensing fees for smaller establishments and secured discounts on licensing fees for larger drinking establishments. “This home-style exemption was so important for us,” says Sprenger. “The ASCAPs and BMIs of the world were charging hand over fist to our businesses, pushing fees that would make them go broke or putting them at risk of getting caught without the [music] license.”

“In all honesty, if the other 49 states had effective organizations like Tavern League, I don’t think we’d be dealing with the negative public opinion there is about beverage alcohol.”

The development of Wisconsin’s SafeRide program also rises to the top of Sprenger’s list, which grew from a self-funded program in Wisconsin’s larger cities to the hallmark program it has become today.

“If it wasn’t for the Tavern League, we wouldn’t have SafeRide,” says Sprenger.

“No one did it for us; we had to work for every nickel. The DOT grant money we get to help fund SafeRide — that was unheard when we first got it. And now, look at the program; it’s really something great.”

On the flip side, some of the greatest defeats that Sprenger witnessed in his time are issues where the Tavern League’s hands were largely tied. “Some of the fights we’ve had, like the drinking age battle in the 1980s

and .08, it wasn’t that we didn’t do our job, but that our hands were tied. It was federal blackmail on highway transportation funding, and we didn’t have the votes to lose tax dollars. That’s not really something you can win against.”

On the battle of the smoking ban, Sprenger still calls it a “kick in the butt,” but reminds members that it could have been worse. “In hindsight, we got a better bargain. Every other state now has a smoking ban, and because we delayed and we fought it off as long as we could, we have one of the more favorable bans, if there is such a thing.”

He goes on to explain that in many other states, smokers can’t just go outside, but have to be 25 feet to 50 feet away from someone else’s door; in many municipalities, this effectively means no smoking at all.

Above the Rest

Being active in beverage alcohol issues at both the state and national levels, one thing Sprenger hears frequently is “How do you do it?”

“I hear it all the time. Our Tavern League of Wisconsin is the largest trade association for beverage alcohol in the world, bar none, and is the most effective.

We’ve had a few other key states that can hold their own, but the Tavern League is idolized throughout the country, by every state association and those that want to be but can’t get off the ground.”

What has allowed the Tavern League of Wisconsin to be so strong is a combination of heritage, history, culture and work ethic, posits Sprenger. “Our German, Irish, Polish and other ancestry … they are not big abstainers. Yes, others like to attack us on that, saying that’s all we do in Wisconsin, but what also helps is that our people are productive, some of the most productive in the union. [Tavern League] happened here for a reason. In Indiana and Ohio, for example, they have a lot of beverage alcohol, but they’re on-premise state www.tlw.org

associations have failed. Why have they failed? They’ve got heritage and culture, but they don’t have the strength and fortitude to create an association to stand up and protect their rights.

Here in Wisconsin, we are willing to fight to have three Old-Fashioneds with our Friday fish fry, followed by an after-dinner drink.”

If it were possible to have 49 carbon copies of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Sprenger believes the nation would have a much different view of beverage alcohol. “In all honesty, if the other 49 states had effective organizations like Tavern League, I don’t think we’d be dealing with the negative public opinion there is about beverage alcohol. I don’t think we’d be looking at a 21-year-old drinking age, and I don’t think we’d be at a .08 BAC right now. That is all about grassroots and how reactionary our federal government is.” He adds: “When something happens, we do something about it here. Imagine if that were the case in every state.”

“We know why members are not stepping up … they say they don’t have time, don’t have money, that business isn’t that good.

What I say to them is that stepping up does not mean you have to do everything...” you have to do everything; if there are five or six things your local league needs to do, if everyone does one thing, that isn’t too much. If what the Tavern League offers isn’t worth that investment to keep themselves in business, I think they have to take a deep look at themselves and self-judge.

Could I give a little more time? Can I take three hours once a month and go to meeting? Is that too much to ask to support an association that protects your business? If everyone does a little, it will get done well and you’ll have fun doing it.”

In fact, it’s the support of membership and the Tavern League that made Sprenger’s 40 years in leadership worth

the time and commitment. “I could never have done what I was able to do if it wasn’t for the supporting members out there. If it wasn’t for my people in Waupaca County, the 5th District and Central Zone who I had the privilege to represent, and the support of Tavern League when I went to the national organizations, this would have been nothing for me. What’s made it worthwhile is the fact that they were behind me and supporting me. When I asked for something of them, dammit, I usually got it. And I hope it means something for them, that I gave my best effort to do the best I could for the tavern industry.” TLW

Moving Ahead

While Sprenger is stepping away from his active leadership role with the Tavern League and sold his bar over a year ago, he looks forward to seeing younger officers move forward. “We’ve got some good, young officers who will accomplish things. That’s why the association doesn’t need all officers by age; we have to grow and keep bringing new people and new blood into leadership positions.

Some of us old guys, we’re beyond the time we could have, should have left, and we may have held some other good young leaders back.”

Recognizing that not everyone can take on a leadership position, the general membership has a role to play in the Tavern League of Wisconsin’s future as well.

“Our leaders need the support of the membership,” says Sprenger. “We know why members are not stepping up … they say they don’t have time, don’t have money, that business isn’t that good. What I say to them is that stepping up does not mean www.tlw.org

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SPRING CONFERENCE SUMMARY

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wo of Milwaukee’s most popular brands – Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors – were the inspiration behind this year’s spring conference hosted by the Milwaukee County Tavern League, April 9-12 at the Crowne Plaza Airport and GrandStay Hotels on the city’s south side. Months of preparation by the Milwaukee County Tavern League ensured that the over 500 in attendance went “Hog Wild and Lived the High Life!”

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 Cooperage. From 8 p.m. – 1 a.m., partygoers reconnected with old friends and met new TLW members while enjoying a buffet and cocktails plus live music by the Larry Lynne Band.

TUESDAY’S EVENTS The General Session attended by several hundred members opened with Milwaukee County Tavern League President Lori Helm, Acting Milwaukee County Sheriff Richard Schmidt and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett welcoming everyone to the city.

Next up was TLW President Chris Marsicano, who thanked TLW members for their support since his election to office

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last October. Marsicano indicated several changes are underway at the TLW office in Madison, including a new website and social media initiatives. Marsicano expressed his pride in TLW members’ commitment to charity fundraising efforts as well as their support of the SafeRide program. Marsicano turned the floor over to Secretary Erin Pulaski and Treasurer Tom Dahlen, who each presented their reports. www.tlw.org

TLW Executive Director Pete Madland then stepped to the podium to introduce the conference’s keynote speaker, Rick Berman, head of the American Beverage Institute and longtime friend of the Tavern League of Wisconsin.

members who were attending their last conference as active participants. First District Director Dennis “Salvo” Salverson, Central Zone Vice President Robert “Bubba” Sprenger, and Third District Director Dan “Tuna” Frisch were awarded plaques for their combined over 60 years of service to the TLW. Following brief remarks by each, President Marsicano closed the morning session with the attendance drawing and first-time member orientation session.

In nearly an hour-long presentation, Berman spoke about several topics with potential negative impacts to the alcohol beverage industry. One of the most significant, according to Berman, is the possibility of lowering the BAC to .05 from .08. Although only Utah has passed this legislation, Berman encouraged members to be proactive on this issue and said the TLW has the opportunity to lead the way in the fight against .05. “Don’t look at the major liquor and wine companies to fight it. They can’t get embroiled in bad publicity that might occur. The grass roots efforts of organizations like yours will have to lead the fight,” he said.

Tuesday afternoon members attended seminars entitled: “Wisconsin’s Wage and Hour Laws” and “Taxes and Audits: What’s Changed?” The tradeshow, featuring over 50 vendors, offered members a chance to enjoy samples and learn about new products. 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 Up All Night, sponsored by ASCAP, and featured the live auction presided over by Colonel Pete Madland.

The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), according to Berman, is leading the charge against zero alcohol tolerance with statements such as “There is no such thing as responsible drinking and driving” and “No alcohol before driving should be permitted.” As a result, several well-respected organizations including the American Medical Association, The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control are now on board with lowering the BAC to .05.

President Marsicano then returned to the podium to honor former TLW President and current TLW Executive Director Pete Madland with the President’s Award. Madland, who was humbled by the honor graciously thanked everyone in the organization.

Next on the morning’s agenda was a presentation to three retiring TLW board

www.tlw.org

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SPRING CONFERENCE SUMMARY

WEDNESDAY’S EVENTS TLW President Chris Marsicano opened Wednesday morning’s general business meeting followed by Robert “Bubba” Sprenger, the TLW’s ABL representative, who spoke about a range of topics impacting beverage retailers. Sprenger informed TLW members that favorable swipe fees are still in place within the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. In addition, Sprenger indicated music licensing continues to be a hot topic. Its reform through the MIC Coalition is ongoing. Due to his retirement, this was Sprenger’s last ABL report to TLW members, with former TLW President Terry Harvath taking over his duties within the organization.

Next on the agenda was the Legislative Report prepared by Political Affairs Director Scott Stenger. The bulk of Stenger’s remarks centered on the attempt by special interests to destroy the three-tier system in Wisconsin. Groups such as Americans for Prosperity, funded in part by the Koch Brothers, “want to blow up the three-tier system and get rid of distributors,” explained Stenger. “If an alcohol manufacturer becomes a retailer, the small guys are wiped out,” he added.

According to Stenger, the newly formed Craft Beverage Alliance consisting of the Wisconsin Brewers Guild, the Wisconsin Winery Association and the Wisconsin Distillers Guild, is promoting a simplification of the three-tier system of alcohol regulation in the state. “Their argument is that the current system is stifling their growth, but there has been tremendous growth in the manufacturing of alcohol. Over the last 10 years craft brewing in Wisconsin has exploded,” Stenger explained. “It is hard to claim the three tier system is having a negative effect on manufacturers,” he added.

Next up was Pete Madland, who opened his Executive Director’s Report with a heartfelt thank you to the three executive board members, Dennis Salverson, Bubba Sprenger and Dan Frisch, who are stepping down.

Next, Madland introduced a new initiative to gain TLW members. During May, which is Tavern Month, $1,000 will be awarded to the person who recruits the most members.

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The bulk of Madland’s remarks focused on his concern for the continuing onslaught of negative press regarding the beverage alcohol industry. “There are many organizations that propose any consumption of alcohol is bad,” Madland said. He encouraged members to think of each other as competitors in business and partners in the industry.

Following Madland’s remarks, candidates seeking district level offices were allowed to introduce themselves to attendees and provide a brief campaign pitch.

www.tlw.org

On Wednesday afternoon, TLW members attended the tradeshow and Executive Director Pete Madland visited vendors’ booths and awarded exhibitor prizes. District caucuses were held Wednesday afternoon, followed by the President’s TIPAC Reception sponsored by Capitol-Husting.

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 $5,700 and the live auction generated $18,628 for a combined total of $24,328. Also, the fourth annual TLW food drive collected $1,438 for the Hunger Task Force.

Next a check for $51,000 was presented on behalf of the TLW to VetsRoll Inc.® to help send deserving WWII-era and other senior military veterans and “Rosie the Riveters” to Washington D.C. to view the memorials erected in their honor. This year’s four-day trip is scheduled for May 20-23, 2018, and was enthusiastically embraced by TLW members who held fundraisers all over the state. VetsRoll Inc. President Mark Finnegan was present to accept the donation.

The morning session wrapped up with a DVD presentation of the four-day conference, and after closing remarks by President Marsicano, the conference was adjourned. The Milwaukee County President’s Reception followed at Swiss Street Pub & Grill.

A big thank you is extended to Milwaukee County Tavern League, the city of Milwaukee and The Crowne Plaza and GrandStay hotels for their hospitality during the TLW’s fourday conference. TLW

APRIL 2018 ELECTION RESULTS All offices are two-year terms, unless otherwise noted: THIRD DISTRICT DIRECTOR Mike Brown Keith Koehler Chris Olson

3 20 2

SEVENTH DISTRICT DIRECTOR (1 YEAR) Dino Amundson 20 Denny Zais 15 THE FOLLOWING WERE RUNNING UNOPPOSED: Southern District Vice President (1 year) Jim Pickett Southern Zone Vice President Dan Taivalkoski Central District Vice President (1 year) Lori Frommgen Central Zone Vice President Cathy Vales Eastern District Vice President (1 year) Terri “Sassy” Buman Northern District Vice President (1 year) Nancy Lorbetske First District Director Jennifer Collison First District Director (1 year) Renee Peterson Second District Director Eric Christenson Third District Director (1 year) Todd Giraud Fourth District Director Tim Tomchek Fifth District Director Ray “Bear” Bruch Fifth District Director (2 year) Paul Salzwedel Sixth District Director Judy Vandenhouten Sixth District Director (1 year) Brad Schinke Seventh District Director Diane Schwartz Eighth District Director Russ Fisher Eighth District Director (1 year) Keith Kern Ninth District Director Lorie Helm **New Board Members also include: Fifth District Director Doug Korth NOMINATIONS FOR FALL 2018: Senior Vice President Russ Fisher Jen Gunning Brad Schinke Cathy Vales

www.tlw.org

Secretary Erin Pulaski Treasurer Tom Dahlen

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES 2018: ANOTHER IMPORTANT ELECTION YEAR

BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

You wonder why your local elected official seems more friendly and happy to see you? A quick look at the calendar provides the answer – it is an election year!

Every election is a test of which side can best motivate voters and talk about issues of importance to the public.

There is a lot of talk about the possibility of a “blue wave” election this fall and if predictions hold true it could be a good year for the Democrats. Our job must be about getting the word out to our members, customers, friends and neighbors on which candidates will best represent the interests of the hospitality industry.

Republicans currently control all the levers of government in Wisconsin. They hold an 18-14 edge in the state Senate, a 63-35 majority in the state Assembly as well as holding both the Governor’s and Attorney General’s office. The odd numbered seats are up in the state Senate along with all 99 Assembly seats, Wisconsin’s eight congressional seats and U.S. Senate seat as well as the offices of Governor and Attorney General. Like every election there is much at stake this November.

Gov. Walker will face one of the 18 candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for Governor. The Primary is Aug. 14 and Democrats will choose their candidate to face Gov. Walker. Unlike the race for Governor, there are only two candidates for Attorney General. Incumbent Brad Schimel is set to face Democrat Josh Kaul.

Speaker Paul Ryan is not running for re-election so there will be an open seat in the 1st Congressional District. The other seven incumbent U.S. House members from Wisconsin will face re-election in November. Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin faces her first re-election race and will challenge the winner of the Republican primary between state Senator Leah Vukmir and newcomer Kevin Nicholson.

hospitality industry. Every election is important and getting our message to our members, patrons, employees, friends and neighbors provides us with a great opportunity to continue to elect TLW endorsed candidates. Stay involved and informed with the TLW to help push our endorsed candidates across the November finish line!

NOVEMBER 2018 ELECTION GOVERNOR Scott Walker (Incumbent) – Republican vs.

Potential Democrat Candidates There are 17 Democrats currently registered to run for governor, as well as 5 independents/3rd party candidates and 3 other Republicans other than Gov. Walker. Of the Democrats, below is a list of the top tier candidates: • Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers • Attorney Matt Flynn • Milwaukee Businessman Andy Gronik • Mike McCabe, founder and former director of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign • Mahlon Mitchell, president of Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin • Former State Rep. Kelda Roys • Madison Mayor Paul Soglin • State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout • State Rep. Dana Wachs

ATTORNEY GENERAL Brad Schimel (Incumbent) – Republican vs.

Josh Kaul – Democrat

U.S. SENATE Tammy Baldwin (Incumbent) – Democrat vs.

State Sen. Leah Vukmir or Kevin Nicholson – Republican

STATE SENATE An odd numbered seats are up for election.

The state Senate and state Assembly will have a number of competitive seats that we will be working on to help elect legislators who will take the time to listen to the concerns of the

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STATE ASSEMBLY All 99 seats are up for election. TLW www.tlw.org

TLW MEMBERS ATTEND LEGISLATIVE DAY IN MADISON The Tavern League of Wisconsin hosted its 34th Annual Legislative Day at the Premier Park Hotel in Madison on Tuesday, March 6. Although the day was cold and snowy, approximately 250 TLW members descended on the state capital to learn about issues concerning the beverage alcohol industry and to discuss their concerns with their legislators.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald as well as Sen. Dan Feyer welcomed members to Madison. Governmental Affairs Director Scott Stenger

presented an overview of the TLW’s legislative agenda and took questions from members about how issues may impact their businesses.

Following the general session, members walked across the street to the Capitol for conversation with their legislators.

These visits were followed by a reception sponsored by the TLW at the Premier Park HoteI. Thanks to all those who attended. Although time spent away from your

businesses can be difficult, we hope the trip to Madison proved to be worthwhile. A special thanks is also extended to WAMO (Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators) for its financial support of this event.

Next year’s date for Legislative Day has not been established, but we encourage more members to 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 Shanna Wolf

www.tlw.org

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LEAGUE PROFILE OSHKOSH CITY TAVERN LEAGUE “If you give $1,000 in rides per year, you as a bar owner only pay $100 … that means our league has to raise more money. It’s a lot of hustling,” he says.

“We’re on our fifth or sixth fundraiser.”

For instance, the league recently held a bowling sweeper with 48 teams playing in two shifts. The event sold out so quickly, they added a second.

A golf outing the first week of June also tends to sell out quickly, and Purtell anticipates holding a second golf event.

Another event, a fall festival with bands, half barrels of beer, free food from local restaurants, and 30 to 40 donation buckets for prizes, typically raises $10,000. The League is also working with the Oshkosh Bars bus service on a drink booklet to support SafeRide.

Oshkosh City Tavern League has partnered with Oshkosh Bars, a company that runs two shuttle buses throughout the city, for those that want to drink and travel safely.

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hings are moving along for the active Oshkosh City Tavern League. And it comes in the form of two 24-passenger buses.

Oshkosh City Tavern League President Pat Purtell explains that the Tavern League is working with a company called Oshkosh Bars to run two 24-passenger buses on Friday and Saturday nights for those who want to drink and travel safely. The company plans to expand the service to Packer Sundays in the fall.

“For a $1 token, after someone purchases food or drink, he or she can get on the bus and travel the whole city,” says Purtell, who formerly owned Terry’s Bar in Oshkosh and has been the Oshkosh City Tavern League President for more than 20 years.

The service has been operating for about eight months, and at press time more than 1,000 people have taken rides.

“This is really becoming a great thing for us,” says Purtell.

“We are so fortunate with this bus service. Bar owners are realizing how much this could help their businesses and we’ve added members that we’ve never had before.”

In addition, another fundraising venture that’s in the works is a motorcycle booklet that bar owners can sell directly to customers for $100, with $50 coming back to the bar. “We’re hoping that we’re going to have 100 bikes coming on their own time, any day of the week, to hit these bars,” says Purtell.

Luckily, Purtell has an active membership to support the Oshkosh City Tavern League’s events and fundraising activities. “We’ve always had a lot of active people,” he says. “We always get 30 to 60 people at a meeting, always 30 at minimum. Our people get involved.” The league has between 75 and 80 members.

Purtell further adds that he encourages members to speak up. “I don’t want a bunch of owners to be ‘yes’ men and women. I want them to be involved politically and in their establishment. I want them to understand where every penny goes and to have a voice. We all need to speak up and have a voice.” TLW

The Oshkosh Bars bus service isn’t a replacement for SafeRide, in fact, the business and SafeRide program work in tandem.

“Any bar on this route must offer SafeRide,” says Purtell.

“When you feel someone has too much or you’ve had too much yourself, our SafeRide program is here. You can go from bus to cab to get safely home.”

In turn, the bus service has increased the use of the Oshkosh City Tavern League’s SafeRide program. Through the end of February, the league had provided $7,000 in rides since the service began. The Oshkosh City Tavern League pays 90 percent of each SafeRide.

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One of Oshkosh City Tavern League’s fundraisers is their annual fall festival, which typically raises $10,000 for the League.

www.tlw.org

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT HOUGE’S BAR (Read more about the bus service in the Oshkosh City Tavern League profile on page 30.)

In the winter, Houge’s offers dart, bowling and dartball leagues, and in the summer, they sponsor softball, volleyball and golf teams. They are also trying to build an audience for cornhole.

“We do a lot of things to try to get people in,” Houge says.

The Houges have run a walleye tournament each Memorial Day weekend for more than 20 years that attracts 50 to 70 boats on nearby Lake Winnebago. All the proceeds from this event get paid back to the participants.

Jeff Houge, shown with his wife, Lisa, is a second generation owner of Houge’s Bar in Oshkosh.

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or more than 60 years, Houge’s Bar has been good to the Houge family. “It’s treated us well,” says Jeff Houge, who owns the bar with his wife, Lisa.

The proceeds from another event they sponsor, an annual golf outing that attracts 180 to 200 participants, go directly to local charity. “We give money to a lot of charities through that event,” says Houge. “We really try to keep it local for organizations and families in need.”

Houge’s father passed away in 1985, and Jeff and Lisa took over in 1990. Open from 9 a.m. to 2 or 2:30 a.m. seven days a week, Houge’s Bar is a “small, friendly neighborhood bar,” says Houge, with about 30 barstools and four tables.

Speaking of events, Houge says one of the best in the establishment’s recent history was a party they threw two years ago to celebrate 60 years in business. Houge explains that with the tents up, stage set and band ready to go, a huge storm started to rage. “It just wrecked the whole thing. People were holding down the tents, the porta potties rolled down the street … and then the storm goes away an hour later, and the party goes on like nothing happened,” says Houge. “It’s just one of those things … everyone remembers that party and remembers that storm.” TLW

“We’re all people-people,” says Houge, who has been a member of the Tavern League for more than 20 years. “It’s a little like Cheers [the TV series] here … we all get along. The young people mingle with the old and vice versa.”

Houge’s Bar Jeff & Lisa Houge 51 W. 7th Ave., Oshkosh 920-231-5518

In the family for 62 years, the bar was started by Jeff’s mother and father in 1956. “We have been here ever since,” says Jeff Houge.

“We’ve raised four kids and done well. …None of this could be possible without my mom and dad. My older siblings didn’t want to partake in it, and I’ve been here ever since I got out of high school.”

Houge further explains that the bar is “more of a beer and shot place.” As industry moved away from the area — Houge’s is on 7th Avenue in downtown Oshkosh, close to the Main Street Bridge — Houge trimmed his offerings. “Years ago there used to be industry here, five or six factories,” explains Houge.

“When they all moved out, it eliminated our offering of food.”

Despite the new arena for the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks’ minor league team that recently opened just a few blocks away, Houge plans to hold the line and focus on being a drinking establishment. “Sometimes I think smaller is better, so I don’t have that much overhead,” he says.

A new bar bus service that runs Friday and Saturday helps the Houges’ business, as their place is a hub for the bus route. www.tlw.org

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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT WISCONSIN PARKINSON ASSOCIATION

A Parkinson’s patient, who has been living with the disease for over 10 years, uses his woodcarving skills to relieve his symptoms, while creating beautiful “comfort birds.”

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or more than 30 years, Wisconsin Parkinson Association (WPA) has provided hope, community support and resources for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones in Wisconsin.

“We’ve been around since 1984, serving the Parkinson’s community around the state through educational programs, support and exercise groups, and providing information and referrals,” says Carolyn Hahn, WPA’s marketing communications manager.

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder, which leads to progressive deterioration of motor function due to loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Dopamine is the chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals between different areas of the brain that allow smooth, coordinated function of the body’s muscles and movement.

As Parkinson’s progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control their movements normally. While the disease is chronic and progressive, it is a very treatable neurologic disease, with the treatment goal to alleviate symptoms and prevent orthopedic injury. Parkinson disease affects about one in 100 Americans over the age of 60.

WPA provides a variety of resources and events for individuals with Parkinson disease, their families, the health care community and community at-large. For instance, WPA’s quarterly magazine, The Network, provides information on living well with Parkinson disease, an “Ask the Doctor” column, and details on the support and exercise groups WPA supports. The organization also serves over 130 support and exercise groups around the state and holds half-day and full-day seminars throughout Wisconsin as well.

It’s estimated that over 20,000 in the state of Wisconsin have Parkinson disease, says Hahn, and that number is expected to

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double by 2040. WPA is the only independent organization in the state providing outreach and education to people with Parkinson disease. “Our goals are to raise awareness of Parkinson disease with patients around the state, and also with health care providers. Especially in more rural areas, a person with Parkinson’s might not see a neurologist or movement disorder specialist; the doctor treating their Parkinson’s may be a general practitioner. If those doctors don’t have a strong knowledge of Parkinson’s, their patients aren’t always getting the best care possible.”

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WPA is 100 percent donor funded. The organization receives grants from local and community foundations, as well as support from local businesses and organizations.

This includes the Oshkosh City Tavern League, which made a $1,000 donation to WPA in 2016. That money was designated to help the Young-Onset Parkinson’s support group in Appleton, since WPA didn’t have a group in Oshkosh at the time, and to support a half-day educational program in Appleton.

“We are so grateful for the support from the Oshkosh City Tavern League and other organizations — this support is so crucial to our growth. We are a small staff based in the Milwaukee area, but we support groups and individuals around the state,” says Hahn. “As we grow our services throughout the state, we need funds to help support this important work.

This support allows us to provide all of our programs and services to people affected by Parkinson’s free of charge.” TLW Wisconsin Parkinson Association 2819 W. Highland Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208 414-312-6990 wiparkinson.org facebook.com/wiparkinson

www.tlw.org

MEET THE DIRECTOR

You already know

TOM WENZEL 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 Tom Wenzel, 4th district director.

first meeting. I was then hooked. That was in the day of raising the drinking age and lowering the BAC.

Q. TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.

Suddenly it seems everyone wants to expand into our business! There’s more competition from the barns, city and county park beer gardens to wine and beer tastings. In addition, there’s expansion of Class “B” liquor licenses. It didn’t seem like it was that long ago everyone wanted fewer outlets for liquor and beer and now they want to increase the number, which devalues all of our members’ licenses.

I’ve lived in Hartford my entire life. I have two daughters, Gabbi and Hannah, and they are in their final semesters of college – UW-Oshkosh and UWMilwaukee, respectively.

I started bartending in 1978 and leased my first bar in 1981. I own three different bars, all in Hartford. Hank & Hannah’s is my “Cheers” type place.

It’s a 15-stool bar known for mostly day drinking, and it’s where everyone knows your name and business!

Hank’s Restaurant & Drinkery is located across the street in a building that once housed a grocery store and bowling alley. It’s about 3,000 square feet and specializes in serving lunch and dinner and has DJs on weekends.

Downstairs we have Hank’s SpeakEZ, a craft cocktail and martini bar. We made Travel Wisconsin’s list of top five Speakeasy’s in the state!

The bars are named Hank’s in memory of my father. Both he and my mother were blind but you wouldn’t know it.

Dad was a cigarette and candy vendor.

I met many a tavern owner growing up taking my dad on his vending route.

Q. WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN BECOMING A TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBER? After leasing my first bar, bar owner and neighbor, Dave Morey, took me to my www.tlw.org

I was a local league director before being elected as Washington County Tavern League Vice President.

Q. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBERS TODAY?

Q. ARE THERE SPECIFIC ISSUES THAT ARE UNIQUE TO THE 4TH DISTRICT THAT YOU’D LIKE TO WORK ON? I am not seeing anything unique in the 4th District that is different from the rest of the state.

Q. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A DISTRICT DIRECTOR? Making friends with people with like interests and experiences from all around our state. Having a voice in an industry where I was lucky enough to make a living.

Q. HOW ELSE ARE YOU INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? I was on the city Athletic Committee.

I was a director and president of our local business improvement district.

I also was on Washington County Transportation Committee for a couple of years. TLW

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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT PABST BREWING CO.

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abst Brewing Co. has been a corporate sponsor of the TLW for a long time, says Matthew Schoenherr, Pabst Area Sales Manager-Wisconsin. Even more noteworthy, is that Pabst has been a part of Wisconsin’s heritage for even longer – 174 years to be exact.

With a new brewery in Milwaukee, on the very same site of the original Pabst grounds, Schoenherr says this is a new generation of the Pabst name and legacy in Wisconsin. “It’s a hub for innovation for the next generation,” he says. Located in a 144-year-old former church at 10th and Juneau streets in downtown Milwaukee, Schoenherr says the master brewers are busy with innovative brews, but also traditional craft styles and the historic classics from their portfolio.

Last May, on the opening day of the new brewery, Schoenherr says nearly 7,000 people visited the grounds to take part in a historic moment for the brewing industry in Wisconsin. The brewery is only two blocks from the new Milwaukee Bucks arena and across the street from the iconic Jackson Blue Ribbon Pub, as well as near the newer Brewhouse Inn and Suites.

“This is going to be a destination for people to visit,” he says. “They provide excellent tours, and you can even sit in Frederick Pabst’s chair in his office. Jackson’s Pub is the old grain mill.”

The church, originally bought by Pabst in 1898, will feature a taproom, upscale gastropub and eventually a beer garden on the south end.

When it comes to the beer itself, Schoenherr says the Pabst American Pale Ale is getting great reviews from both retailers and consumers. It is made with Chinook, Liberty and Cascade hops, the IBU (International Bitterness Units) is 25 and the brew is 5 percent alcohol. The Pale Ale is available in 12- and 16-ounce cans, and draft.

In 2015, Pabst released a new category of drinks — hard soda, and this year it’s adding two more flavors to the lineup – Not Your Father’s Fruit Punch and Not Your Father’s Mountain Ale. “Those are doing very well too,” he says.

Another item added to the Old Style line is Old Style Cooler by the Lake, a radler blonde lager with citrus roasted malts.

It’s available in select Midwest states (including Wisconsin)

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in 16-ounce cans, which Schoenherr says are very popular throughout the company line.

“It really took off for us, and almost all distributors are seeing increased sales with the 16-ounce can packaging,” he explains.

Master Brewer Greg Deuhs and Senior Staff Brewer John Kimes are bringing back some of the classics too, says Schoenherr, including Andeker, a popular brew from the 1960s and 70s. He says people’s eyes lit up upon hearing that news and were equally excited to hear that Old Tankard Ale will be making a revival.

Schoenherr explains that the heritage brands of Old Style and Old Milwaukee continue to do well in the state’s taverns. With the upswing in craft beer sales, he says there have been bumps in the road for the larger brewers, but Pabst’s numbers continue to go in the right direction.

After a two-decade absence in Milwaukee, the historical significance of Pabst to Wisconsin is something the company is excited to pass to a new generation. Two years ago, the brand returned to the Wisconsin State Fair for the first time in nearly 20 years, and Schoenherr says they were welcomed with open arms. “That was just really neat,” he adds. “Wisconsin roots are nice to have, and we were really well received at the fair. We brought some innovation brews with us, too.”

When visiting Milwaukee, this sales manager says he always runs into someone who knows someone that worked for Pabst back in the day, and they have amazing stories to tell. He likes that the brand appeals to all ages and lines up well with the craft beers available on the market today.

Schoenherr says Pabst believes in the TLW’s mission of keeping people informed, having a voice when regulations are being made and simply supporting the people who support them. TLW www.tlw.org

ACCOUNTING ON TAP TRANSFERRING THE FAMILY BUSINESS: THE TOP 10 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

BY DAN BERGS, CPA

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longer an owner? These are all things that need to be taken into account.

2017, which can be very attractive for those involved.

4. How can you structure the transfer to be the most advantageous for you? Will you be gifting the business? What about offering financing assistance to a family member who will be taking over or an outside buyer? Have you thought about retaining a portion of business assets to obtain an income from rent or other assets?

10. Line up your team of accounting, tax, legal and financial advisors to make this transition go smoothly and provide you savings and endless value in the long run. TLW

ou’ve all heard the saying “failing to plan is planning to fail.” As a business owner, one of the most important and beneficial actions you can take is establishing a plan for the continuation of your business when you retire or in the event of an emergency such as an unexpected death or disability. Planning ahead allows the advantages of peace of mind, adequate training time for successors, financial security, and it can significantly reduce family drama and conflict.

5. What type of impact will this have on the family members who are taking ownership?

For most, this can be a very overwhelming topic and it is easy to put off because you don’t even know where to begin.

Following are some key items to consider which will help you get started:

8. Get a handle on your working capital aka “cash” in the business.

1. Plan ahead – Taking the time now to plan for your company’s future will help the transfer go smoothly for all involved. Start at least five years prior to your goal of departure.

2. Determine the real value of your company through an accurate valuation which will help you arrive at a realistic number.

3. Determine the income you’ll need to support your lifestyle and goals. Will you continue to work in the business at all? What portion of the proceeds from the sale will be yours? What expenses will you now have to incur if you are no www.tlw.org

Dan Bergs, CPA is a supervisor in the Tax & Business Services Department with Wegner CPAs LLP. Wegner CPAs LLP has offices in Madison, Baraboo, Waukesha and Janesville. This article is not intended to give complete tax advice, but a general review of the subject matter. You can contact Dan at 608-442-1986 or dan.bergs.@wegnercpas.com.

6. Work on cleaning up the balance sheet and improve efficiencies.

7. Make sure you have solid financial controls and processes in place. Accurate and reliable financial statements are far more attractive to future buyers – even if it is in the family.

9. Depending on the choice of method that the business owner uses to pass along the family business to family members, tax implications need to be taken into consideration. An estate tax is imposed when a transfer of property is caused by the owner’s death. A gift tax occurs when an owner of property transfers his property to another while he was still living, as a gift, meaning without receiving payment for the property. Note — gift taxes vary from state to state. And with the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Dec. 22, 2017, business owners who are thinking about transferring ownership to family members have the ability to transfer twice as much business value free of transfer tax than allowed in

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FEATURED AFFILIATES

THE INSURANCE CENTER

FOREST FLOOR FOODS

The Insurance Center is an independent insurance agency with its home office in Onalaska and 11 other offices throughout the state.

Forest Floor Foods is a family-owned company in Eden, just outside of Fond du Lac. What started as an organic mushroom farm more than 30 years ago has grown into a craft food business focused on pickling a variety of vegetables for drink garnishes.

Hubert (Rocky) Baumer is the sales manager for The Insurance Center’s Madison team. He says that the agency has a wide range of products, offering all lines of insurance programs. Today, more than 150 agents are employed by the company filling all insurance needs, but when it was established in 1966 The Insurance Center’s focus was on farm customers. The company prides itself on ensuring agents have face-to-face meetings with customers, whether they’re conducted at their clients’ businesses or in one of The Insurance Center’s offices. Respecting their clients’ time is foremost in each agent’s mind.

“Most of our products were designed and meant to be used for self-employed clients,” Baumer explains. “That was and continues to be our core business, and the TLW fits right into that.”

He says the league members are easy to talk to and get along with, and the team at The Insurance Center truly cares about helping members find business and personal insurance solutions that will work with their daily and annual needs.

“We have a good relationship with the Tavern League and enjoy working with them,” says Baumer. “They are a great group of people, hardworking, down to earth, just trying to make a living like everyone else.”

Baumer says they have a presence at all annual TLW functions and are now in the process of offering products that will help with one of the members’ biggest challenges: health insurance.

“We’re trying to come up with products that will work for self-employed clientele on a group basis, so that individuals can have access to it,” he says. “It would save them some money and group the policies together as an association versus just a one-off purchase.”

The agency also will be rolling out a disability policy that will help those with a few health issues who wouldn’t normally qualify for coverage. “This is a tough issue for many people,” Baumer adds.

“We’re excited to show clients this and hopefully eliminate some of those underwriting issues.”

Finally, the identity liability program has become a big need in the market, he adds, and The Insurance Center just put those products into place, and TLW members can ask about them now.

“We pack everything fresh,” says owner Peggy Floyd. “We have products that are flavorful and crisp. For months each year, we pickle asparagus and it’s all done by hand, right here, just like your grandma did.” She says in addition to quality products, it was vital to her that customers found them affordable too.

She and her husband, Greg, also offer a full line of cocktail mixes through Forest Floor Foods. Floyd says that their distributors were asking for that addition to the garnish line, and she’s excited to say the mixes have been equally successful.

With more than 40 products in the Forest Floor Foods line, Floyd says she likes the ability to offer all the products a tavern would need for this sector of their business, but also be able to control quality and affordability. She says feedback from customers is what helps her formulate new products and keeps her aware of industry trends.

Forest Floor Foods may be located in a small town, but Floyd is proud that their products have won national awards, including highest honor for its Bloody Mary mix and seasoning. When they first began pickling mushrooms, their signature Dark Bergamo Pickled Mushrooms won the Best of Show award at a specialty food show.

The husband and wife team enjoy being a part of the TLW and attending the annual events. “Many of our customers come to the booth and thank us for being there,” she says. “We’re just people like they are – we listen to their suggestions, and any time there’s a new product, I’m the one developing it.”

In the pickling season, Floyd says another eight to 10 people join the crew to help pack, label and meet the increasing demand for their products. She says the pickled mushrooms, available in three flavors, are still a favorite. It’s no wonder that’s the case especially in Wisconsin, where bartenders routinely add them to cocktails. In fact, Floyd explains, that’s the reason Forest Floor got its start.

THE INSURANCE CENTER

FOREST FLOOR FOODS

701 Sand Lake Rd., Onalaska, WI 54650 Phone (800) 944-1367 | ticinsurance.com

N5014 Northview Rd., Eden, WI 53019 Phone (920) 477-6009 | forestfloorfoods.com

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Super Sports

SafeRide

Breast Cancer

VFW

EDGE ONE INC. Stoughton-based Edge One was founded in 1995 with just a handful of employees. Today with more than 80 employees, it is a leading provider of ATM solutions in the Midwest.

“Our retail division was designed to meet the evolving needs of retail establishments, bars, restaurants, service organizations and entertainment complexes,” says Wayne Weber, one of four Edge One owners and vice president of retail sales. “In addition, we have an extensive line of supporting products including credit card processing and money counting equipment. We pride ourselves on our customer-focused way of doing business and customizing our services to meet the needs of our clients.”

Edge One began as an authorized reseller of NCR ATMs, and has added hardware services, armored services and recently, smart safes, teller cash recyclers and coin currency equipment to its product offerings. It also now offers Tranax ATM products, which are popular in the retail market.

The Edge One staff understands that equipment downtime can be devastating to TLW customers, and they employ a highly trained staff of service technicians with more than 500 years of combined industry knowledge. Edge One techs are able to install, maintain and repair ATM, ITM and TCR hardware. The company is an authorized sales and service Provider for NCR, Tranax, Hantle, Genmega and Nautilus Hyosung, and has parts depots located throughout Wisconsin and other states, and a full-time customer service center available each day of the week.

Weber says that Edge One has been a TLW member for more than two decades. In fact, the Tavern League has become the company’s lead referral generator as a result of its members’ loyalty to the company and its services. He says the company enjoys rewarding TLW customers when they refer colleagues and friends to Edge One’s products and services.

“We have attended both the spring conference and fall convention for as long as I can remember,” he says. “As a result, our ATMs can be found in bars and restaurants all over Wisconsin. Over time, these members have become friends. It is a loyal group.” TLW

Where You Belong Auto - Home - Life - Health - Business

Working with the Tavern League since 1988 REPRESENTING:

Since 1996

Affiliate Member

2916 Church St. PO Box 179 Stevens Point, WI 54481 Tel: 715.344.8383 - Toll-Free: 800.675-5137 - DisherInsurance.com

EDGE ONE INC.

161 Business Park Circle, Stoughton, WI 53589 Phone (608) 873-3311 | edgeone.com www.tlw.org

Mike Disher - Matt Disher - Andrew Disher - Michael Disher II MAY/JUNE 2018

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NEW MEMBERS TLW NEW MEMBERS FEBRUARY 19, 2018 – APRIL 20, 2018 DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 3

Kenosha City Bull & Bear EGR LLC Kenosha

Crawford County Gatherings on the Ridge Jeanne Aspenson Eastman

La Crosse Loggers Baseball Club Dan Kapanke La Crosse

New Spit & Whistle Curtis Bender Prairie du Chien

David Reay’s Modern Diner & Tavern Onalaska

Grant/Iowa County Legends Pub & Grill Fred F. Fink Darlington

Thirsty Turtle Cheryl Jones Stoddard

Slip 56 Justin Saywer Kenosha Somers House GEEBO LLC Kenosha Walworth County The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa Mary Roddy Fontana

DISTRICT 2 Jefferson County Lyon’s Irish Pub Jim Baade Watertown Madison/ Dane County Coachman’s Golf Resort Theresa J. Johnson Edgerton

Salathe’s Saloon Mark Salathe Darlington

Nitty Gritty Sun Prairie

My Turn North Lee McCarville Livingston Juneau County Famous Garage Bar LLC Jody Thurston Lyndon Station

Vintage Brewing Company (Sauk Prairie) Trent Kraemer Sauk City

The Marsh Adam Thompson New Lisbon

DISTRICT 4

Cindy’s Cindy Thompson Holmen

Waukesha County Lumber Axe Tracy Ferrito Waukesha

Richland County Village Pump Kathy Stotlz Richland Center Sauk County Village Pub Bobbi Schultz Sauk City

La Crosse City/ County Route 14 Pizza and More David Larson Coon Valley

World of Beer Elino (James) Munsayac Middleton

Daniel King La Crosse

Eagles Club 1254 Patti Carrauxt La Crosse

Calumet County High Cliff Public Golf Course Inc. Jeff Luniak Sherwood Fond du Lac City/ County Jim’s County Line Jim Strook Oshkosh Manitowoc County Hermit’s Hideaway Chris Zigmunt Mishicot Little Saucey’s

King’s Korner

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Pizzeria Lenny Meyer Mishicot Rock the Mic Bar LLC Earl Smith Two Rivers Oshkosh City Granary Dave Toman Oshkosh Sheboygan County Lakehouse Bar & Grill Michael Dimig Plymouth In The Bag Andra Humphrey Sheboygan Jake’s Roundabout Steakhouse Curtis Hinz Sheboygan Urbane Jennifer Schreiner Sheboygan

Adams County Lucy’s Grill Angie Summers Arkdale Marathon County TK Staszak’s Bar Kari & Terry Staszak Hatley The Jim Kari Seivert Schofield Wisconsin Woodchucks Megan Birchmeier Wausau Marquette County Captn-Rae’s Sports Bar & Grill LLC John S. Malaszuk & Raeanne M. Crawford Montello Portage County Main Street Tap Cory Lesperance Stevens Point

Vreeke’s Tavern Penny Hinz Sheboygan

Michele’s Restaurant & Catering Thad Klasinski Stevens Point

What’s Up Bar & Grill?!

Curtis Hinz Sheboygan

Steve-O’s Ryan Stevenson Stevens Point

Winnebago County Boom Bay Bar & Grill Dan Domrzalski Larsen The Sports Shed Adam Tigert Oshkosh

DISTRICT 5

Shawano County Brothers’ Pub Alex White Shawano Shawano Lake Golf Course Shalagoco LLC Shawano Waupaca County www.tlw.org

NEW MEMBERS Grumpy’s Burgers & Beer Donald Erdmann Marion

DISTRICT 6 Brown County Funke’s B. C.’s Stephen A. Funke Green Bay XS Nightclub Robert Neuman Green Bay ZZQ LLC Bob Stahl Sr. Green Bay Door County Thyme Cuisine Karl Bradley Baileys Harbor

Kenneth Nelson Menasha

DISTRICT 7 Barron County Cheers Bar & Grill At Tagalong Judy Smith Birchwood Somerset Mike & Donna Gromer Chetek Clark County Boozers Bar & Grill Pamela Geiger Dorchester

Door County Fire Company Paul Salm Sturgeon Bay

Eau Claire City/ County Harvest Moon Pub & Eatery Kelly Masek Augusta

Marinette County Cactus Bar Robert Grenier Marinette

The Playhouse Joel G. Seidlitz Eau Claire

The Roadside Pub Robert White Niagara

The Pour House Kathy De Gre Eau Claire

Oconto County McCauslin Brook Golf & CC Don D. Bartels Jr. Lakewood

Jackson County Gene’s Trails End Gene Hermanson Black River Falls

Outagamie County The Northland Ave. Neighborhood Sports Pub Graig Geerts Appleton Plank Road Pub www.tlw.org

Line Bar & Grill LLC Sharon Schroder Warrens Polk County Dugout Bar & Grill Donald Potting Cushing Luck-E Bar & Restaurant Stacy Irwin Luck St. Croix County Cheap Andy’s Andrew Schmitz & Gary Gruber Hammond Jonesy’s Local Jeremy Jones Hudson St. Croix National Golf & Event Center Kristine Botelho Somerset Trempealeau/ Buffalo County The Brothel LLC Steven Kenney Fountain City

DISTRICT 8

Tom’s House Tom Kusprzak Merrillan Tina’s 400 Club Tina Ludwin Tomah New County

Ashland/ Bayfield County Birches Roadhouse Lauren Grevich Cable Burnett County Rosenthal’s Resort LLC Maria Rosenthal Danbury Trader’s Round-A-

Bout Bar & Grill Terrance A. Erickson Webster

Vilas County Wild Turkey Edward Champeny Conover

Greater Northwoods Shooters Showgirls Jason Miljevich Ironwood

Eagle River VFW Dennis M. Geiseman Eagle River

Lakeland Area Trout Lake Golf Club Michael Osbourne Arbor Vitae

Washburn County Pine Brook Farm Jason Martell Spooner

Oneida County Porky’s Catherine Davis Mercer

DISTRICT 9 Milwaukee County Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub Mark Zieroth Elm Grove

Birchwood Bar & Lodge Billy Heath & James Heath Rhinelander

The Hideaway Pub and Eatery Debbi Schaefer Franklin

Miller’s Club 47 Vicky Miller Rhinelander Rhinelander Brewing Company Brenda O’Rourke Rhinelander Sawyer County The Boulevard Bob Hammond Hayward Superior/Douglas County Wabegon Bar and Grill John Hartwick Duluth Taylor County Country Inn Tina Dobrenz Medford

The Edge Sports Bar Greg Grabowski Greenfield Limanski’s Pub Ed Jones Milwaukee Branded Steer Restaurant Dennis Giannopoulos Jr. Oak Creek Milwaukee County Hospitality 700 Club LLC Jim Rice Milwaukee Mo’s A Place for Steaks James Vassallo Milwaukee

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AFFILIATE MEMBERS TLW AFFILIATE MEMBERS AS OF APRIL 20, 2018 Ackley Novelty Inc. Allied Games Inc. American Entertainment Services Inc. American Income Life American Welding & Gas Amusement Devices Inc. B & K Bar & Restaurant Supplies B-M Music & Games Badger Case, An Alliance Technology Co. Badger Mats Badger Mutual Insurance Company Badger State Events Entertainment & Production Inc. Bar Rags Drinkware Baraboo Sysco Food Services Barr Refrigeration Batzner Pest Control Bay Towel/Linen Rental Bayland Insurance Benedict Refrigeration Service Inc. Best Bargains Bevinco Big Game Sports Cards/ Sterling Graphics Bill’s Distributing LTD. Blue Honey Bio-Fuels Inc. BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) Bob Schuchardt Insurance Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin Brakebush Brothers Brat Stop Products LLC Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza Pizza Bromak Sales Inc. Capital Brewery Card Concepts Merchant Services Cash Depot Central Ceiling Systems Inc. Chambers Travel Cornerstone Processing Solutions Inc. Creative BeverageSystems LLC Creative Marketing Specialist D & D Amusement Games LLC Davis & Kuelthau SC Dean’s Satellite & Security Delafield Brew Haus Demon Spirits LLC DeVere Company Inc. DISCUS Disher Insurance Services DTT

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Edge One Inc. El Cortez Hotel & Casino Electronic Performance Systems LLC Ember Glo Emil’s Pizza Inc. Engels Commercial Appliance Inc. EPSG (Evo Platinum Services Group) Fabiano Brothers Farley Forster Herbenson Group - Baird FASTSIGNS of Kenosha Flanigan Distributing Flashpoint Designs Fleming’s Fire I Flipside Coin Machines Inc. Focus on Energy Small Business Program Foremost Business Systems Forest Floor Foods Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band Game Management Corp.

General Beer - Northeast Inc. Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP Glasses, Mugs & Steins LTD. Gourmet Parlor Pizza Great Lakes Amusements Great Lakes Beverage Great Lakes Distillery Great Northern Amusements Grizzly Cooler LLC Gronomics - A Holes Gunderson Linen Health Markets Insurance Agency Heartland Business Systems Heartland Payment Systems Hiawatha Chef, Bar and Janitorial Supply Holiday Wholesale Inc. HSC Business Brokers Illinois Casualty Company Indianhead Foodservice Distributors Inc. Insurance Center Insurance Group Integrated Point of Sale (iPOS) International Bancard Midwest Jimmy Eazy Storage LLC Johnson Brothers Beverage Kavanaughs Restaurant Supplies Kessenich’s LTD. KevCorp International KLB Insurance ServicesIllinois Casualty

Kobussen Buses LTD. Lamers Bus Lines Lebby’s Frozen Pizza Lee Beverage Of Wisconsin LLC Luiges Frozen Pizza Inc. M & R Amusements & Vending LLC Magnuson Industries Inc. Mass Appeal Inc. MBE CPAs Metropolitan Food Service Equipment Meyer Brothers LLC Michalak Pest Control Midstate Amusement Games Midwest Amusements Milwaukee Brewers Midwest Coin Concepts of WI Midwest Insurance Group Milwaukee Pedal Tavern LLC Minhas Micro Distillery Mitchell Novelty Co. Modern Cash Register Systems Modern Specialty Motion Technology Inc. (Autofry) Murphy Desmond S.C. National Chemicals Inc. Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. New Glarus Brewing Co. NHS Food Service Northern Lakes Amusement Northwest Coin Machine Co. Northwoods By Superior Chemicals Northwoods Cab NuC02 On Mobile Paradise Printing Company Park Ridge Distributing Inc. Parker Insurance Paychex Payment Alliance International PCMusic Pecatonica Beer Company Pehler Distributing Inc. Pepsi Beverages Company Plunkett’s Pest Control PNC Bank POS Partners Precision Pours Inc. Pretzelhaus Bakery/Funacho Primerica Quaker Bakery Brands Quarter Time Racine Amusement Inc.

Rally Red’s Novelty LTD. Reinhart Food Service LLC Retail Control Solutions Riverside Foods Inc. RJT Limo S & S Distributing Inc. Safe Harbor Payment Systems Sam’s Amusement Co. Sanimax USA LLC Saratoga Liquor Co. Inc. Schenck Schmidt Novelty Scott’s Vending Inc. Service Specialists Spooky Beverage LLC Stansfield Vending Inc. Star Connection/LodgeVision Stevens Point Brewery Superior Beverages LLC Superior Vending Swanel Beverage Inc./Banzai Taylor Enterprises of WI Inc. Tesch Chemical Think Ink & Design Tim-Todd Services Inc. Tito’s Handmade Vodka Toast Inc. Toccata Gaming International, LLC Tom Sawyer Amusements Top Hat Marketing Tri-Mart Company LLC, Midwest Food & Tobacco Group Tricky Dick & Specialty Tricky Dick Specialty 2 Triple R Industries TRL Int’l. Marketing Group/ Global Vending LLC U.S. Bank Payment Solutions/Elavon U.S. Foods Van Bookkeeping LLC Vern’s Cheese Inc. Vital Tokens VITO Fryfilter Inc. Wausau Coin Machines Inc. WI Hospitality Insured Wine Institute Wisconsin Restaurant Association Wisconsin Scrub and Sweep Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps Wollersheim Winery & Distillery

www.tlw.org

LOCAL LEAGUE UPDATES KENOSHA COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE SALUTES OFFICERS

The Kenosha County Tavern League recently recognized Laurie Weis for her many years of service as treasurer of the league. We wish Laurie many years of happiness in her retirement.

Recently TLW President Chris Marsicano was on hand for the swearing in ceremony for the Kenosha County Tavern League Board of Directors. Congratulations to everyone.

TLW TRIP WINNERS SOAK UP THE SUN Winners of the 2017 TLW Trip Giveaway sponsored by WAMO and Chambers Travel were Greg and Cathy Sondalle of Montello and Paul and Kathy Martin of Fox Lake. (Cathy is the secretary of the Marquette County Tavern League and Kathy is president of the Dodge County Tavern League.) The couples cruised

the eastern Caribbean aboard the Norwegian Epic, Feb. 24-March 3. During their seven-day trip, they visited the Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Great Stirrup Cay. “We’d like to thank everyone for a great time,” says Cathy.

“The weather was beautiful and we’d definitely go again.” TLW

SPECIAL CLUB MEMBERSHIP

PLATINUM CLUB MEMBERS OSHKOSH CITY TAVERN LEAGUE OUTAGAMIE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE PORTAGE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE TLW 3RD DISTRICT TLW 5TH DISTRICT

GOLD CLUB MEMBERS DODGE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE DOOR COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE MANITOWOC COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

Sign up for the 2nd Annual Tavern League of Wisconsin’s Trap Shoot

TLW 7TH DISTRICT

50 Bird Shoot with Over $6,000 in Prize Money!

SILVER CLUB MEMBER

Sunday, June 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

AL REPP

Weston Hit & Miss Trap Club, Schofield

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

Details and registration online at

WWW.TLW.ORG

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 or Barb Howell, bhowell@ntmediagroup.com www.tlw.org

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ADVERTISER INDEX

Anheuser-Busch Inc. anheuser-busch.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

B&K Bar Supplies bandkbarsupplies.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

BarRags Drinkwear barragsdrinkwear.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Cornerstone Processing Solutions Inc. cornerstoneps.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Disher Insurance disherinsurance.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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

Edge One Inc. edgeone.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Forest Floor Foods forestfloorfoods.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

MillerCoors Inc. millercoors.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Society Insurance societyinsurance.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Sysco Food Service of Baraboo baraboo.sysco.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

VetsRoll Inc. vetsroll.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

WAMO wamo.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Wisconsin Souvenir Milk Caps wimilkcaps.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 42

Advertise in

On Premise the official publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin

CONTACT:

Louise Andraski, Account Executive louisea@ntmediagroup.com

Direct: 608-873-8734 Fax: 262-729-4476 NEI-TURNER MEDIA GROUP

Wisconsin Wine & Spirit Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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