On Premise November/December 2019

The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 TLW.ORG

NUMBERS DON’T LIE:

SAFERIDE SAVES LIVES

ALSO INSIDE: TLW Fall Convention Summary Membership: Don’t Just Survive, Thrive The Latest News from Washington

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 • 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.

The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 VOLUME 37, NO. 6

FEATURES

STRONG TO THE CORE. . . . 12

Tavern League’s consistent support for Children of Restaurant Employees positively impacts industry families.

TLW FALL CONVENTION SUMMARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

TLW members ventured to Titletown for the 2019 Fall Convention with Don Mjelde, owner of Richard Craniums in Green Bay, leading the Brown County Tavern League as convention host.

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NUMBERS DON’T LIE: SAFERIDE SAVES LIVES. . . 22

New TLW advertisements dispel the myth that bars are the root of the drunk-driving problem, when in fact, they can be part of the solution.

LEAGUE SPOTLIGHTS LEAGUE PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Madison/Dane County

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Marcine’s

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

22

Badger Honor Flight

MEET THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER. . . . 31 Erin Pulaski

DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Corporate Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Front Rail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 ABL Dispatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Corporate Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Legislative Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Accounting on Tap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Featured Affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Affiliate Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Local League Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

SOCIALIZE WITH US:

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE YOU CAN’T DRIVE A CAR FROM THE BACKSEAT Another successful convention is behind us and I would like to thank the Brown County Tavern League for the great job they did hosting almost 600 members. One of my favorite things about our conventions and conferences is not only the opportunity to get to see old friends and catch up, but also make some new ones.

Through the years, getting to know the members of our association has been an unexpected perk of being a member. And over time, many have become like family. One of the nice things about family, and I believe it is true of our Tavern League family, is that we stick together through good times and bad. We enjoy the successes of one another, and can also empathize with the downside of being the boss and the other struggles of owning our own businesses.

But like most families, there can be dysfunction at times.

Over the years, there have been people who don’t particularly care for me and vice versa, but I have never let that stop me from belonging to my local league or this association. It could be me, our executive director, or a member or officer in your local league or on the state board that you may not agree with or care for, but that should not be a reason for not belonging to a group that does such great things for your business.

It’s never good to have a group in which everyone agrees, and just nod their heads and say yes. Different opinions are good for an organization to grow and prosper. Good positive discussion and difference of opinion is healthy for any group.

On the other hand, open warfare and hostility is not good either. As members of our local leagues, we need to strike that balance of getting along with each other and respecting each other’s opinion while sometimes disagreeing. We may not always agree on every detail of how we run our state and local leagues, but in the end, we agree that we are stronger together than we are alone.

Over the years, I have come across different tavern and restaurant owners whose objection to joining the Tavern League is that they do not like a certain person or business that is a member. “I won’t join because so-and-so is president” or “I won’t join because so-and-so is a member and they compete with me” are a couple examples.

If you have local leaders who you think are not doing their jobs or that you may have better ideas, talk to them and tell them why. A good leader appreciates constructive critism. If that doesn’t work, consider stepping up and running for a league position. You can’t drive a car from the backseat. Be part of the change you would like to see.

I have always thought of Tavern League as a tool to come together and work for the betterment of our industry. While we all have competitors, I don’t consider them the enemy. In fact, I belong to the Tavern League so that we can work together for the betterment of our industry and my business. Neither you nor I can fight these battles alone, but together we can make a difference. There is strength in numbers.

As always, I am available to discuss any issues that affect our leagues, and I am always open to your input and ideas. TLW

To say I’m not going to join because someone that I don’t agree with or necessarily get along with is a member is a poor excuse.

Tavern League is so much more than one person. As in any family or group, we’re not all going to agree on any one subject, but I think what we can agree on is that together we can make a difference for our industry, our community and ourselves.

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Salute!

Chris Marsicano TLW President

www.tlw.org

CORPORATE MEMBERS SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THOSE WHO

Support Those Who Support our Association

SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION

PLATINUM PLATINUM MEMBERS SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS

2012 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

GOLD MEMBERS

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 SILVERMEMBERS SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE MEMBERS 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 onInc. the list to participate. Any business interested in joining should call the (608-270-8591) for more information the benefits of not the different categories.

Remember “support those who MakeTLW sureoffice and thank these groups for their support,regarding and encourage others on the list to participate.

Any to business interested insupport joiningus.” should call

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 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019us.”On Premise 5 the TLW office (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support those who support n

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PRESIDENT

Chris Marsicano SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Cathy Vales SECRETARY

Erin Pulaski TREASURER

Tom Dahlen SOUTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT

Dan Taivalkoski SOUTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Jim Pickett EASTERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT

Tim Tomchek EASTERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Terri Buman CENTRAL ZONE VICE PRESIDENT

Paul Salzwedel CENTRAL DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Lori Frommgen NORTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENT

Jen Gunning

WALLY 414-217-1731 DAYTON 262-510-4513 wimilkcaps.com

Terry Harvath

Carrie Mantey, Nei-Turner Media Group Inc.

PLATINUM CLUB MEMBERS

Kayla Ermer, Nei-Turner Media Group Inc.

OSHKOSH CITY/WINNEBAGO COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

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

PORTAGE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE TLW 3RD DISTRICT TLW 5TH DISTRICT

GOLD CLUB MEMBERS CALUMET COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE DODGE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE DOOR COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE MANITOWOC COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE OCONTO COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE TLW 7TH DISTRICT

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. n

Nancy Lorbetske PAST PRESIDENT

SPECIAL CLUB MEMBERSHIP OUTAGAMIE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

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NORTHERN DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

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EDITOR

Pete Madland, Executive Director, Tavern League of Wisconsin MANAGING EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGN ADVERTISING SALES

Cindy Micha, Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. cmicha@ntmediagroup.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

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

LSC Communications, Pontiac, Illinois On Premise (ISSN #1051-4562) is a bimonthly 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 cost $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. ©2019 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

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FRONT RAIL MEMBERSHIP: DON’T JUST SURVIVE, THRIVE

BY PETE MADLAND, TLW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Y

ou hear “membership is the key to our strength” over and over, because it is true. The equation is simple; membership numbers equal strength. Any association can tell you this, but for our association, it is especially true. Our membership dues are often more affordable and membership stronger than similar associations. (In fact, we are the largest licensed beverage association in the country.)

We strive to keep dues affordable to keep our numbers strong.

Our problem is that membership numbers are declining. It’s “our problem” because, if we continue to decline, our strength and influence also decline. If that happens, our industry and your business suffer consequences. The Tavern League has always emphasized grassroots. Most associations have and spend more money than we do, but no association has stronger grassroots than we do. We must focus on membership building not only to survive, but to thrive.

Historically, the task of membership building has been in the hands of members, which has worked for the most part. While other organizations hire and pay professional recruiters, we feel our members can be our best ambassadors.

Unfortunately, for many, putting membership building in the hands of our members has translated into putting it in the hands of our local officers and membership chairs, which isn’t fair. You have as much at stake as they do. They run a business just like you do. We all suffer consequences if our organization becomes weak and fails. We all have skin in the game, so why not all of us put some effort into strengthening the organization that protects us?

I have written about why a non-member should become a member. Many of the reasons are the same reasons echoed by all associations. For example, all associations preach the importance of legislative strength. We actually have it! How many times have you read or heard about the “powerful Tavern League of Wisconsin?” Do you recall many other associations referred to that way?

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Like other associations, we have programs to save members money. Two that come to mind are music licensing and the savings our members receive through the workers’ compensation program. We have been talking about these reasons for years.

The question is what is different now? If they didn’t join before, why should they join now?

The short answer is that we are better now than before. We communicate better now than before. We have more benefits now than before.

Our association is up to speed on social media. Communication is not just a monthly newsletter and bimonthly magazine anymore. We have an active website, along with Facebook and Twitter accounts, to keep members up to speed as things happen. We also use YouTube to help explain what and why we are doing what we do.

Our local meetings are better organized and more informative. Our local leaders are working hard to make sure monthly meetings are not a waste of valuable time and we are evaluating local meetings to help leaders do a better job.

Our SafeRide program is available in more areas than ever before; 63 counties now participate. It is affordable and available to members only. This program gave nearly 93,000 rides last year and is a major reason why Wisconsin witnessed a 50% decline in alcohol-related highway fatalities. What tavern owner doesn’t want to see their customers get home safely?

And finally, and perhaps most importantly, we now offer an association group health plan that can offer members a tremendous savings in health care. It is a comprehensive and flexible plan that typically saves people who participate in the Affordable Care Act an average of 30%. This plan is available to employees and their families as well.

We have always had a lot to offer our members. Our goal has always been to add value to our membership and we have accomplished that. It is up to you, the member, to get the word out. It is not only the duty of your local league officers, it is up to all of us. Let’s start to reemphasize the importance of membership together. We have a lot to offer. We all must work together not only to survive, but also to thrive. TLW

www.tlw.org

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ABL Dispatch: The Latest Industry News from Washington

BY JOHN BODNOVICH, ABL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CONGRESSIONAL HOSPITALITY CAUCUS

enforcement of the 0.08% BAC limit, not lowering it to 0.05%.

As part of American Beverage Licensees’ (ABL’s) support of the Congressional Hospitality Caucus, staff coordinated with caucus cochairs’ offices to host a Capitol Hill briefing on counterfeit and tainted alcohol on July 25.

MUSIC LICENSING

The briefing was well-attended and featured opening remarks from Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ) who discussed the recent tragedies that reportedly involved tainted alcohol in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica. The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) and the American Distilled Spirits Association (ADSA) joined ABL as supporters of the briefing on the panel.

ABL focused on two key points: Counterfeit alcohol issues are not prevalent in the U.S. thanks to the three-tier system, which ensures a transparent chain of custody of products and accountable licensed parties. Additionally, there is a growing need to address illegal — particularly online — alcohol sales wherein fake, tainted or otherwise illegal alcohol products are sold by unlicensed sellers often using social media and other e-commerce platforms.

IMPAIRED DRIVING AND TRAFFIC SAFETY ABL advocates for comprehensive, long-term solutions to assist states in their fight against drunk and impaired driving.

ABL also opposes federal and state governments moving to 0.05% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits.

Efforts in Oregon to get to 0.05% BAC stalled this year, but the bill sponsor said he hopes to hold an informational hearing … so lawmakers can better understand the rationale behind the legislation, and he plans to push the issue in the interim session and bring it back with full committee support in coming years. In Michigan and New York, furthermore, local Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) chapters support 0.05% BAC legislation.

ABL also learned that a pivot point (for supporters and opponents) in the 0.05% BAC debate may be that, in order to pass 0.05% BAC laws, the penalties must be administrative instead of criminal. Regardless, ABL supports the consistent

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ABL and its partners in the MIC Coalition continue to work with the office of Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) on the reintroduction of the Transparency in Music Licensing and Ownership Act. Current efforts are focused on securing a Democratic cosponsor.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a review and public comment period on the consent decrees governing the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) earlier this year.

ABL submitted comments to the DOJ on Aug. 9 urging it to maintain the decrees.

ABL participated in a Phone2Action grassroots campaign that allows small business owners to submit their own comments on the consent decrees to the DOJ. ABL circulated links for this campaign, which generated over 900 letters in support of the consent decrees.

LABOR On Sept. 24, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule to make 1.3 million American workers newly eligible for overtime pay. The final rule updates the earnings thresholds necessary to exempt executive, administrative and professional employees from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA’s) minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, and allows employers to count a portion of certain bonuses/commissions toward meeting the salary level.

In the final rule, the department is: • Raising the “standard salary level” from the currently enforced level of $455 per week to $684 per week, which is equivalent to $35,568 per year for a full-year worker. (The new proposal is below what the Obama administration proposed in 2017, $47,476 a year, which was eventually dismissed by a federal judge.)

• Raising the total annual compensation requirement for “highly compensated employees” from the currently enforced level of $100,000 per year to $107,432 per year.

• Allowing employers to use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments (including commissions) paid www.tlw.org

at least annually to satisfy up to 10% of the standard salary level in recognition of evolving pay practices.

• Revising the special salary levels for workers in U.S. territories and the motion picture industry.

The final rule is effective on Jan. 1, 2020.

Meanwhile, Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) introduced the ADA Compliance for Customer Entry to Stores and Services Act or the ACCESS Act (HR 4099). The legislation is designed to help small businesses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by alleviating the financial burden small businesses face, while still fulfilling the purpose of the ADA by giving the owner or operator of a business 60 days to provide an aggrieved party with a plan to cure an alleged violation, and then 120 days to remove the infraction, with failure to meet those conditions allowing for an ADA lawsuit to move forward against the business. The bill is intended to help small businesses that are under siege by serial litigants.

CANNABIS ABL maintains its position of neutrality when it comes to recreational legalization, instead emphasizing its role as an expert on alcohol regulation for those who suggest they want to “regulate marijuana like alcohol.” However, the ground continues to move on this issue. It has already popped up in 2020 presidential politics; there is a growing appetite in Congress to do something legislatively on the issue; and states continue to push forward with legalization.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Sept. 26 to approve the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (HR 1595). The legislation would allow banks to provide services to cannabis companies in states where it is legal. With nearly unanimous support from Democrats and nearly half of the Republican caucus, the bill passed 321-103 and heads to the Senate where its prospects are less clear.

Mixed views among Democrats on how best to tackle cannabis issues and reluctance from some Republicans to approve businesses engaging with what remains a federally illegal substance mean questions abound as to whether it is going to receive a vote. The legislation clarifies that proceeds from legitimate cannabis businesses would not be considered illegal and directs federal regulators to write up rules for how they would supervise such banking activity. Currently 33 states allow for some form of legal cannabis use. www.tlw.org

EXPERTISE OPERATING WITHIN REGULATED SYSTEM As more states legalize marijuana to some extent within their borders, members of Congress and their staffs have increasingly turned to the alcohol industry for its thoughts on how to properly regulate cannabis, according to industry lobbyists.

ABL began lobbying Congress in late 2018 to educate lawmakers on the regulatory scheme for beer, wine and spirits, said John Bodnovich, the trade group’s executive director.

“I think we looked at what’s going on in Congress, looked at the bills, looked at how people are talking about it in terms of regulating it like alcohol,” Bodnovich said. “For us, it’s just a prudent time to make sure we’re paying attention and educating people on how alcohol is regulated, so they know exactly what they’re talking about and all that goes with that.”

Bodnovich added: “Our members are experts in operating in a regulated system, selling an age-restricted product at retail.”

Excerpt from Inside the Alcohol Industry’s Lobbying Blitz on Cannabis; The National Law Journal; Feb. 11, 2019

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is proposing changes to “standards of fill” for wine and spirits, as noted in its weekly industry newsletter. As the notice states, “The term ‘standard of fill’ is used in the TTB regulations to refer to the amount of liquid in the container, and our current regulations prescribe certain specific standards of fill for wine and distilled spirits containers sold within the United States, such as 750, 500, 375, 100 and 50 milliliters. The proposals are intended to eliminate unnecessary regulatory requirements and provide consumers broader purchasing options” by eliminating “all but a minimum standard of fill for wine containers, and all but a minimum and maximum standard of fill for distilled spirits containers.” TLW ABL is the voice of America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers in Washington, D.C. ABL represents the TLW 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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STRONG TO THE

Tavern League’s consistent support for Children of Restaurant Employees positively impacts industry families.

BY AMANDA WEGNER

W

hile it may be the giving season, there’s no beginning or end to giving for the TLW. Across the state, Tavern League members, both individually and through the activities of local leagues, are constantly giving back, helping families and individuals in need, supporting worthy causes, and building and strengthening their local communities. Each year, Tavern League members donate millions of dollars to local and state-based charities; in fact, in 2018 alone, the TLW provided more than $13.7 million to 12,668 charities.

“It’s another example of Tavern League members’ giving spirit as a whole. We support our fellow members and our communities when they are in need,” says Chris Marsicano, TLW president and owner of The Village Supper Club in Delavan. “We see this each year as the totals for charitable giving roll in.

Our members continue to give, year in and year out, and they should be so proud of all that they do for their

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local communities and families, and the state as a whole.”

In addition to providing financial and volunteer assistance to thousands of local causes through its membership, the TLW supports an important organization that gives back to Tavern League members themselves — CORE. CORE, which stands for Children of Restaurant Employees, provides grants to support children of food and beverage service employees who are navigating life-altering circumstances, whether that is due to an injury or diagnosed medical condition, death of a family member, losing a home, or other sudden or extreme circumstance.

“A lot of families who work in the food and beverage service industry don’t have many of the same benefits that other nineto-five jobs offer,” says Lauren LaViola, the director of development at CORE. “So when something life-altering happens

to a child or parent, and [a parent or parents] don’t work and aren’t getting paid, things start to back up. It becomes a domino effect where it’s hard to catch up, maintain a home, pay daily bills. We are able to step in and offer that support with our one-time grants. CORE can help these families stay on their feet to navigate whatever they are going through, so when they get back to work, they can pick up where they left off.”

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE THE INDUSTRY CORE was founded in 2004 by five food and beverage service industry members who realized they were doing a lot of amazing philanthropic work, but that very little of that philanthropy was focused on supporting the actual employees, explains LaViola. From this realization, they started an organization that specifically focused on the core of the food and beverage service industry — its employees — and specifically, their children. Since 2004, CORE has raised www.tlw.org

Kristen Davis, the program director at Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE), spoke at the Fall Convention in October in Green Bay where Chris Marsicano, TLW president, and Thomas Dahlen, TLW treasurer, presented the organization with a check for $15,000.

more than $4 million, and granted support to more than 600 families from across the industry and the country, including 13 in Wisconsin.

CORE can help a family going through a circumstance like a car crash, house fire, medical diagnosis, death of a child, loss of home due to natural disaster, etc., in the form of grant support. The organization can also provide support by paying for medical bills and therapies for children, funerals and memorials for children, rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, clothing, toys and more. The average grant is $2,500.

“Each grant is specifically catered to be the most sustainable and impactful for a family,” says LaViola.

While CORE is designed to support children, grants are also available to parents and guardians in the food and beverage service industry who have at least one dependent. www.tlw.org

Likewise, CORE has a natural disaster relief fund, which is separate from its grant program. LaViola explains that this fund provides financial assistance in the form of $1,000 gift cards for families who experience a loss due to wildfires, floods and the like.

“When families experience these sorts of disasters, they may be unable to work — maybe the restaurant where they worked is closed, or their house or car is destroyed. The gift can be used for a hotel stay, clothing, food and anything they need to get them through,” she says.

Grant recipients work all over the country and industry, including chefs, cooks, servers, hosts and bartenders from restaurants, cafes, concession stands, cafeterias, breweries, food trucks and more.

A CORE PARTNER The TLW is an important partner for CORE, and not just because of the state’s

strong food and beverage industry, and rich tavern culture.

“In each of the past few years,” says LaViola, “the amount that the TLW gives, about $15,000 annually, allows us to support six to seven families, families we may not otherwise be able to help. And the support is consistent … we’ve been able to depend on them and know that, every year, Tavern League has our back.”

The TLW made its first donation to CORE in 2007 and has donated $100,000 to the organization to date.

And all that money is designated to go back to children of food and beverage service industry employees in Wisconsin.

Marsicano explains that, when the TLW signed up with CORE, “we established an agreement that any money raised in Wisconsin will help Wisconsin people … it was important for us to keep our money in state.

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A HELPING HAND CORE was the helping hand that Michelle Aguilar and her family needed at one of the worst times of their lives.

In 2017, Aguilar’s then-15-year-old son, Alex, was a freshman in high school. He had participated in football, wrestling and baseball for several years, and received a perfect physical from his pediatrician year after year. While he’d had no health concerns, in the middle of the football season, he started complaining of lower back pain. Though he had successfully passed a physical just two months prior, he was diagnosed with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a 49-degree curve in his lumbar spine.

After a visit to the children’s hospital, the family learned that the only sure option was spinal fusion, but Alex had to at least try a brace first. While Aguilar waited for Alex’s brace, she began reading as much as she could about scoliosis, hoping to find an alternative to a complete spinal fusion. She was further motivated to find another option on Jan. 25, 2018.

“Alex got his brace and, the moment he put it on, my heart broke again. There was only a five-degree correction in the painful brace. The desperation in his eyes the moment he realized this was his new normal was unforgettable,” his mother remembers.

Two days later, Aguilar learned about vertebral body tethering and the six surgeons who were performing this new surgery on “mature spines.” While it was so new that it

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wasn’t approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and very few insurance companies were covering the high costs, Aguilar was undeterred and began calling each of the surgeons. While others said no, were uncertain or had long waiting periods, one surgeon in New York said yes and was able to get Alex in for an appointment the next day. It was go time.

“Now it was time to start pulling the necessary money together to make this happen,” says Aguilar, who was senior restaurant operations manager at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino at the time. At the end of the month, her boss showed her an advertisement for CORE; she sent in an application immediately.

Aguilar received a call from CORE the day after Alex’s surgery, but didn’t return the call until Alex was released from the hospital, thinking it was too late. But it wasn’t.

“Our hearts were touched when CORE paid the entire charge on my credit card for the cost of 10 nights at a hotel in New York City,” says Aguilar. “They also paid for Alex and me to return for two checkups. The thoughtful gifts sent to both Alex and his brother were amazing. CORE took a huge stress away from us when we needed it the most. A life-changing event comes with its own set of stressors and CORE made the added financial stress so much less. CORE was that caring hand to hold in one of the worst times of my life and I will forever be grateful to them.”

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“Our support of CORE is important because there is no other organization like it for those in our industry,” adds Marsicano. “A lot of those who work in this industry don’t have health care, don’t have lots of money sitting around and are maybe just getting by.

To have an organization that can help fill the gaps for families who are going through a health crisis or other issue that they may not be able to afford, that’s priceless. CORE is sort of like the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the hospitality industry. It’s the only thing of its kind out there for our people.”

Marsicano’s family has personally experienced CORE’s outstanding giving nature. He explains that, early in the TLW’s support of CORE, Marsicano reached out to see if the organization could provide financial assistance for his daughter whose son is autistic and needed a special, but expensive bed. While his daughter wasn’t working for him at the time, as she lived out East with her husband who was in the Army, CORE’s board of directors understood the need and the Marsicano family’s longtime

commitment to the hospitality industry, and personally chipped in to provide some financial support for the bed.

“This organization and its board know the commitment that our families make to this industry, as well as the sacrifices they make to survive in the industry.

They are outstanding, what they did for my family was outstanding, and I know they bring that same commitment to all families who apply.”

LaViola and Marsicano ask Tavern League members to help spread the word about CORE. Members are encouraged to learn more about the grant program and contact the organization for support materials for employees. In addition, CORE has had a booth at the fall convention the past few years, and members are always invited to stop by to learn more and connect with staff.

“We love to get face to face with members. We want to share with you what we do and make sure you know we’re always a resource for Tavern League members,” says LaViola.

And while the TLW Foundation provides annual support to CORE, individual members can support CORE as well.

“Our members can always support CORE through fundraisers and donations. CORE will gladly accept it and you’ll know that it helps support others like you, working hard in this industry,” says Mariscano.

TLW members and the public can directly donate to CORE through its website, coregives.org.

On the other hand, if you or an employee can benefit from CORE, you can apply for support or nominate a family in need on CORE’s website: Simply select the Apply button on the homepage to start the process.

“There is a need for what we do — more families are finding out about us and getting our help,” says LaViola.

“What we do is making a difference for the food and beverage service industry.” TLW

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WHAT LOCATIONS ARE SAYING: “This works. One table downloaded the app and pretty soon I had three tables playing.”

“We started with just the Gametime Blitz prize night. It went so well that now we give prizes on other nights and our patrons love it.”

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84th Annual Fall Convention Summary

TLW members ventured to Titletown Oct. 14-17 for the 2019 Fall Convention, appropriately themed “Go for the Green and Gold with the TLW.” President Don Mjelde, owner of Richard Craniums in Green Bay, led the Brown County Tavern League as convention host.

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Bay to have the conference, but also gave a nod to Mjelde whom Genrich described as a “fierce advocate for the Tavern League” and being very “community-minded.”

MONDAY’S EVENTS On Monday, Oct. 14, the TLW board of directors met all day at the Hyatt Regency, adjoined to the KI Convention Center, in Green Bay, while a national certified food manager licensing class took place. In the evening, the Brown County Tavern League hosted a welcome party at The Ravine Pub, Grill & Banquet Hall where partygoers watched the Green Bay Packers game on Monday Night Football and enjoyed DJ music.

Brown County Sheriff’s Office’s Captain Dan Sandberg then spoke, explaining the impact of the SafeRide Program on the county and thanking the league for its advocacy work. (See an additional article on the SafeRide Program on Page 22.)

Robinson shared his early career challenges of racial integration, his father’s death and what the dollar was worth in the 1960s with the audience.

He talked about his struggles with losing his wife and going through cancer, and shared stories about the great Vince Lombardi as a coach and mentor.

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, convention activities got off to an early start with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. The nominating committee met right before the first General Session at 10 a.m. Tim “Tippy” Tomchek, TLW eastern zone vice president, introduced the host league and Mjelde led the opening ceremony. Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, who took office in April, addressed the crowd. He thanked everyone for choosing Green www.tlw.org

“The TLW is like family to me,” Mariscano said. “Without you, there is no association. Thank you!”

TUESDAY’S REPORTS TLW president Chris Marsicano introduced the session’s keynote speaker — retired Green Bay Packers player Dave Robinson.

TUESDAY’S SESSION

After the keynote speech, Marsicano relayed the news that longtime TLW member, friend and advocate Jerry Rasmussen, owner of the Brat Stop, passed away the Friday before, and invited everyone to Cocktails with the President on Wednesday evening.

The NFL great encouraged TLW members to set a positive attitude for their businesses and pass that down to employees. “Vince got a full 100% out of his team because of the love and respect we had for him and him for us,” said Robinson.

The crowd enjoyed hearing about the first televised football games, playing in Milwaukee, games in the snow and ice, and stories of his famous teammates.

“Know what your competitors are doing,” he told TLW members. “Then do better. They aren’t better, but what they are doing may be.”

Erin Pulaski, TLW secretary and owner of Around The Corner Pub in Mercer, gave the secretary’s report. She said that the TLW now has 4,634 members, and a total of 4,937 when counting affiliates, corporate, etc.

The fall convention had 487 preregistered attendees and 11 new vendors for the trade show. The 2024 Spring Conference will be held in Lake Geneva, whereas the 2024 Fall Convention will be held in Wisconsin Dells. She mentioned that the American Beverage Licensees (ABL) annual meeting will be in New Orleans in March 2020 and the TLW will pay for one registration per license.

The 2020 Golf Outing is slated to be held at Lake Arrowhead in Adams County. Leagues can bid on hosting this event if they are not hosting another that year.

The TLW will now offer a discount for membership if a person owns multiple businesses.

At the TLW Foundation meeting, $15,000 was donated to Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE).

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Terry Harvath, former TLW president, gave the ABL report, saying that he, Marsicano and TLW Executive Director Pete Madland would be in Washington, D.C., for a board meeting in October, and that Alaska left the ABL organization due to cost. Harvath wants TLW members to realize they are all automatically enrolled as members of the ABL if they pay dues to the state league.

can be nominated for this honor and members are encouraged to submit their names to the TLW office.

presented the new health insurance benefits available to TLW members, their employees and family members.

Special club awards were given out at the first session as well. Platinum awards were presented to Oshkosh City/ Winnebago County, Outagamie County, Portage County, and 3rd and 5th District groups. Calumet County, Dodge County, Door County, Manitowoc County, Oconto County and the 7th District received gold honors.

GIS’s main office is in Madison, but it has satellite branches throughout Wisconsin able to serve TLW members. The new plan has two options: one through WPS Health Insurance, a preferred provider organization (PPO) that covers the entire state, and the second through the Arise Health Plan, a health maintenance organization (HMO) arm that’s available in 50 counties. It also comes with a wrap, which means that, if a dependent is living out of state or a member travels out of state, there are in-network options available for care.

An important note about the new insurance option is that it is not tobacco-rated. It is rated on age and gender. Heidtke said the benefits of the group plan are enriched compared to individual plans.

She also encouraged members to work directly with a GIS agent to ensure they pick the best option available and one that fits their individual needs.

TUESDAY’S EVENTS The trade show was open until 6 p.m., concurrent to the silent auction and the Tic-Tac-Toe for TIPAC event.

MAJOR AWARDS Marsicano presented the 2019 Member of the Year award to Brad Schinke, who recently retired from his bar business as of July 1. He bought Kamps Bar & Grill in Combined Locks, Wisconsin, in 1998, but due to heart problems, stepped back to spend more time with his family.

He served on the TLW board of directors representing the 6th District and is chair of the CORE committee yet today.

Schinke accepted the honor and said: “You don’t know how much you all mean to me. The Tavern League has always treated my family and me with the utmost dignity and respect. I love you all.”

Marsicano said any worthy member

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In the afternoon, Department of Workforce Development representatives answered questions regarding employees in a workshop, followed by another workshop entitled Whiskey 101: Educate Your Staff and Patrons. The evening’s cocktail party was sponsored

by Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) and included the band 5 Card Studs.

More than $2,400 was raised at Tuesday evening’s live auction for the TLW Direct Givers Fund.

“Everybody’s situation is different, which is why we have a variety of plans available,” she said.

As far as eligibility, the plan gives a lot of control to tavern owners. They set the hour eligibility (as low as 20 hours worked per week) and probation period for their individual establishments. They also are able to set the premium each employee would have to pay and can pull it directly from paychecks.

Enrollment is rolling, not one time per year like individual plans, so every person enrolled has their own effective date and renewal date each year. There are no participation requirements, so if one person per tavern chooses to participate, that’s fine, she clarified.

WEDNESDAY’S SESSION The Wednesday General Session kicked off at 9:30 a.m. and Heather Heidtke, a national sales and marketing director from Greater Insurance Service (GIS),

In order to participate, however, an employer must have one non-blood relative on payroll and retirees are not eligible.

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“The larger numbers we can get involved, the better the renewals work,” she explained, as the company reviews claims across the association as a whole.

Other benefits include vision and dental discounts with no additional premiums, a $0 drug list, exercise rewards, discounts to fitness centers and Teladoc, a free phone service.

Winery Association, Wisconsin Brewers Guild and Wisconsin Distillers Guild all joined forces to push this agenda, as did Americans for Prosperity and the Wisconsin Craft Beverage Coalition. He made sure to delineate that larger groups like New Glarus Brewing, MillerCoors and Anheuser-Busch do not endorse these changes.

“They have money,” Stenger said. “There are real issues out there and we need to be aware of them before change comes, and we’re left looking in from the outside.”

He commended the league for its continued support of the TIPAC and Direct Givers Fund, saying that both are extremely beneficial to help deliver the TLW message, especially in an upcoming election year.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE TLW lobbyist Scott Stenger presented a legislative update during the Wednesday session as well. He showed recent news clips, from both state and national stations, sharing the media’s portrayal of the TLW concerning drunk-driving issues.

“This is important to your bottom line,” he said about his work at the Capitol. “We take this seriously and overnight things can change. We have a bullseye on our back as others view our association as the reason things don’t pass.”

There are currently 23 operating while impaired (OWI) bills in the state Assembly and Senate, which are not even a year into their session, Stenger explained.

“Why are there so many? The media,” he added.

Stenger spoke on the success of the SafeRide Program and unveiled recent statistics, while declaring this is the type of information that truly needs to be brought before legislators.

(See an additional article on the SafeRide Program on Page 22.)

Stenger then gave an update on the wedding barn issue, which was discussed at length during the Spring Conference in Appleton. He said legislation is being drafted to define a “public place” to include wedding barns and other event venues.

Stenger said members should expect to see it go through the Legislature by November and hopefully move on to the governor by February.

“Kids’ lemonade stands are being cracked down on, but not [wedding barns],” he noted. “Legislators are with us and understand this issue, and that will continue to grow.”

But, he said, the TLW’s grassroots help is needed all around.

Other organizations are looking for radical changes to be made to manufacturing regulations. Stenger explained that the Wisconsin www.tlw.org

“We are viewed as the model,” Stenger concluded. “And we absolutely need your help. Talk to your local and elected officials. It makes my job more difficult when legislators say they haven’t heard from anyone.”

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT: FALL 2019 ELECTION RESULTS The following ran unopposed: President

Two years

Chris Marsicano

NOMINATIONS FOR SPRING 2020 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Southern Zone VP

Two years

Dan Taivalkoski

Southern District VP One year

Jim Pickett

Eastern District VP

One year

Terri Buman

Central Zone VP

Two years

Paul Salzwedel

Central District VP

One year

Lori Frommgen

Northern District VP One year

Nancy Lorbetske

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1st District

Two years

Jennifer Collison

1st District

One year

Renee Peterson

2nd District

Two years

Eric Christenson

3rd District

Two years

Keith Koehler

3rd District

One year

Todd Giraud

4th District

Two years

Mark Puetz

5th District

Two years

Ray Bruch

5th District

One year

Jim Billings

Mike Vales

6th District

Two years

Judy Vandenhouten

6th District

One year

Don Mjelde

7th District

Two years

Diane Schwartz

7th District

One year

Donn Amundson

8th District

Two years

Daniel Swiecichowski

8th District

One year

Keith Kern

9th District

Two years

Lori Helm

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said. “There’s value in this membership.

If one bill passes in Madison, your business is impacted.”

MEMBERSHIP BUILDING In lieu of an executive director’s report, Madland led a panel discussion on membership building, which featured five TLW members from around the state: Tim Gascoigne (of Coins Sports Bar, Kenosha), Chuck Anderson (of The 10th Hole, Danbury), Dan Taivalkoski (of Beacon Tavern & Grill, Racine), Cathy Vales (of Mike and Cathy’s Good Old Days, Montello) and Mark Rehwinkel (of Cusack’s Pub, Marinette).

Madland said that TLW membership growth has been stagnant since the smoking ban passed. He asked members: If membership continues to decline, will the TLW be as powerful as it is today?

“It’s all about overcoming objections,” he

District caucuses were held in the afternoon, followed by Cocktails with the President, sponsored by Prestige Wine and Spirits and Johnson Brothers.

The panel discussed selling points for membership: SafeRide, the new insurance plans and discounts were a few mentioned. Retention and relationship building were topics covered, as were ways to address the objections many members hear when recruiting.

One recommendation was to twist the smoking ban into a positive by saying that, for every smoking customer lost, a non-smoker may be gained.

THURSDAY’S EVENTS

“Be committed, have a plan and follow through,” said Madland. “This stuff does not happen by accident. We were in the room when the smoking ban terms were negotiated and it’s much less invasive because of that.”

During Thursday’s session, program director Kristen Davis accepted a donation of $15,000 from the TLW on behalf of CORE, convention raffles were drawn, and Marsicano gave closing remarks. The Fall Convention concluded with a reception hosted by Mjelde at Richard Craniums in Green Bay.

Following the General Session, the trade show opened until 3 p.m., while a SafeRide meeting also took place.

The TLW invites everyone to join them in 2020 for the Spring Conference in La Crosse. TLW

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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

MILLERCOORS

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illerCoors has a longstanding partnership with the TLW that dates back to the 1940s, says Dan Idstein, MillerCoors’ general manager for Wisconsin.

“Bars and restaurants are an important part of our overall business,” he adds.

“This is usually where brands are discovered and consumer trends start.”

Wisconsin is among MillerCoors’ largest volume states for on-premise business nationwide, and Idstein says the TLW and its member accounts have helped build this sales volume over the decades.

“We really value that partnership,” he emphasizes.

Innovation is a big priority for MillerCoors, as is tradition. The company continues to partner with the TLW as a corporate sponsor, but also attends annual convention and trade show events. Idstein says the Miller Lite Tavern of the Game on the Milwaukee Brewers TV broadcast is still a highlight for many, offering one lucky tavern a chance to win 40 upcoming tickets to a home Brewers game at Miller Park during each game.

MillerCoors certainly looks to the TLW to help seed its new offerings.

One launch members are going to start seeing is the Blue Moon Iced Coffee Blonde, a new seasonal beer from Blue Moon Brewing Company that began appearing in November. Idstein says the beer is a “well-balanced blonde wheat ale with a touch of honey, brewed with fair-trade coffee beans. It has been one of the top sellers at the brewery taproom in Denver for the last two years and is now making its national debut.”

The Miller64 relaunch is exciting, too, he adds. The brand is going to have a new, health-conscious look and brightcolored packaging. The brand is going to be supported with billboards throughout Wisconsin and Green Bay Packers radio.

Finally, he says, innovation often originates directly on premise. One example was highlighted in Bon Appétit magazine this summer. “They called it the Spaghett, a cocktail made by pouring an ounce of Aperol and lemon juice into a bottle of Miller High Life,” Idstein says, adding that it is light, fruity and slightly bitter, but tart enough to bring you back for another sip.

Idstein has spent more than 15 years with MillerCoors, 13 in Wisconsin and two in Chicago when he took a national sales support role. “But I’m really excited to be back home selling beer in Wisconsin,” he says.

His main goal as Wisconsin’s general manager for MillerCoors is to partner with both distributors and retailers to grow the size and value of the beer category with a fact-based approach the company calls Building with Beer.

New products are a growing part of the beverage industry and Idstein says

“We seek to first understand the consumers, then the occasions, then

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deliver solutions to the retailers that are tailored to their opportunity,” Idstein explains.

The company has a suite of tools available to model the impact of features and promotions, compare profitability between tap handles, and more.

Idstein sees the value in leveraging assets in the state, such as partnerships with the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, the Wisconsin State Fair and Summerfest, to drive incremental experiences with consumers and build ways to connect with MillerCoors brands.

“I am encouraged by the receptivity of accounts to partner with us and our distributors on new ideas to grow the category in their accounts,” he says.

MillerCoors has more than 1,500 employees in Wisconsin alone in its breweries, corporate offices and a hops plant. With distributors included, the company employs more than 3,000 people.

“Not only are they great ambassadors for our brands, but they also are your customers, and love to visit bars and support MillerCoors brands,” Idstein concludes. TLW MILLERCOORS

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NUMBERS DON’T LIE: SAFERIDE SAVES LIVES

New TLW advertisements dispel the myth that bars are the root of the drunk-driving problem, when in fact, they can be part of the solution.

BY JENNIFER BRADLEY

Brand-new 15- and 30-second SafeRide commercials are starting to reach TV stations around Wisconsin, and they are going to be even more prevalent this holiday season, says Chris Marsicano, TLW president. The impact of the TLW’s SafeRide Program cannot be denied.

TLW lobbyist Scott Stenger says 60% of the state is going to see at least one of the commercials due to the huge ad buy from the TLW, but that there’s still a ways to go. “In many rural areas, the public is not aware of the program,” he explains, but word is getting out fast.

The TLW is working on increasing exposure for the SafeRide Program, but is also celebrating 63 active programs in the state in its 35th year, as well as a nearly 50% decrease in drinkingrelated fatalities in Wisconsin since 2008. The SafeRide Program contributed to that, no doubt, with 93,000 rides provided in 2018, a 142% increase since 2005.

“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in ridership,” says Pete Madland, TLW executive director, who says that while the TLW can’t take all the credit for the decrease in fatalities, it deserves acknowledgement for part of it.

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THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER TLW leadership wants members to know they are making a difference, regardless of false information being passed through the media and community whispers. Department of Transportation (DOT) data shows that, since 2005, Wisconsin’s alcohol-related fatalities are down 49%, as stated earlier, but injuries also decreased 45%, convictions are down 44% and crashes fell 30%.

The TLW’s SafeRide Program is the largest of its kind in the country and Wisconsin actually ranks 29th of 50 on Delphi Behavioral Health Group’s list of states with alcohol-related fatalities, much different than what the average person may believe. In fact, the national average is 3.3 fatalities per 100,000 residents — and Wisconsin is at that level.

“In a culture like Wisconsin, where we have a higher density of establishments, drunk driving is still below the norm,” says Don Mjelde, president of the Brown County Tavern League and owner of Richard Craniums in Green Bay, who just helped host the 2019 fall convention. “I say we change this narrative on taverns as a whole with the truth.”

He says drunk driving doesn’t happen only by those visiting TLW members’

establishments, but instead suggests people look at who is ensuring responsible serving at a family’s or friend’s gathering. According to Mjelde, in Brown County, there are more than 400 Class B liquor licenses held. Still, with the local and state league’s efforts, the SafeRides given in the county almost quadrupled in two years (1,129 in 2017 to 4,062 in 2019) and operating while impaired charges (OWIs) are down 28% with zero alcohol-related fatalities.

“We are not the problem,” Mjelde says.

“We are the solution.”

Captain Dan Sandberg, director of the patrol division at the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, agrees. He says that often taverns are painted as the root of drinking and driving issues, but in reality, it is an individual’s choice to drink and drive.

“Owners here are showing responsibility to do their part by getting people home safe and see it as an opportunity to help us,” Sandberg explains.

Another truth to share surrounding the SafeRide Program lies in its funding sources. The Wisconsin DOT foots 80% of the bill, whereas 20% is picked up by local tavern leagues. “The main thing

to understand is that these are not tax dollars being used,” says Madland. “The DOT money is from a surcharge, which is paid by convicted operating under the influence offenders.”

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION Mjelde says that members should be encouraged by realizing a successful SafeRide Program takes time to develop.

“This doesn’t happen overnight,” he explains. “It took quite a bit of time to establish fresh relationships with law enforcement, alderpersons and mayors in neighboring municipalities.”

Sandberg and Mjelde work closely together to monitor and promote the SafeRide Program in their northeastern area of the state.

“Our relationship with the local tavern owners and the Tavern League shows we are working toward the same goal,” Sandberg says. “We all want to get people home safely. We have those on the far left of the issue and those on the far right, but we need to meet in the middle with a compromise. It’s very nice to have the relationship we do. We listen to each other.”

Brown County statistics show that this

The TLW’s new promotional campaign for SafeRide will include TV ads featuring program statistics.

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close relationship is working. Sandberg echoes Mjelde’s comment about drunk driving-related fatalities and that typically seven to nine people die each year due to that reason, but in 2019, no traffic fatalities have been attributed to alcohol abuse.

“That’s just amazing,” says Sandberg. “I don’t think SafeRide’s the only reason, but it does play a huge part.”

He says a true collaboration is what it takes to make these kinds of things happen. Sandberg even invited Mjelde to join the Brown County Traffic Safety Commission, something Mjelde says really bridged a gap and created more awareness on both sides.

Mjelde strongly encourages other TLW members to look for similar opportunities.

“Let me be clear: There are people who want to pass legislation in Madison that are against the relationship we have here in Brown County,” he emphasizes. “This is all the more reason to put your swords down and work together.”

TACKLING CHALLENGES IN TITLETOWN As part of Brown County’s Traffic Safety Commission research, Mjelde and Sandberg headed up a Place of Last Drink study. “I involved Don and the Tavern League in this because we can’t enforce our way out of a problem,” says Sandberg.

“We’ve been trying that for years and, while it’s part of the solution, the other part is education and working with the Tavern League to talk to their members, to have them help us with the issues.”

Sandberg says this success all boils down to building relationships and knocking down barriers. A challenge the team faced upfront was the concerns of other Traffic Safety Commission members who questioned him working with the Tavern League.

“By building relationships and trust, we put out accurate, factual data,” according to Sandberg, who also says that today, the myths no longer exist, and commission members are thanking the Tavern League for their resources and the valuable part they are playing in the fight against drunk driving.

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“THE PUBLIC WON’T BELIEVE THE 50% REDUCTION IN ALCOHOL-RELATED FATALITIES. THIS [SAFERIDE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN] IS A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO SAY SOMETHING AND PUSH BACK IN GOOD WAY.” — Scott Stenger, Stenger Government Relations “If there are naysayers in the group, you just have to be willing to come in, build those relationships and show everybody that you’re there for the same reason,” he encourages TLW members.

“They’re worried about the safety of the community and you can show them the Tavern League can be a positive part of the solution.”

The Place of Last Drink study certainly illustrates that. Sandberg says league members visited two local taverns with high numbers, and by the end of the day, one was involved in the SafeRide Program and has become a positive, active member of the Brown County Tavern League.

During the study, Mjelde says he learned about the follow-up that occurs with each traffic fatality, and commission members learned a lot about the culture and cross-communication of license holders. “Bringing yourself closer to the issues makes it very real and motivated me to make sure any drunk-driving fatality does not come from a licensed establishment,” he adds.

SafeRide is a major part of this solution, and in Green Bay, the SafePark Program is another resource. Mjelde explains that this newer initiative started when his neighbor took a SafeRide home one night and found a parking ticket on his car the next morning.

“This opened our eyes to the fact that there are people getting punished for making the right choice,” he explains. “I worked with the parking division and local law

enforcement, and created SafePark, a placard that tavern owners can hang on vehicles, waiving them of a potential parking ticket. Things like this just make sense and every little bit counts.”

Sandberg agrees and explains that, in his travels around the state, he’s been surprised to realize how fortunate they are in Brown County with the level of cooperation between the Tavern League and law enforcement.

Why don’t members participate in SafeRide? Madland wishes he knew.

He says one more league is being added to the SafeRide roster this fall, and he’s encouraged at how local leagues step up and make the program their own through fundraising initiatives and handling abuse issues, but most importantly, keeping their communities safer with each ride given.

Stenger says DOT executives really liked the new ads he showed them and his most recent meeting was the best he’s ever had. “The public won’t believe the 50% reduction in alcohol-related fatalities,” he says. “This is a tremendous opportunity to say something and push back in a good way.”

Stenger commends the leagues, saying that everyone involved with SafeRide should be very proud of the work they’ve done and continue to do through the program.

“It doesn’t cost you anything and it helps your customers get home safe — why wouldn’t you participate?” asks Madland. That’s one to think about. TLW www.tlw.org

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES

UPCOMING BILLS THAT BENEFIT OR POSE A THREAT TO THE TLW

BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

timeline of 30 days for dealings between liquor wholesalers and retailers. This bill would allow for 30 days of credit for beer sales, the same as liquor, and the TLW supports it.

to protect public safety by minimizing underage drinking and ensuring customers are being served responsibly.

The TLW opposes this measure.

AB 362 AB 216/SB 203

A

nd just like that, the legislative session is nearly over. The Legislature is expected to finish its work

by March of next year and prepare for a busy 2020 election cycle. As the session nears completion, we are not only working to pass a number of bills to benefit our members’ businesses, but also working to defeat those that pose a threat to our members’ businesses.

Rep. Knodl and Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) introduced AB 216/SB 203 concerning the issuance by municipalities of alcohol beverage operator’s licenses.

This bill streamlines the process for issuing bartender’s licenses, allowing municipalities to pass an ordinance designating a municipal official, such as a city clerk, to issue the licenses.

Under current law, qualified applicants may get a provisional license upon application, but the governing board of the municipality must act to issue the permanent license. The TLW supports this bill.

AB 571

AB 363/SB 450

AB 571, introduced by Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) and Sen. Kathleen Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls), pertains to credit transactions between beer retailers and beer wholesalers. This assembly bill proposes to increase from 15 days to 30 days the maximum amount of time a beer wholesale may extend credit to a retailer. Current law already permits a maximum credit

AB 363/SB 450 relates to alcohol beverage delivery, and was introduced

by Rep. Gary Tauchen (R-Bonduel) and Sen. David Craig (R-Big Bend). This bill permits restaurants, grocery stores and liquor stores to sell alcohol online or over the telephone, and then deliver the alcohol to a private residence or business.

Current Wisconsin law requires face-toface sales of alcohol on licensed premises

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Rep. Tauchen introduced AB 362 to support remote orders for the sale of alcohol beverages to be picked up on licensed retail premises. The assembly bill allows grocery stores, liquor stores and restaurants to sell alcohol online or over the telephone to be picked up in the store’s parking lot. The TLW opposes this bill.

To contact your legislators, or learn more about these or any other legislative proposals, please visit legis. wisconsin.gov. TLW

Rep. Knodl

www.tlw.org

ACCOUNTING ON TAP HOW TO IMPROVE CASH FLOW, PROFIT MARGINS AND SALES

BY DAN BERGS, CPA

D

oing the little things while managing a service business can make a huge difference.

Some of the most important things to consider are cash flow, profit margins and sales. Below are some tips to help increase cash flow, profit margins and sales, along with brief definitions of cash flow and profit margins.

Cash flow is defined as the amount of money coming in and out of a business. To improve cash flow: • Use reliable suppliers that can deliver when goods are needed. For example, deliveries within one day of ordering can make it easier for the bar to keep inventory low, freeing up cash.

• Monitor the impact tax payments may have on cash.

Keep enough money aside to be able to meet future tax obligations based on earnings. This includes sales tax, payroll tax and income tax.

• Avoid prepaying expenses or accounts payable to keep funds inside the business (potentially earning interest) for as long as possible. Supplier discounts may be an exception.

• Accept multiple forms of payment, such as credit and debit cards, to help cut down on the number of denied payments (bad checks). Watch the payment terms of credit cards since longer terms delay collection until much later.

Profit margins are the amount by which income from sales exceeds the cost. To improve profit margins: • Enforce a per-drink alcohol content policy with employees. Pour consistent amounts of alcohol per drink by measuring alcohol with a shot glass or putting pourers on bottles to avoid the excessive use of alcohol, which can significantly cut into margins.

• Track the number of drinks poured versus the amount of money coming into the establishment. Inventories are susceptible to theft and overuse by employees or others, and could eventually cost the bar a great deal of money.

• Generate accurate financial reports on a timely basis — within 40 days of the end of the financial period.

This can help ensure the usefulness of the data for www.tlw.org

examination purposes. Good financial reports are the backbone of good management decisions.

• Reward employees who perform best by tracking sales per employee, accuracy in charging customers and customer satisfaction.

To improve sales: • Offer promotions, such as having a special price on a featured item certain days of the week, although lower prices are not always necessary to motivate customers to buy. Brewers and distributors often run promotions or have incentives available that the business can use to reward customers for purchasing products.

• Stay up to date on drinking trends in the market by keeping good relations with suppliers. National and regional alcohol suppliers keep records of how their product fits into the market, and can provide valuable information about customers and what they like to drink.

• Analyze the offerings of the competition. For example, if the establishment down the street offers bargain prices on domestic brews, offer a selection of imports or craft beers that customers cannot get elsewhere.

• Have an attractive web presence. This can potentially increase revenue by providing an extra forum for the bar to feature its offerings.

• Participate in community events that can spread the bar’s name in the community. For example, sponsor a softball league and offer a free pitcher of beer for the winning team to draw in customers, or sponsor one team and provide T-shirts to members.

The lists above are some practical ways to help improve your business’ cash flow, profit margins and sales. It is difficult to implement everything at once, so start with something feasible and work on adding more measures over time. Doing the little things in your business can make a big difference when it comes to your profitability. TLW 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 Bergs at 608-442-1986 or dan.bergs@wegnercpas.com.

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LEAGUE PROFILE MADISON/DANE COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

Madison/Dane County Tavern League members posed for a quick picture during the 84th Annual Fall Convention festivities in Green Bay in October. The league also grabbed a picture during its annual SafeRide Open at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove.

With more than 180 members, the Madison/Dane County Tavern League is one of the largest in the state, representing tavern owners, restauranteurs, bowling alleys, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts and more.

“When it comes to our members,” says Debbie Stueber, owner of Doubleday’s in Cottage Grove and president of the Madison/Dane County Tavern League, “it really is a mixed bag.” Serving the second most populous county in the state, the Madison/Dane County Tavern League is dedicated to supporting its SafeRide Program. In fact, in 2018, the league provided 3,000 rides across the county.

To support those rides, the league has two large, annual events to raise SafeRide funds: an annual golf outing in July and a holiday fundraising party, which is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2020, at Doubleday’s. Both events are open to the public.

“All the proceeds from those events,” says Stueber, “go to support our SafeRide Program, which is well-received in the greater Madison area.”

Rides are only for patrons who are at a licensed Tavern League establishment.

For their monthly meetings, the Madison/Dane County Tavern League rotates the meeting location among members and holds the meeting over the lunch hour. “That way,” says Stueber, “each place we attend can share a little of what they offer.”

Moreover, the league regularly brings in speakers, such as vendors, local law enforcement and local leaders, to share information with members.

With such a high number of potential members in its service area, recruitment is important for the Madison/Dane County Tavern League. To assist with efforts, Stueber says the board sends members to non-member locations to help recruit.

Having a large league, Stueber adds, helps with the ability to offer health insurance. That makes recruitment even more important.

“We need to keep our member numbers up. It’s better in numbers. Everything is better in numbers,” she explains.

She adds that each event raises about $7,000 for the program.

The highlight of the annual holiday fundraiser is “Bar Room Feud,” which is like the game “Family Feud,” pitting teams of bar owners against each other.

As the owner of Doubleday’s, Stueber has been a TLW member for 16 years and president of her local league for four years, but she has been connected to the organization for much longer.

“It’s a great way for people to interact with each other,” Stueber says of the game.

“My mother had a business for years, so I have been around it for a very long time,” she says.

For its SafeRide Program, the Madison/Dane County Tavern League uses a voucher system with the area’s strong cab network. The league limits where vouchers are sold and incentivizes participation in monthly meetings by selling SafeRide voucher packs at a lower rate at meetings.

Stueber notes that being a member offers business benefits, such as charge card processing and discounts, but the biggest benefit is the connection to others in the industry.

“If you come to a meeting, [vouchers] are $1 each, so $10 for a pack of 10,” explains Stueber. “If you are not at a meeting, they are $5 for each pack of 10 or $50.”

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She concludes, “The biggest perk is the camaraderie, when you are with other members and you can relate to each other, support each other in the struggles and issues we all face, and share ideas with one another.” TLW www.tlw.org

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT MARCINE’S

T

he key to Marcine Gilbertson’s success is friendliness.

“My staff is very friendly, hard-working and reliable, which is a huge part of the bar’s success,” says Gilbertson, who owns the namesake bar, Marcine’s, near Mount Horeb. “I just need to say that the staff I have makes everything work. The customers are always praising the great help I have.”

Another hallmark is her establishment’s openness to families, which sets it apart: “My bar is different as I try to make it affordable for families to come out to eat together,” she says. “The atmosphere is very inviting and kid-friendly.

A lot of ball teams, even if they play in Belleville, bring their kids back here to eat.”

In the tavern business since the age of 18, Gilbertson is no stranger to the industry. Her first foray into ownership was back in 1999 when she purchased a bowling alley. In 2001, she bought a bar in Blanchardville, which she owned until she was approached by someone who wanted to buy it. In January 2011, she purchased what is now Marcine’s.

“I’ve been here almost nine years. It was a bar when I bought it. I do a lot of daily homemade lunches and different nightly specials. Everything is very affordable,” she says.

Marcine’s is open seven days a week; its hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the establishment opens at 9 a.m.; Saturday brings a chef’s choice breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Sunday offers a buffet breakfast.

During the week, food service is available starting at 11 a.m., but if you’re looking for Marcine’s well-known, made-to-order pizzas during the week, you have to wait until after lunch. On Saturdays, though, you can get a personalized pie starting at 11 a.m. Marcine’s pizzas are highly rated.

Marcine Gilbertson purchased her tavern in January 2011 and has been there almost nine years. Marcine’s is renowned for its pizzas, even being heralded by the likes of the Wisconsin State Journal.

She also offers a variety of specials throughout the week, including $1 tacos on Mondays, 50-cent shrimp and riblets on Tuesdays, and 25-cent wings with 11 different flavors on Wednesdays. Toppings for dine-in pizzas are cheaper on Thursdays, and Fridays bring the Wisconsin classic, baked or deep-fried cod served with a choice of potato, dinner roll, and coleslaw or cottage cheese, as well as grilled or deepfried shrimp, or grilled or deep-fried walleye, or stuffed crab and cheese shrimp. On Saturday, Marcine’s offers a prime rib sandwich — until the prime rib is gone — with a choice of side.

“The [Wisconsin] State Journal did a great restaurant review of our pizza, which was an awesome feeling,” says Gilbertson.

“The article states ‘Marcine’s piles the pizzas high.’ They loved our pizza and our mushroom swiss burger, and they recommended our establishment.”

A TLW member since 1999, Gilbertson appreciates how the organization keeps members informed of what is new and happening in the area and across the state. TLW

Gilbertson says that her menu is “kind of a normal bar menu,” with the exception that her burgers are hand-pattied fresh daily, never frozen.

8646 Davis St. Mount Horeb, WI 53572 608-832-6289

MARCINE’S

www.tlw.org

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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT BADGER HONOR FLIGHT Flight out of Appleton, Freedom Honor Flight out of La Crosse, and Stars and Stripes Honor Flight out of Milwaukee.

“There is opportunity around the state to participate in this welldeserved day,” confirms Tobias.

To sign up for Badger Honor Flight, veterans or their loved ones can go online at badgerhonorflight.org to fill out an application either electronically, or print and return it.

Because Honor Flights provide this experience free of charge to veterans, the organization relies on support from the communities they serve.

So far, Badger Honor Flight has flown more than 3,400 veterans to the nation’s capital, including this group at Arlington National Cemetery.

O

ur veterans have sacrificed so much for our country that it’s only right that they have access to perks that the rest of us do not. One such perk is the opportunity to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C., through Badger Honor Flight, a regional affiliate of the national Honor Flight Network.

“Our mission is to ensure that World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and terminally ill veterans from any war have the opportunity to see the memorials that have been erected in their honor,” says Tiffany Tobias, Badger Honor Flight volunteer director of fundraising and communications.

The organization provides all amenities to the veterans, including transportation, shirts, jackets, hats and meals during the one-day trip of a lifetime. “Everything is free to the veterans because of how much they have sacrificed for this great country already,” says Tobias.

“We are very thankful that we get tremendous support from the community — from lemonade stands and meat raffles to large golf outings and company matches,” says Tobias.

That includes the Madison/Dane County Tavern League, which provides financial support to Badger Honor Flight. This support is critical to getting veterans off the ground.

“Ninety-six percent of every dollar donated to us goes toward flight day … it costs roughly $110,000 for the one-day flight,” says Tobias. “All donations go directly to giving our veterans the trip of a lifetime.”

To support the organization, Tobias encourages people to check the Badger Honor Flight website and follow the group on social media to stay up to date on upcoming events and fundraisers.

In addition, the organization is always seeking volunteers to assist with fundraisers, make calls to veterans, and attend send-off and welcome-home events. According to Tobias, “We have volunteer positions that help veterans in person and we have those that are helping behind the scenes from their own home.”

To date, Badger Honor Flight has flown more than 3,400 veterans to the nation’s capital; the final flight of 2019 took off on Nov. 2, which marked the affiliate’s 39th flight since 2010.

Whether you choose to support Badger Honor Flight with your time or money, know that every bit is appreciated.

“We typically fly 80 to 90 veterans per flight,” says Tobias.

“We have over 1,200 veterans on our waiting list and that list continues to grow.”

“Our veterans deserve to be honored on this trip of a lifetime, and they certainly deserve to be thanked and given a proper welcome home,” says Tobias. “We have the opportunity to do that.”

Badger Honor Flight primarily serves Columbia, Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, Sauk and parts of Dodge counties. However, says Tobias, “We will fly any eligible veteran on Badger Honor Flight.”

For more information on other Honor Flight hubs, please visit honorflight.org/regional-honor-flight-hubs. TLW

For veterans outside the Badger Honor Flight’s primary service area, there are multiple Honor Flight hubs in Wisconsin, including Never Forgotten Honor Flight out of Wausau, Old Glory Honor

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BADGER HONOR FLIGHT

badgerhonorflight.org 608-616-0243 info@badgerhonorflight.org Facebook: Search Badger Honor Flight www.tlw.org

MEET THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER MEET THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER In this column, we typically introduce a director who represents the league that is highlighted in the issue. For the November/ December issue, we’re taking a slightly different approach. Erin Pulaski is the secretary of the TLW. Many of you know Erin, but this is an opportunity for her to introduce herself.

Q. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBERS TODAY? The most important issue members face today is definitely governmental affairs that impact our businesses. TLW members work so hard and many hours at their businesses, and there are always new bills being introduced in legislation that impact our businesses. Membership addition and retention is imperative.

We are a strong force. Additional members make us stronger.

Q. YOUR BUSINESS IS IN DISTRICT 8. WHAT SPECIFIC ISSUES ARE UNIQUE TO THE AREA, IF ANY?

Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND, INCLUDING YOUR FAMILY, LOCATION AND BUSINESS. I’ve been married to Mark Pulaski for 2-1/2 years. For 19 years, I’ve owned and operated Around The Corner Pub located in the beautiful north woods of Mercer.

Q. WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN BECOMING A TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBER? In 2000, the previous owners of Around The Corner Pub took me to a local meeting and I saw how important it was to be a TLW member. Meeting other members, and the information I receive regarding this industry locally and governmentally has been so beneficial.

Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBER AND WHAT OFFICES HAVE YOU HELD? I’ve been a Tavern League member since July 2000. I served nine years as a local secretary, nine years as president and to date on the membership committee. On the state level, I was a one-year director for three years, a two-year director for five years and am currently the TLW state secretary.

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Being in the north woods and Mercer, and being such a small resort tourist community present issues. My district depends on tourism and recreational sports. In addition, District 8 is so vast that interaction with other leagues can be a challenge.

Q. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION WITH THE TAVERN LEAGUE? All the years that I have been a TLW member, along with the positions I have held and the members that I have met statewide, gifted me with knowledge that I can give back to new and existing members.

Q. HOW ELSE ARE YOU INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? I am a lioness with the Lions Club and a member of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce. I am also an active member of the Mercer Area Sno-Goers snowmobile club, and active member and past president of the Mercer Dusty Loons ATV Club. I additionally support the Mercer Fire/EMS Department and Mercer high school sports. TLW

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FEATURED AFFILIATES B&K BAR SUPPLIES

LIBDIB

Almost 20 years into owning his own tavern in West Allis, Don Falk was being relocated because of senior housing. Falk says at the time this was happening in 1992, the previous owner of B&K Bar Supplies was looking to retire. So he made a career change.

A licensed wholesale distributor in a number of states, including Wisconsin, LibDib offers the Wisconsin market access to spirits and wines that may not be accessible in other ways. Cheryl Durzy, LibDib founder and CEO, says that the company specializes in offering small-production, family-owned products, such as craft distillery items from Chicago or wines from around Wisconsin.

Today, B&K Bar Supplies is still strong, offering supplies of all shapes, sizes and types to TLW members statewide. It sells specialized cups to MillerCoors, and then everything from hand towels to dining booths. The website allows long-distance sales, but Falk says the business location on 71st and Greenfield in West Allis really allows for people to come and see products, especially the popular barstools, in person.

“We sell thousands of barstools every year, in every color and design, and have about 50 different styles on display,” he adds.

The company’s actual service reach is the greater Milwaukee area, Waukesha County and down into Kenosha. B&K offers free, same-day delivery on most items, as a 9,000-square-foot basement allows for storage of many in-demand items. “It’s full of glassware,” Falk says with a laugh.

He also says that De-lish-us snacks from Delicious Popcorn & Distributors Co. in Waupaca, Wisconsin, are hot-ticket items for TLW member clients, who buy hundreds of dozens of bags of chips each week.

Falk is a proud TLW affiliate member and says he’s attended 47 consecutive TLW trade shows. “I understand how much value an organization like this has, because of the strong commitment to it and the lobbying power,” he says. “Over the years, I’ve gotten to know so many people and TLW members are great people committed to doing the right things, protecting each other.”

He enjoys participating in other TLW events, too, such as the golf outing, bowling events and being a voice in the Milwaukee County Tavern League for the SafeRide Program. He also helps with West Allis A La Carte, an annual community event, and assisted the county league in getting a booth to promote the SafeRide Program this past year. “It worked out really well for them,” Falk adds. “A lot of people don’t realize what the Tavern League can do — and does do — for people.”

As far as B&K Bar Supplies goes, Falk says the business continues to thrive because of loyal customers, many of whom are TLW members. He’s enjoying a second career on the other side of the bar, and the ability to share quality products with those he already knows and cares about.

“The product mix changes every day,” she adds. “We get new people signing up all the time. If you don’t like what you see this week, try next week because I bet there’s something that will catch your eye.”

The spirit and wine makers post webpages and videos, and some even offer a single-bottle purchase through LibDib’s site, libdib. com. Durzy encourages TLW members to reach out to the makers themselves, especially if they are local, and could warrant a visit.

LibDib provides an avenue for bars and taverns to access products they found and enjoy, but can’t buy wholesale because of distance. Durzy says, on the flip side, this service allows small producers nationwide access to the great bars and restaurants in Wisconsin, too.

The process is simple, Durzy explains: “If you order a case of mango brandy from Chicago from me, I’ll order it from her and she’ll ship it to our partner in Wisconsin, Allstate/Capitol-Husting, which delivers it for us on its routes.”

In its third year, LibDib has been a licensed wholesaler in Wisconsin for one year, something Durzy says is exciting because, as the company grows, so do the number of products it offers.

“Favorites of the TLW members are most definitely the Wisconsin wines,” she says. “The accounts that have taken a chance on some of the local wines are loving them and constantly reordering. We’re seeing customers support their hometown folks, which I love.”

Durzy says she’s glad to be affiliated with the TLW and able to offer a unique service to members statewide. She encourages TLW members to go online, start an account and browse the unique products LibDib has to offer through many small-batch producers.

“Our makers spend a lot of time putting up amazing pages and information for buyers to look at, and really learn,” she says.

“Every week we have new products entering the marketplace. If you have customers interested in trying new things, which I think everybody does, definitely check out what we have.”

B&K BAR SUPPLIES

LIBDIB

7100 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214 414-259-9161 | bandkbarsupplies.com

6980 Santa Teresa Blvd., Suite 201, San Jose, CA 95119 844-542-3421 | libdib.com

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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION

SAMS AMUSEMENT In the southeastern corner of Wisconsin, Bruce Dentice, owner of Sams Amusement & Vending, is busy. He says, with the encouraging corporate growth in the Kenosha area, taverns are hopping.

“We’re cheap dates,” he says of the coin-operated equipment he supplies, as well as leagues and tournaments for many area TLW members. “The machines are making money and I think things will just get better for those that really pay attention to their business.”

Dentice bought Sams Amusement in 2003, and says the relationship between the tavern owner and the game operator was established long before he was in the industry. “And that relationship has not changed in any way other than we have become a stronger partner in providing what I call ‘cheeks in the seats,’” he laughs.

He finds that the most successful customers are those who are really involved in terms of hosting leagues and developing a mutually beneficial relationship with their entertainment provider.

“I cannot be successful without the tavern operator,” Dentice acknowledges. “It’s to my benefit to make my partners successful and that means providing them with the best equipment that earns the most money for both of us.”

The dart and pool leagues continue to be popular, and horseshoes are something Sams Amusement offers, too. From game tables, such as pool and shuffleboard, and darts to pinball, this Kenoshabased company has modern options for any tavern. Don’t forget the jukeboxes and video games, says Dentice. He’s proud to have a strong relationship with his area TLW members and be able to reinvest in new equipment often.

He says that, while there’s nothing new in the works right now, the push to stay vigilant in the face of legislative challenges is of high priority to him and many others. He attends Kenosha County Tavern League meetings regularly, and says it’s to everyone’s benefit to increase TLW membership and stay politically active, something he believes in.

“The government is not falling asleep here,” Dentice says. “They are in the parking lot doing pushups and it’s quite obvious we need everyone on board to solve our political problems.”

Dentice is a TLW friend and advocate, and proud to offer quality customer service — one reason Sams Amusement’s service area is kept in the southeastern Wisconsin region. He encourages area members to visit the business’ retail outlet on Green Bay Road in Kenosha or visit samsamusement.com. TLW SAMS AMUSEMENT

930 Washington Rd., Kenosha, WI 53140 262-657-4333 | samsamusement.com www.tlw.org

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NEW MEMBERS NEW TLW MEMBERS FROM AUG. 20–OCT. 22, 2019 STATE ONLY

Ninkasi Pub Kim Minette Fontana, WI

Westby Rod & Gun Club Steven Campton Westby, WI

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 1

Dodge County

Kenosha City

The Brittain House Scott Brittain Waupun, WI

Duke’s Country Saloon Gerard Cousin Kenosha, WI Fairfield Inn & Suites Nadia Rodriguez Pleasant Prairie, WI

Kenosha County Wild Child’s Tavern & Grill Ryan Child Twin Lakes, WI

Racine City Racine Country Club John Schneider Racine, WI

Rock County Janesville Elks Lodge Patricia Nitze Janesville, WI

Walworth County Cattails Mike Jonas Delavan, WI

Moy’s Restaurant Jianping Huang Elkhorn, WI

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Jefferson County D&J’s Sports Bar Jerry Heller Watertown, WI Bingg’s Chrissy Gaggioli Whitewater, WI

Madison/Dane County Red Shed Lynn Diefenbach Madison, WI

Waukesha County Danny Haskell’s Pub & Grill Keri Addis Muskego, WI Sunset Grill Bernie Kook Pewaukee, WI

Endzone Sports Bar & Grill Jon Kasnick Delavan, WI

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Our Bar Tana Sloan-Barsch Waupun, WI

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DISTRICT 3 Dells/Delton Area House of Embers Debra Christensen Lake Delton, WI

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Grant/Iowa County Hideaway Acres Supper Club Robert & Sandy Shultz Benton, WI The River Bottom Bar Casie Rowles Blue River, WI

Juneau County J & S Liquors Jason Rodebaugh Mauston, WI

La Crosse City/County The Stockyard Grill & Saloon Linda Peterson Coon Valley, WI Muddy Creek Joshua Johnson Mindoro, WI

Sauk County North Shore Restaurant & Bar Good Time Bar LLC Baraboo, WI

The Den on 3rd Reedsville, WI

Oshkosh City/ Winnebago County Starlight Bar Lindsey Blaauw Eureka, WI Dockside Tavern, Food & Spirits Brian Lammey Oshkosh, WI

Ozaukee County NoWhere Pub Sara Oswald Belgium, WI Sahale Ale Works Matthew Hofmann Grafton, WI

Sheboygan County Sharpie’s on Broadway John Sharp Sheboygan, WI

DISTRICT 5 Langlade County

R & J’s Saloon Ray Schlamp Mazomanie, WI Mac’s Pub & Grub Sean McLaughlin Merrimac, WI Schnitzelbank Restaurant Giani Ahmetay Plain, WI

DISTRICT 4 Manitowoc County

Sunset View Resort & Tavern Carrie Hill Elcho, WI

Marathon County Top Hat Hill Bar & Grill Edward & Sheryl Gorky Mosinee, WI

Marquette County Bent Rail Brewing Dennis Kaye Westfield, WI

Waterfront Wine Bar Laura Hoeltke Manitowoc, WI

www.tlw.org

Portage County Kamp’s Korner Bar & Grill Brian Michelkamp Custer, WI

Log Jam Saloon Jeff Turecek Oconto, WI

Outagamie County

Old 10 Bistro Matt Carlyle Stevens Point, WI

Taste of Thai Natcha Jitmaiwong Appleton, WI

Shawano County

J2’s Sports Bar Harvey Sprangers Kaukauna, WI

Salty’s Saloon Salty’s Investments Shawano, WI

DISTRICT 7

Waupaca

Barron County

Tilleda Falls Campground Paul & Rachel Janda Tilleda, WI

B & B Bar & Grill Steve Knudson Chetek, WI

DISTRICT 6

Clark County

Brown County

Neillsville Country Club Elizabeth Matalas Neillsville, WI

The Long Branch Kevin Bauer De Pere, WI

Trempealeau/Buffalo County

Superior/Douglas Counties

Brian’s New Moon Brian Bremer Alma, WI

Marty & Gina’s Bar Marty McCuskey Foxboro, WI

Bricks Bowling David Emmons Galesville, WI

Seaman’s Resort Dave & Julie Trygstad Gordon, WI

Gumby’s Bar & Grill Ashley Gray Mondovi, WI

El Dorado Bar & Grill Todd Pfeffer Superior, WI

DISTRICT 8

Super One Liquor Tyree Johnson Superior, WI

Burnett County

Happy Snapper Rick Grube Tomahawk, WI

Club 9-Twenty Gabriele Fuggetta Green Bay, WI

Polk County Suzy Q’s Snowshoe Tavern Suz Cannefax Cushing, WI

Price County

Crivello’s Vincent and Debbie Crivello Oconto, WI

www.tlw.org

Milwaukee County

Pierce County

Tilted Loon Saloon Nathan Carr Tomahawk, WI

Little Creek Lodge Sara Cornejo Little Suamico, WI

DISTRICT 9

Z’s Fork Horners Lori Studinski Gleason, WI

Harbor Bar Brad Smith Hager City, WI

Oconto County

Bent’s Camp Amy Kusick Land O’ Lakes, WI

Lincoln County

McLanes Bowl Bryan Kaster De Pere, WI

Green Bay Booyah Big Top Ashwaubenon Green Bay, WI

Vilas County

Zia Louisa Stephen Yantes Webster, WI

The Barrel House Betty Barr Frederic, WI

Twin City Institute Dan Castle South Milwaukee, WI

The Round Up Bar & Grill Terrance Schneider Park Falls, WI

Sawyer County

St. Croix County Float-Rite Inc. John Montpetit Somerset, WI

Dow’s Corner Bar Barbara Timme Hayward, WI Park Island Resort Charity Reglin Hayward, WI

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AFFILIATE MEMBERS TLW AFFILIATE MEMBERS AS OF OCT. 22, 2019 21st Century Financial Services 3 Sheeps Brewing Company A-1 Amusement Ackley Novelty Adams County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Allied Games American Entertainment Services American Income Life Insurance Company American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Amusement Devices Inc. B&K Bar Supplies B-M Music & Games Badger Mats Badger Mutual Insurance Company Badger State Media Baird Financial Advisors/ Farley Forster Herbenson Group BarRags Drinkwear Batzner Pest Control Bay Towel Linen and Uniform Rental Bayland Insurance Benedict Refrigeration Service Best Bargains Inc. Bevinco Big Game Sports Cards/ Sterling Graphics Bill’s Distributing Blue Honey Bio-Fuels Bob Schuchardt Insurance Agency Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin Brakebush Brothers Brat Stop Products Breakthru Beverage Wisconsin Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza Pizza Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) Bromak Sales Inc. BruVue Bullseye Games C.D. Zero Pay Capital Brewery Captain Ken’s Foods Cash Depot Chambers Travel Community Business Development Cookies Sauces and Seasonings Cornerstone Processing Solutions

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Corporate Casuals LLC D&D Amusement Games Davis & Kuelthau Delafield Brewhaus Demon Spirits DeVere Company Inc. Drink Wisconsinbly Edge One El Cortez Hotel & Casino Electronic Performance Systems EmberGlo Emil’s Pizza Fabiano Brothers Inc. Flanigan Distributing FlashBanc Flashpoint Designs Fleming’s Fire 1 Flipside Coin Machines Focus on Energy Foremost Business Systems Inc. Forest Floor Foods Frank Beer Distributors Free Jackpot Bingo/American Amusements Ent. Game Management Corporation General Beer Northeast Inc. Gilbert Brown Foundation Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown Glavinsured Agency Inc. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Great Lakes Beverage Great Northern Amusements Gunderson Uniform and Linen Rental Hansen Auction Group HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Heartland Business Systems Hiawatha Chef Supply Holiday Wholesale Inc. The House of Insurance HSC Business Brokers Illinois Casualty Company Indianhead Foodservice Distributor Inkworks The Insurance Center The Insurance Group Jahnke Coin Machine Johnson Brothers Just in Time Refrigeration LLC Kaufhold’s Kurds Kavanaugh Restaurant Supply Kessenich’s Ltd. KLB Insurance/Illinois Casualty

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

La Crosse Distilling Company Lamers Bus Lines LC Branding Lebby’s Frozen Pizza Lee Beverage of Wisconsin LLC LibDib Luige’s Frozen Pizza Inc. M & R Amusements & Vending LLC Madcity Cocktails Magnuson Inc. Maple Avenue Marketing & Apparel Mass Appeal Inc. MBE CPAs McCain Foods Metropolitan Food Service Equipment Meyer Brothers LLC Midstate Amusement Games Midwest Amusements Midwest Coin Concepts Milwaukee Brewers Mitchell Novelty Company Modern Cash Register Systems Modern Specialty Company Motion Technology Inc. Murphy Desmond S.C. National Chemicals Inc. Nei-Turner Media Group New Glarus Brewing Company NHS Food Service Noble Insurance Service Northern Lakes Amusement Northern Oasis Spirits Northwest Coin Machine Northwoods Cab Pabst Brewing Company Paradise Printing Company Park Ridge Distributing Inc. Paychex Inc. Pearl Street Brewery Pecatonica Beer Company Pehler Brothers Distributing PepsiCo Inc. Precision Pours Inc. PretzelHaus Bakery/FUNacho Quaker Bakery Brands Quarter Time Distribution Racine Amusement Inc. Red’s Novelty Ltd. Reinhart Foodservice LLC Remedy Bloody Mary Mix Retail Control Solutions Rhinelander Brewing Company/Minhas

Riverland Expressions Riverside Foods RJT Limo RM Advertising Rum Runner Tropicana Rush Creek Distilling S&S Distributing Inc. Saloons N Spoons/ Turbo Chemical Sams Amusement Sanimax Saratoga Liquor Company Inc. Schenck SC Schmidt Novelty Scott’s Vending Inc. ServingIntel Sketchworks Architecture Society/Ansay & Associates Spooky Beverages LLC SpotOn Stansfield Vending Inc. Star Business Machines Stevens Point Brewery Superior Beverages LLC Superior Vending Sysco Baraboo Taylor Enterprises of Wisconsin Inc. Think Ink & Design Tiger Amusement Toast Inc. Tom Sawyer Amusements Tri-Mart/Midwest Food & Tobacco Group Tricky Dick Specialties 2 Triple R Industries Universal Apparel Upload Motion Advertising Van Bookkeeping LLC Vern’s Cheese Inc. Viking Log Furniture Vincent, Urban, Walker & Associates VITO Fryfilter Inc. Wausau Coin Machines Inc. Wisconsin Hospitality Insured Wine Institute Wisconsin Motorcycle Roads Travel Guide Wisconsin Restaurant Association Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps Wollersheim Winery & Distillery www.tlw.org

LOCAL LEAGUE UPDATES

Wally Wheelz Inn of Delavan held a memorial bike run to benefit Walworth County Special Olympics on June 1. The organization received $500 in memory of Trevor Wheeler, longtime TLW member, who had a special place in his heart for the group. The event was well-received and many of Wheeler’s friends joined the fun, whether on two wheels or four.

The Sports Corner Bar & Grill in Germantown wanted to support veterans by awarding them the opportunity to travel on an Honor Flight. Following an enormously successful fundraiser, the establishment was able to present the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight with a $21,000 donation on Sept. 9. The organization flies World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and terminally ill veterans of any conflict on one-day, all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials, and experience a full day of honor and thanks.

Doug Vriezen, event organizer and friend of Wheeler, thought of a different twist to a conventional fundraiser poker run. Instead of drawing cards for a hand of poker, participants drew two cards at each of five destinations, all of which were bowling centers, to create 10 frames on a bowling score sheet. The five stops were: Delavan Lanes, Delavan; 10 Pin Pub, Walworth; Cougar Lanes, Clinton; River City Lanes, Waterford; and Old Settlers Bowling Center, Union Grove.

Pictured front is Vriezen, and left to right: Lisa Line, fiancée of Trevor Wheeler and Wally Wheelz Inn owner; Betty Aguirre, Special Olympics Walworth County adult programs coordinator; and Lynda Turner, granddaughter Karen and daughter Rhonda, all participants in Walworth County Special Olympics.

The Milwaukee Brewers honored TLW member Patti Marsicano for being a community achiever on Sept. 17. Patti and her husband, TLW President Chris Marsicano, are longtime TLW and Walworth County Tavern League members, and owners of The Village Supper Club in Delavan. They actively support the idea of friends and neighbors helping friends and neighbors. Patti even got to throw out the first pitch!

The 2019 TLW Annual State Golf Outing was held at Clifton Highlands Golf Club in Prescott on Sept. 9. Participants enjoyed golf, prizes, food and drink. Don’t forget to sign up early for next year’s tournament as the event is limited to 36 teams and is open to the public.

Oconto County Tavern League members helped support a golf outing to raise money for the New Beginnings Resale Store/Employment & Training Center in Oconto Falls.

Kimberly Warden, president of Oconto County Tavern League, stands with Penny Jo Bartley of New Beginnings, behind a grill that was donated by the Tavern League. New Beginnings, the little store that does big things, is home to Oconto County’s Youth Employment Program, Community Resource Empowerment Program, and Employment and Housing program.

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 Carrie Mantey, cmantey@ntmediagroup.com. www.tlw.org

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ADVERTISER INDEX Anheuser-Busch........................................................................... 39 anheuser-busch.com Ansay & Associates..................................................................... 20 ansay.com B&K Bar Supplies........................................................................ 38 bandkbarsupplies.com Cornerstone Processing Solutions................................................ 31 cornerstoneps.net Edge One..................................................................................... 14 edgeone.com

Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcap

PULLTAB PROMOTIONS

Great Profits Employee Incentive Program Used Pulltab Machines Available More Info: 262-510-4513 daytonyoung12@gmail.com www.wimilkcaps.com

Farr Products LLC....................................................................... 15 McCain Foods............................................................................. 20 mccain.com MillerCoors................................................................................. 40 millercoors.com Nightclub & Bar Show............................................................... 9 ncbshow.com Riverside Foods........................................................................... 7 riversidefoods.com WAMO (Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators).............. 2 wamo.net Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps...................................................... 6, 38 wimilkcaps.com

Stools, Tables, Booths, Outdoor Furniture and Full Line of Bar Supplies.

5 Year Frame Warranty Available

ASK ABOUT FREE DELIVERY

7100 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis

414.259.9161

www.BandKBarSupplies.com

SOME OF ITS FEATURES: Welcome Page • Includes a description of our association • Easy, one-button access to continue search for member establishments

Find a Member Search Page • TLW member description • Search by business name • Search by city location • Search by county league

SafeRide Program Search Page • TLW SafeRide description • Search for SafeRide by member name • Search for SafeRide by city location • Search for SafeRide by county league

CONTACT THE TAVERN LEAGUE OF WISCONSIN AT 800-445-9221 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EXCITING NEW TOOL! AVAILABLE FOR IPHONE & ANDROID PHONES 38

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© 2017 ANHEUSER-BUSCH, BUDWEISER® BEER, ST. LOUIS, MO

PROUDLY RAISED ACROSS AMERICA.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GREAT TASTE ONLY 96 CALS CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY® ©2019 MILLER BREWING CO., MILWAUKEE, WI • BEER Per 12 oz.: 96 cals, 3.2g carbs, <1g protein, 0g fat

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