On Premise May/June 2017

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TAVERN LEAGUE OF WISCONSIN

MAY/JUNE 2017 TLW.ORG

TLW Members GIVE SELFLESSLY

Fundraising Efforts Top $12 Million in 2016!

ALSO INSIDE: May is Tavern Month

We Showcase a Selection of TLW Member Fundraisers

Pouring for Profit

Learn How to Make Money on Beer SalesÂ

Spring Conference Summary

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The Official Publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin MAY/JUNE 2017 VOLUME 35, NO. 3

FEATURES

MAY IS TAVERN MONTH. . . 10 Sense of “Family” Surrounds TLW Community Giving

POURING FOR PROFIT. . . . 20 Three ways to keep money in your business … and out of the drain

TLW SPRING CONFERENCE SUMMARY. . . 24

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TLW: Proud to Serve

LEAGUE SPOTLIGHTS LEAGUE PROFILE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Sheboygan County Tavern League

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Meyer’s Lakeview Pub

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund & Unity Music Festival

MEET THE DIRECTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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Tim Tomchek

DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Front Rail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 ABL Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Corporate Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Legislative Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Featured Affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Accounting On Tap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Affiliate Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Ask the Bartender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Local League Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SPRING CONFERENCE IS IN THE BOOKS

T

he Tavern League of Wisconsin just wrapped up its 82nd annual spring conference in La Crosse. For those who attended you know what a successful event this was, but for members who could not attend, here are a couple of things worth mentioning.

The TLW board of directors meeting on Monday provided the first opportunity for the full board to meet Lori Schiek, who was hired in early January as assistant executive director. This was also a chance for Lori to meet members from throughout the state and to experience what happens at TLW conferences and conventions. I think the connection between Lori and our members was positive.

The theme of our conference was TLW: “Proud to Serve.” This was the first time I can remember having this type of theme. Its emphasis was on honoring the military, and our keynote speaker was retired Major General John Borling, U.S. Air Force. Gen. Borling served 6 ½ years as a POW after his fighter jet was shot down during the Vietnam War, and he’s the author of the nationally acclaimed book Taps on the Walls: Poems from the Hanoi Hilton. He gave the audience a taste of what he went through when he was imprisoned during the war and how those experiences have helped him overcome challenges throughout his lifetime.

On Wednesday, Stephanie Klett, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism gave a presentation showcasing some of the state’s marketing efforts. After hearing her presentation, I’m not sure if there is anyone who could represent the tourism industry in Wisconsin better. Under Secretary Klett, tourism is up $4.5 billion, which no doubt will help our industry.

There were several counties that were unable to vote at this conference because they failed to file the proper paperwork on time. This is one thing that frustrates me. Every county league has plenty of time to get their delegate and committee lists filed. They can scan and email them, fax them, mail them or call them into the TLW office. Let’s work on getting the paperwork in – it’s true what they say, every vote counts!

On Wednesday afternoon everyone in attendance should have attended their district caucus and talked about nominations for TLW president. Thursday at the general session nominations were read, taken from the floor and then closed. It is with great pleasure that I announce the candidates. This fall at our convention in Appleton, delegates will be voting for either Senior Vice President Chris Marsicano or Treasurer Tom Dahlen.

I have customers all the time who ask me who they should vote for in local and federal elections, whether spring or fall. I try to explain to them why I like a particular candidate. In this case, we have a win-win situation. This league will prosper with either candidate. What I am going to ask of you is to do your homework! If and when they attend your local or district meetings, get to know them. If you can’t make a meeting they attend, reach out to them personally.

Both candidates have been in business and members of the Tavern League for several years. Chris and his brother own and operate The Village Supper Club on Delavan Lake and Tom owns and operates Tommy’s Hilltop in Granton.

If you haven’t attended a TLW conference or convention, you might want to rethink your decision. These are great opportunities to meet with members who share common interests and problems in our industry. Again, I hope to see you soon. If not this summer, in Appleton at the fall convention.

TLW President Terry Harvath 4

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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 our brochure that lists benefits ofothers the different Remember “Support those interested who support MakeTLW sureoffice and thank these groups for their support, andthe encourage not on categories. the list to participate.

Any business in us.” joining 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 2017us.”On Premise 5 the TLW office (608-270-8591) for our brochure that lists the benefits of the different categories. Remember “Support thoseMAY/JUNE who support n

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PRESIDENT Terry Harvath

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Chris Marsicano

SECRETARY Erin Farrar

TREASURER Tom Dahlen

SOUTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Jim Pickett, Dan Taivalkoski

EASTERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Terri Buman, Gene Loose

CENTRAL ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Lori Frommgen, Robert “Bubba” Sprenger

NORTHERN ZONE VICE PRESIDENTS Jen Gunning, Nancy Lorbetske

EDITOR Pete Madland, Executive Director, Tavern League of Wisconsin

MANAGING EDITOR Barbara Howell, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc.

GRAPHIC DESIGN Jerriann Mullen, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc.

ADVERTISING SALES Louise Andraski, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. louisea@merr.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Julie Schiller, Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. ads@ntmediagroup.com

PRINTED BY RR Donnelley Long Prairie, Minnesota On Premise (ISSN #1051-4562) is a bi-monthly publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc., 2817 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, WI 53713, phone: 800-445-9221.

On Premise is produced by Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc., 400 Broad St., Unit D, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Gary Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President; Barbara Krause, Publisher.

Pabst Brewing Company; Serving Wisconsin since 1844

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Printing is by RR Donnelley, Long Prairie, MN. For advertising information, contact Louise Andraski, 262-729-4471, louisea@merr.com.

Subscriptions included in TLW membership dues; non-member subscriptions: $15 per year.

Postmaster: send address corrections to the Tavern League of Wisconsin Office, 2817 Fish Hatchery Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53713-5005. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI and other additional offices. ©2017 Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc. Permission to reprint must be secured in advance of publication and credit given to author and On Premise.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS MAJOR SUPPORTER OF STATE AND LOCAL TAVERN LEAGUES TAVERN LEAGUE OF WISCONSIN • Co-sponsor of TLW Legislative Day • Underwriter of TLW Video on Jobs and Employment • Provider of Coin-Operated Games at TLW Conferences & Shows to Benefit TIPAC • Sponsor of the TLW Trip Give-away at TLW Spring Conference & Show • Donor of Large Screen TV at TLW Fall Convention & Show

LOCAL TAVERN LEAGUE PROGRAMS (SAFERIDE, GOLF, OTHERS)

• Contributions and support from individual WAMO members • Matching Funds from WAMO to Tavern League Locals • Contributions to SafeRide Program, Golf and Others • Active Participation and Attendance

WISCONSIN AMUSEMENT & MUSIC OPERATORS PO Box 259506, Madison, WI 53725 | T: 608.709.1960 | F: 608.252.9243 | E: amanda@wamo.net A complete list of WAMO members can be found on the web site. Visit us at www.WAMO.net Hosts of the World’s Largest Dart Tournament & the Nation’s Largest Pool Tournament

FRONT RAIL INVEST IN YOUR LEAGUE

BY PETE MADLAND, TLW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

S

ome time ago I had a visit from the executive director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association. He was relatively new at his job and he came to Madison to get some ideas. He acknowledged the strength of our association and was looking for ways to imitate what we do here.

After a lengthy discussion, I told him that they would not be able to do most of the things we do as they lack local organization. They do not have a local league in each county and we both realized that much of our success lies at the local level.

And while that is our strength, the question remains, is there anything we can do locally to build on our success and make our local leagues even better? The answer is yes!

One recommendation I am going to make is something a few of our leagues are already doing: pay the help. It is a simple concept but more of our leagues need to do it. I am amazed that we still have some local leagues that reimburse members little or nothing when they participate in state functions. Whether it is a convention, Legislative Day or League Leaders Day, it costs money to attend. Hotel rooms, food and drink and paying for help add up quickly. Why not give those folks who are willing to leave their businesses and attend these functions something to help defray costs? It’s an easy way of thanking them for doing something most are unwilling to do.

The same holds true of your officers. Of course your officers don’t take their positions for the money, but typically they are required to attend most or all county meetings and sometimes district as well as state events. Most officers feel it is their duty to do so. Don’t take advantage of that attitude, reward it. Give them a monthly or annual stipend that both rewards them for their efforts and demonstrates the league’s appreciation. Once you do this I feel it will raise the attitude of professionalism among your officers and a stronger feeling of commitment. If given a salary, there are expectations that come along with that salary and rightfully so. Who knows, it might even entice someone to run for a position in the league.

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Most of us are missing the boat on the issue of membership. We all have a membership director (or should have) who we expect to recruit new members. Some of our leagues have a person or persons who have strong recruitment skills that we depend on to go out and build membership. This can be an expensive proposition which usually encompasses taking a day or two off work, driving for miles, and buying drinks along the way — a drink for the owner, a round for the bar or one for a customer — costs money.

We have to pay these people. If you have members that want to go out and talk to non-members, encourage them to do so, not with just “Good Luck,” but with some cash. Are some going to abuse it? Yes. But I believe those folks are few and far between.

Having the desire to go out and build membership should be rewarded, not discouraged. Recruiting is not for everyone, but let’s give an incentive to those who are willing and able to do so.

Now I know what you are thinking. “Sure Pete, that’s easy for you to say. It’s not your money and you don’t have to pay the bills you’re creating.” And you’re right. But I do know this: Many of our leagues are financially solid. I also know many of our leagues are doing business the same way they were 20 years ago. Most have worked hard over many years to get to where they are today, on solid financial footing, and you don’t want to put that in jeopardy. Well, I will tell you that you are not going to reward leadership, member participation and membership building by leaving that money in the bank. Put your money to work! If you run low, make some more!

As I said at the outset, our strength is in our local leagues. You can do things on your own — poker runs, golf outings, holiday parties, spring flings — the ways to raise money are limited only by your imagination. I have yet to see a league go bankrupt. What I have seen are leagues that are financially sound yet afraid to spend money. By the way, do not be concerned about having too much money in your account. Even though you are a non-profit and/or a not-for-profit organization, you are still allowed to make money.

Have this discussion at your next meeting. If you are not paying members who go out of their way to do things for your league, consider doing so. If you are paying, think about a raise. I know that making money for most leagues is not a problem, spending it is. You have an opportunity, I feel, to make your leagues stronger by spending some money. I have no doubt you will find it to be a good investment. TLW www.tlw.org

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TLW and Its Members Donated

$12,877,984 To 27,088 Local Charities!

COUNTY NAME

AMOUNT

Adams County

$97,200

Ashland/Bayfield County

# OF CHARITIES

COUNTY NAME

AMOUNT

# OF CHARITIES

62

Milwaukee County

$2,072,093

84

$395,640

112

Monroe County

$34,765

169

Barron County

$52,920

160

Oconto County

$44,762

150

Brown County

$10,018

79

Oneida County

$84,719

84

Burnett County

$15,500

67

Oshkosh City

$213,321

721

Calumet County

$26,100

21

Outagamie County

$271,696

375

Chippewa County

$103,000

309

Ozaukee County

$236,100

54

$106,937

287

Clark County

$78,000

158

Pepin County

Columbia County

$31,356

150

Pierce County

$101,000

404

Crawford County

$35,717

179

Polk County

$76,134

155

Dells/Delton

$2,700,000

15,000

Portage County

$92,556

213

Dodge County

$247,600

350

Price County

$311,118

118

Door County

$212,036

74

Racine City

$55,840

58

Eau Claire City/County

$89,180

95

Racine County

$199,582

28

Florence County

$7,000

35

Rock County

$67,348

47

Fond du Lac City/County

$25,000

50

Sauk County

$35,000

70

Forest County

$21,000

8

Sawyer County

$800

4

Grant/Iowa County

$1,041,410

1,871

Shawano County

$66,541

74

Greater Northwoods

$64,900

528

Sheboygan County

$38,825

75

$1,270

12

Green Lake Area

$72,500

48

South Central

Jackson County

$98,000

26

St. Croix County

$69,573

205

Jefferson County

$37,200

153

Superior/Douglas County

$237,087

450

Juneau County

$22,914

81

Taylor County

$2,000

15

Kenosha City

$212,730

52

Trempealeau/Buffalo County $187,000

420

Kenosha County

$158,775

154

Vilas County

$32,000

129

Kewaunee County

$213,475

28

Walworth County

$89,038

150

La Crosse City/County

$301,083

145

Washburn County

$8,000

21

Lakeland Area

$210,000

150

Washington County

$300,000

33

Langlade County

$266,040

109

Waukesha County

$41,000

164

Lincoln County

$30,000

40

Waupaca County

$431,000

500

Madison/Dane County

$139,000

480

Waushara County

$52,170

265

$675

13

Manitowoc County

$86,406

309

Wood County

Marathon County

$6,282

9

State Office of TLW

$56,162

Marinette County

$91,000

420

Marquette County

$62,890

29

Total

$12,877,984

27,088

Sense of

“Family”Surrounds

TLW Community Giving Fundraising Efforts Top Over $12 Million for Friends and Neighbors

By Jennifer Bradley

W

hile many during the past year have experienced ups and downs economically, one thing remains strong – the selfless and charitable efforts of TLW members across the state. From “Up North” to the banks of the Mississippi River and everywhere in between, TLW members’ commitment to their communities continues its tremendous tradition. It’s through these acts of kindness that Tavern League members have come to embody a sense of family which extends far and wide through every township, village and city in Wisconsin. … Let’s look at some of the outstanding efforts from TLW members in this year’s feature story.

TOURIST TOWN TAVERN GATHERS LOCALS FOR ANNUAL CANCER BENEFIT Each fall when the tourism season is winding down in the Wisconsin Dells, a very special benefit for the American Cancer Society takes place at Bobbers Island Grill owned by Jeff Morris. Spearheading the event is Morris’s close friend Doug Clausen, who is co-owner of Spring Brook Sports Bar & Grill, along with his wife Roxan and Dar and Juli Mor. The benefit used to be called Celebrate Life and although the name is gone, the event lives on and is marking its 12th year in 2017. Doug says the community has raised more than half a million dollars over the past 11 years and this year his goal is $80,000 for the one-day event held the Saturday after Labor Day. “We go out and get a lot of prizes, a lot of sponsors, hotel packages, Green Bay Packers tickets, limo rides,” he says. Last year one of the prizes was a two-year lease on a car donated by the Don Larson Supercenter in Baraboo. For kids, there are plenty of activities, including a bouncy house, face painting and more, while adults enjoy a water war with the fire department and baggo tournaments.

It’s really an exclusive locals’ event, he explains, because by this time of year, most of the tourist population is gone for the summer. To reach those that are not in the area during this year’s event, Doug’s planning a virtual auction for silent auction items and hopefully live auction items as well. www.tlw.org

Morris and his wife Marci have been instrumental in planning the event since its inception. Doug says Morris’s employees at Bobbers Island Grill also help prepare for the event. They set up a large outdoor area for the nearly 500 people coming in and out throughout the afternoon and evening, plus they donate their tips. Morris offers a large buffet for the $20 admission and all bar proceeds are donated to the benefit. In addition, Morris pays for the entertainment and donates a lot of labor and food, Doug explains. Meanwhile, Doug and Roxan are busy securing prizes, raffle items and selling tickets for the event.

“I’m really happy to still be a part of this,” he concludes. “I think we’re all touched by cancer one way or another. I’ve had a lot of people help me in my life and I think it’s everyone’s obligation to give back, for the better good.”

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ringing and he says they’ve been booked every weekend. He also gets requests to host fundraisers and benefits. “When that happens, I donate the hall to those people so they’re able to raise funds for their friends or family members,” he says.

Three main banquet rooms can hold 300 people, a reason people look to Fountain Banquet Hall for their charity events. Beth says he can count on about two fundraisers every month during the year, and wine tastings are a popular option lately.

In addition to donating banquet space, Beth says he’s involved with the annual Fourth of July parade in Racine, which he says is a year-long, fund-raising effort. He also helps raise money for the annual Sturtevant fireworks display and he always tries to help any group affiliated with veterans. As a child of an Air Force veteran, he grew up on a military base and believes it’s important to care for those who have served.

RACINE CITY TAVERN LEAGUE TREASURER WELCOMES ANYONE IN NEED In Sturtevant, Chuck Beth owns the Fountain Banquet Hall, a place he bought nine years ago. He had experience running pool and dart leagues in bars around town, but wanted a place to have banquets for the leagues and for bigger tournaments.

Beth began thinking that if he could book a couple weddings to pay the bills that would be great.

The old adage “Be careful what you wish for, you may get it,” certainly came true for Beth. Soon after, Beth’s phone began

ASHLAND BAR PROVES TO BE A GREAT NEIGHBOR The Ronnings, Gene and Jean, have owned Neighborly Bar in Ashland for 33 years and have been bartending for more than 40. “Isn’t that crazy?” Jean asks with a laugh. She says her father-in-law owned a tavern in Ashland too called Eddie’s Bar and her father owned Neighborly Bar for six years before she and Gene bought it. “We come from a long line of tavern owners,” Jean adds, and says that charitable giving also runs in the family.

The bar hosts three big annual events. The first is the Christmas Tree Raffle, held the third week in December each year.

Jean says that in 2016, businesses donated and decorated 175, 4-foot Christmas trees that were auctioned to benefit different needs throughout the community. Because each one represents a business, they are decorated with gift cards, presents and cash.

Regardless of the cause, this TLW member wants to help as many people as possible and if someone asks, he tries not to turn them down. In addition to the community at large, Beth helps fellow Tavern League members when they’re searching for a location for a fundraiser. “A lot of the tavern owners are friends of mine,” he explains, “and I open the hall for other members who need a place to host a big event.”

Beth, who has been the treasurer of the Racine City Tavern League for six years, is emphatic about the Tavern League’s mission and value to local communities. “The Tavern League members are part of a great organization that certainly helps a lot of people every year.”

the total amount of money raised for this event. “The organizations which benefit take care of that,” she explains. “The groups come in and ask if they can do a fundraiser, and I help them with ideas, but I’m just the host for them,” she says.

The other large annual fundraiser is Fido Fest, for the Chequamegon Humane Association in Ashland. Each August, the group has an outdoor party at Neighborly Bar, where they have bands, food and even an adoption kennel.

“We’re very lucky they come to us,” Jean says of the various groups. “We’ve done so many [fundraisers] and we can help them with what works and what may not.” She says the

“They were beautiful,” Jean says. “Each year the trees get better and better,” she laughs, saying it’s because there’s a fun competitiveness among the businesses to outdo each other.

The next event is similar, but it involves purses. The Purse Raffle is coming up soon and about 250 decorated purses will be raffled and the money raised donated to worthy causes. Jean says she doesn’t manage the finances, so she doesn’t know

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Christmas raffle is one of her favorites because it brings together so many different people and really creates a bond within the community.

From the police and fire departments to the local animal shelter and senior center to veterans and even rebuilding an old dock, Jean says fundraisers are held at Neighborly Bar all the time, about 30 a year, and it doesn’t bother her one bit. “Once you start getting involved, you get a lot of pleasure from it,” she adds, “It’s also good for business and I’ve met so many people I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

MISSISSIPPI RIVER TAVERN SHOWS THE TRUE MEANING OF “FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS” Jerry Day is well known for his fundraising acumen and charitable giving. His community-minded spirit was evident for 30 years as the owner of Fennimore’s Second Shot Saloon. Now it’s surfaced in Glen Haven, just 30 miles to the west on the banks of the Mississippi River. There Day purchased Motor Boatn’ Bar and Grill, where he’s become an integral part of this community.

Last year, Day hosted a fundraiser for the Glen Haven Fire Department which raised $1,500, which he says is “big money” for this unincorporated village along the river. Another fundraiser for first responders raised $1,500 too. Day says these two organizations are near and dear to his heart, because he just retired from volunteering as a first responder after 28 years of service.

“I know how important these volunteers are to their communities,” Day explains. “They put forward their time and energy to save lives and property. I respect them.”

Day says that he served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce while in Fennimore and was president of the Lion’s Club. He opened the first sub sandwich shop in the area, and even owned a bakery. He also served as the chairman of the chicken BBQ in Fennimore, a tradition that raised a lot

of money to support area businesses. This was in addition to the many events and charitable traditions which began at the Second Shot Saloon and now he carries forward at the Glen Haven location.

Day says the phrase “Friends and neighbors helping friends and neighbors” rings true and it’s what the Tavern League is all about. “We see someone in need and we’ll find a way to do what we can to help our community,” he notes.

When asked if he’s made some lifelong friends through all his business ventures and fundraising efforts along the way, Day says, “Only a few,” then hesitates and adds with a laugh, “thousands!”

“That’s what it’s all about,” he adds. Day says he started this new venture in Glen Haven just a couple years ago when he was ready to retire, but the opportunity came up and he took it.

Day concludes by saying it’s important that TLW members show they are important assets to their communities and care about people.

BOWLING ALLEY BRINGS A SENSE OF FAMILY TO COMMUNITY In the lower part of the Door County Peninsula, Michelle Pfannensteil is running a bowling alley that has been in her family for more than 30 years. She and her husband Mike bought Apple Valley Lanes from her parents seven years ago and have opened its doors to the community for many fundraisers each year.

“We live in such a great community,” Pfannensteil says of Sturgeon Bay. “Without them, we could never make all this happen. People just come in and want to know what kinds of items we need for auctions and then donate them. Everyone is so giving, it’s unbelievable.”

One of the major events Apple Valley Lanes hosts annually includes a bowling tournament to benefit the Door County www.tlw.org

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SafeRide Program. In February of this year, the event brought in $2,500 for the initiative, and she says a lot of other local TLW members are involved in the day as well. Pfannensteil says the local residents know what the money goes for and believe in the program, so they show up and support it each year.

Finally, Pfannensteil chokes up a bit when talking about the benefit held in October for Adam LaLuzerne, who was one of two young men swept off a pier into the waters of Lake Michigan and did not survive. LaLuzerne worked and bowled at Apple Valley Lanes, as did his family. “They’re probably one of the nicest families in Door County you’d ever want to meet,” she says. “He was really close to us.”

The second major event is called Bowling with Bobo, Pfannensteil’s nickname to friends and family. The fundraiser benefits Promoting Access to Help Families with Special Needs (P.A.T.H.) and it usually raises around $5,000 each year, says Pfannensteil. Her goddaughter has autism, so this fundraiser is “near and dear to our hearts,” she adds.

Pfannensteil says they put together a bowling event to establish a scholarship trust in LaLuzerne’s name, and raised a little over $16,000 in three hours. “I had no idea how big it was going to be, because the event was pretty last-minute,” she says. “People just flocked here that day; it was crazy. Now we’re going to have it every year and use some of the money for the high school and youth bowling programs.” One of the surviving youth still works at the bowling alley and she says the event was very healing for him, even though Pfannensteil knows it was hard.

The next event is the Big Brothers Big Sisters two-day bowling tournament, which raised $26,000 for that organization in March. She says the group has a very strong board and committee in Sturgeon Bay that put time and work into this annual fundraiser.

“I firmly believe what goes around comes around,” she concludes. “I learned a lot from my dad. He was always giving.

And every time we have the events, the community is just one that gives and gives.”

GOLF COURSE IN CALUMET COUNTY GIVES FAMILIES A PLACE TO GROW AND THRIVE In Brillion, just a short drive from Lake Winnebago, Glen Braun owns and operates a golf course that is making a large impact on a small community. May 1 marked the four-year anniversary of this former criminal justice professional making the leap back into the family business by opening Braun’s Deer Run Golf Course and Restaurant.

“It was always in my mind to get back into the industry and I had a chance to be close to my hometown,” he says. “In today’s world, everyone’s about the almighty dollar, but for me, seeing the smiles is more than that dollar is worth.”

Braun was a generous donor to the indoor Brillion Splash Pad, which opened in February, contributing $3,500. His business also raised money through the Calumet County Tavern League by hosting a golf outing. That brought in another $1,000 for the splash pad which was matched by the state league.

end, birthday parties take over the golf clubhouse for hot chocolate, cake and fun in the snow.

Two years ago, the county league gave to the Calumet County K9 unit, and this year Braun’s tentatively planning another golf outing at Deer Run. The 2016 outing raised $4,500.

Braun has two young sons of his own, and is passionate about making his business open and friendly for families. He offers free golf for kids 12 and under, so they can be exposed to the sport and spend time with their parents or grandparents. “I like to see customers take their kids or grandkids out golfing and know that it’s not going to hurt their pocketbook every time,” he says.

When it comes to summer fun, Braun is a generous sponsor of the Brillion fireworks. In 2016 he paid for the entire event, a $10,000 investment between the setup, food, ice and fireworks. That comes right out of his pocket, and is a cause that he loves to take on each year. “After I saw how much this event brought families together, I wanted to bring that to this community,” he explains.

When the snow falls, Braun opens a sledding hill at the golf course and the frozen pond for ice skating. Each winter week-

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“It’s a revolving door,” he says of giving generously. “What goes around comes around – it’s a small world.”

Braun says his involvement with the Tavern League helps him learn different ideas of how to implement charitable giving whether it be through scholarships, for a family that has lost a loved one or community projects. “You learn so much about giving by being in the Tavern League. If you’re out of sight, you’re out of mind too, is what I think. It all comes back around.” TLW www.tlw.org

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ABL Dispatch – The Latest Industry News From Washington

By ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich SUPREME COURT THROWS OUT SWIPE FEE SETTLEMENT

healthcare reform process still fresh.

On March 27, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it will leave in place a 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that threw out a $7.25 billion settlement between merchants and Visa and MasterCard over credit card transaction fees. The settlement, approved by a federal judge in 2013, was appealed by some retailers and consumer groups that felt the settlement was unfair to merchants that wouldn’t have received any money. The initial lawsuit was brought in 2005 by a group of 19 merchants and trade groups claiming that Visa and MasterCard conspired to fix fees charged to stores for handling credit card payments. The ruling effectively clears the way for merchants to sue Visa and MasterCard for additional charges incurred in recent years.

Embedded in House Republicans’ tax reform plan is a Border Adjustment Tax (BAT) that would offset a proposed lower corporate tax rate and incentivize U.S. companies to stay in the United States by shifting taxes from goods that are exported from the U.S. to goods that are imported and sold in the U.S. Proponents of the tax plan argue that the BAT would raise $1.1 trillion over 10 years, and would do minimal economic harm because it would lead to a stronger U.S. dollar. Skeptics suggest that this is merely an academic theory which, should it fail to materialize, could mean the loss of hundreds of businesses and hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

Some large retailers had opted-out of the settlement, and subsequently brought their own lawsuits against Visa and MasterCard, but only on fees incurred prior to 2013. They also argued that the settlement stripped them of their right to sue for future fee practices. With the Supreme Court decision, those companies may be able to file suit over fees after that time.

Before its demise, the settlement was believed to be the biggest antitrust deal in U.S. history. The Supreme Court case is: Photos Inc. v. Home Depot, 16-710.

BORDER ADJUSTMENT TAX DEBATE LOOMS Following the failure of the American Health Care Act on March 24, House Republicans and the White House have turned their attention to an ambitious plan to overhaul the tax code. Viewed by many as a once in a generation opportunity to implement significant change to federal tax policy, the debate is just starting with lessons from the failed

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President Trump and administration officials have offered mixed messages on the controversial tax provision as they attempt to balance support for manufacturers (represented by the American Made Coalition) with retailers (represented by Americans for Affordable Products) and their concerns that the policy would lead to increased costs on everyday purchases by Americans. Also complicating matters is the lukewarm response to the BAT by Senate Republicans, who have expressed skepticism over the need for a BAT provision.

FINANCIAL CHOICE ACT COMING SOON On March 22, in an address to the American Bankers Association, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), author of the Financial CHOICE Act in 2016, indicated that a revised version of the bill will be introduced soon. Though specifics are lacking on what revisions will be included, retailers who accept debit cards are bracing for the legislation

to include a repeal of the Durbin Amendment just as the first version did.

It is unclear at this time that there would be enough votes for such a bill to pass the Senate.

While the Durbin Amendment is just one of many issues for those who are eager to pass financial reforms that would modify or undo regulations in the 2010 Dodd-Frank act, it is one of considerable importance to the retail community and hotly debated on Capitol Hill. ABL has been meeting with members of Congress and their staff to urge them to reject changes to the Durbin Amendment, which brought competition to an otherwise broken payment card marketplace.

OP/ED OPPOSES SWIPE FEE REPEAL On March 1, Sen. Richard Durbin (DIL) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) authored an Op/Ed in The Hill, an American political newspaper and website, urging members of Congress to vote against efforts to double debit card fees for consumers. Durbin and Welch wrote, “Big banks are making record profits these days, but they want more.

Now they want Congress to double the fees big banks receive every time a debit card is swiped. This would be a gut punch to Main Street merchants who are already paying $18 billion per year in debit swipe fees, and lead to higher prices for consumers at the checkout counter and at the gas pump.”

“The 2010 reform law said that if the nation’s top one percent of biggest banks got to let Visa and MasterCard fix their fees, then the fees must be reasonable and proportional to the cost of conducting the transaction. The Federal Reserve Board decided that a reasonable fee amount was about 22 cents, which is still quite www.tlw.org

lucrative for big banks since it only costs them 4 cents to conduct a debit transaction. The law allows the other 99 percent of banks and credit unions to continue allowing Visa and MasterCard to fix their swipe fees without regulatory limits.”

The Path to Marijuana Reform would: prevent legal marijuana businesses from getting hit with an unfair tax bill; shrink the gap between federal and state marijuana policies; and de-schedule, tax and regulate marijuana.

“Main Street America deserves an electronic payments system with competition, transparency and reasonable fees.

The 2010 swipe fee reform law helps provide that. Repealing the Durbin Amendment will double big bank debit fees, decrease competition, punish small businesses and raise consumer prices.”

The three bills that are part of the package include: • The Small Business Tax Equity Act: This legislation would treat statelegal marijuana businesses like other small businesses by repealing the tax penalty that singles out marijuana businesses and bars them from claiming deductions and tax credits.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY, is a cosponsor of Wyden’s Senate bill and Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-FL, is sponsoring companion legislation in the House.

“CRAFT BEVERAGE MODERNIZATION” UPDATE As of March 31, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) (S. 236; H.R. 747) has attracted 28 Senate and 111 House cosponsors. The bill, which would provide federal excise tax relief to alcohol producers, is supported by the American Craft Spirits Association, Beer Institute, Brewers Association, Distilled Spirits Council, WineAmerica and the Wine Institute. The lead lawmakers on the bills are Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO); and Reps. Erik Paulson (R-MN) and Ron Kind (D-WI) in the House.

“DEATH TAX REPEAL” UPDATE The Death Tax Repeal Act (S. 205; H.R. 631) now has 69 House cosponsors and, more notably, 34 Senate cosponsors. The text of this legislation may be included in a larger tax reform package being worked on by House Republicans.

ABL is on-the-record supporting the legislation via letters from the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition and the Family Business Coalition.

MARIJUANA BILLS WOULD LIMIT FEDERAL ROLE On March 30, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), introduced three bills to preserve the integrity of state marijuana laws and provide a path for responsible federal legalization and regulation of the marijuana industry. www.tlw.org

• Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act: This legislation would reduce the gap between federal and state laws by removing federal criminal penalties and civil asset forfeiture for individuals and businesses complying with state law. It would also reduce barriers for state-legal marijuana businesses by ensuring access to banking, bankruptcy protection, marijuana research and advertising. It would protect individual marijuana consumers in states that have legalized marijuana by providing an expungement process for certain marijuana violations, ensuring access to public housing and federal financial aid for higher education, and ensuring that a person cannot be deported or denied entry to the U.S. solely for consuming marijuana in compliance with state law. Finally, it would remove unfair burdens by ensuring veterans have access to statelegal medical marijuana, and protect Native American tribes from punishment under federal marijuana laws.

• Marijuana Revenue and Regulation Act: This legislation would de-schedule, tax and regulate marijuana. It would impose an excise tax on marijuana products similar to current federal excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco, escalating annually to a top rate equal to 25 percent of the sales price. Marijuana producers,

importers and wholesalers would be required to obtain a permit from the Department of Treasury, and the marijuana industry would be regulated in a manner similar to alcohol.

Strict rules would prohibit sale or distribution of marijuana in states where it is illegal under state law.

Rep. Jared Polis, D-CO, is sponsoring a portion of this legislation in the House.

SALES TAX AND MARKETPLACE FAIRNESS With Congress at an impasse over how to address marketplace fairness, states have stepped in to fill the policy void and are spoiling for a fight with the Supreme Court. With the National Conference of State Legislatures estimating that states lost $17.2 billion in uncollected sales taxes last year, it is no surprise that several states have followed the lead of South Dakota, which in 2016 passed legislation to start allowing online sales tax collection. This law is viewed as a direct challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Quill Corp. v. North Dakota, 504 U.S. 298 (1992), which forbids states from imposing sales and use tax collection obligations on sellers without a physical presence in-state.

Meanwhile, on April 1, Amazon started collecting sales taxes on purchases in the last four states where it wasn’t doing so: Hawaii, Idaho, Maine and New Mexico. (Four states — Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon — have no sales tax, while Alaska only has a tax at the municipal level.) After initially resisting online retail tax collection, Amazon’s expanded network of distribution centers has led it to become a leader in online sales tax collection. By the end of 2016, Amazon was actively collecting sales taxes in 29 states representing 86 percent of the U.S. population. TLW The American Beverage Licensees is the voice of America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers in Washington, D.C. The ABL represents the Tavern League of Wisconsin and its many members as well as thousands of other on- and off-premise retailers of beverage alcohol across the United States.

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ABL ANNUAL MEETING BRINGS BEVERAGE RETAILERS TOGETHER ic analysis of the growing cannabis industry and market trends – from investment standpoints to interplay with the existing beverage alcohol market and its key players.

The ABL Annual Meeting closed its general session with a focus on state policy issues. New Jersey State Senator Nicholas Scutari discussed his research efforts to identify effective recreational marijuana policy measures, including looking at parallels to the alcohol industry’s regulatory framework.

In a presentation titled “Alcohol Beverage licensees from across the United States were recognized as Brown-Forman Retailers of the Policy: State of the States,” the Year at the 2017 ABL Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. These business owners are nominated by their state beverage associations for their success and dedication to the beverage alcohol indus- National Alcohol Beverage Contry. One of the winners was Neil Caflisch, president of the Sauk County Tavern League and owner of trol Association’s Steve Schmidt, Square Tavern in Baraboo. Caflisch, shown second from right. senior vice president – Public Policy & Communications, and Neal Insley, senior vice president Beverage retailers and their partners from across the hospitality industry gathered in Las Vegas, March 26-28 for Ameri- & general counsel, discussed various alcohol policy related issues at the state level, and the implications some of these issues can Beverage Licensees’ (ABL) 15th Annual Meeting. Attendees networked with their peers from around the country and may have at the national level. learned about emerging issues in the beverage alcohol industry.

Meeting speakers addressed a variety of important topics in- The ABL Board of Directors elected four beverage licensees cluding the issues facing the wholesale tier, emerging trends to the ABL Executive Committee during the Annual Meeting. in the beverage alcohol sector, mobile alcohol ordering plat- These individuals, each serving two-year terms, will lead the association towards meeting its strategic goals and initiatives. forms, music licensing, the growing recreational cannabis marThe new officers include: President: Steve Morris, Jorgenketplace and legislation, and state alcohol policy initiatives. son’s Restaurant & Lounge, Helena, Montana; Vice President “The diversity of this year’s annual meeting program recog- Off-Premise: Paul Santelle, Garden State Discount Liquors, nized the range of ABL member businesses from across the Perth Amboy, New Jersey; Vice President On-Premise: John country,” according to ABL Executive Director John Bod- “JJ” Moran, Jr., Four Winds Liquor & Lounge, Cheyenne, novich. “From urban to rural, large to small, on-premise to Wyoming; and At-Large: Robert “Bubba” Sprenger, Bubba’s, off-premise, there was something from the meeting that all at- Marion, Wisconsin. TLW tendees could take home to use in their businesses, state associations and with elected leaders.”

Eric Dopkins, CEO & founder of Milestone Brands LLC, delivered the keynote address about the keys to growth in the beverage alcohol industry and how best to position one’s business for success. Senior Vice President of Beverage Alcohol Practice at The Nielsen Company, Danny Brager, made a presentation about current and emerging trends in the retail environment, which covered various trends shaping the beverage alcohol sector, including direct-to-consumer sales and the growing number of places consumers can purchase beverage alcohol.

In a session titled “Seeds of Change: The Emerging Cannabis Marketplace & What It Means for the Beverage Alcohol Industry,” Vivien Azer, managing director & senior research analyst at Cowen & Company, provided an in-depth econom-

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During the ABL Honors Gala incoming ABL President Steve Morris presents outgoing President Warren Scheidt with a service award.

www.tlw.org

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT WISCONSIN AMUSEMENT AND MUSIC OPERATORS INC.

W

ith a nationwide reputation as one of the largest, strongest and most active state associations serving the coin-op amusement industry, Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators Inc. (WAMO) is proud to support the Tavern League of Wisconsin as a corporate sponsor.

Founded as Wisconsin Music Merchants Association over 50 years ago, this trade organization’s goal is to pull the industry together to enhance the marketplace, expand opportunities, such as the legalization of crane games, and to offer information and training to members. WAMO also undertakes legal and legislative efforts to achieve fairness in the marketplace.

For instance, WAMO was a crucial voice in helping eliminate the double taxation on jukebox music sales revenue in the 2015-2016 legislative session.

“WAMO enjoys the positive relationship we have developed over our many years of support for the Tavern League of Wisconsin. Our common objective is to promote and enhance our shared industry and ensure customers have a great experience,” says Executive Director Amanda Soelle. “We are happy to have been a Corporate Sponsor of the Tavern League for more than 10 years and look forward to many more.”

WAMO is comprised of more than 125 companies around the state that specialize in games and entertainment machines.

These are the same companies that service many Tavern League of Wisconsin member establishments.

In acknowledgement of society’s desire for everything mobile, the industry currently is developing cashless solutions to appeal to younger clientele. A great example of this is online jukeboxes that now allow users to make music selections right from their phones via a mobile app, without having to leave their barstool. Some jukeboxes, reports Sorelle, are now also able to play videos and run ads or promote upcoming events for the location, providing Tavern League members an additional opportunity for on-premise promotions. In addition, WAMO clients are using crane machines and other prize redemption games in various venues as promotions, such as contests for free drinks and other items when the player achieves a top score, retrieves a winning item or by collecting a certain number of items from the crane machine.

www.tlw.org

Wisconsin Amusement & Music Operators, Inc.

“WAMO-member companies offer a variety of amusement options for the enjoyment of customers in taverns throughout the state. This includes, but is not limited to, pool tables, dart boards, jukeboxes, crane games and more,” says Soelle. “We also collaborate with taverns on weekly pool and dart leagues, which helps draw patrons into their locations even on the coldest Wisconsin winter nights.”

Because WAMO has extensive knowledge regarding new trends in the entertainment industry, working with a WAMO operator ensures that Tavern League members are offering customers what they want and are interested in, which helps to maximize profits for locations. “Working with WAMO, with our broad knowledge of what is hot and trending in the streets, will help maximize the profits in your business. Your success is our success,” says Soelle. “With how quickly technology advances, new products and services are steadily being introduced to enhance customers’ experiences in your locations.”

In addition, operating a pool or dart league with a WAMO member allows a Tavern League establishment’s players entrance into WAMO state tournaments. WAMO is proud to host what is believed to be the largest electronic dart tournament in the world and the largest state association pool tournament in the United States.

WAMO also happily contributes thousands of dollars annually to the Tavern League of Wisconsin through donations. This includes sponsoring a free trip at the spring conference, sponsoring Legislative Day, providing a prize at the fall convention (usually a large, flat-screen TV) and more.

For a complete list of services and entertainment options, please contact a WAMO operator in your area or the WAMO office. TLW Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators Inc. P.O. Box 259506 Madison, WI 53725 800-827-8011 or 608-709-1960 www.wamo.net

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POURING FOR PROFIT

Three ways to keep money in your business … and out of the drain

By Amanda Wegner

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www.tlw.org

T

he last thing a tavern owner wants to do is pour money down the drain. But it happens, literally, every day. “Bar owners have to be smart and strategic, to do everything they can, to maximize their revenue,” says Samantha Szukalski, distributor sales manager for MillerCoors. “But there are lots of little ways that taverns can lose money, and not just pennies and nickels. Real money.”

This topic was the focus of a seminar that Szukalski, along with Rick Marx, on premise manager for La Crosse Beverage, presented at the TLW Spring Conference held April 3-6 in La Crosse. In this wellreceived seminar, Szukalski and Marx covered a variety of topics, from the perfect pour (it has foam!) to tap diversity to system hygiene. Here’s a recap of the seminar highlights, which you can put to use immediately to pour more profit in your own business.

BUILDING PROFITS WITH BEER Maximizing your tavern’s revenue starts with having the right mix of beers on your tap.

“You want to make sure you have the right assortment of beer on your tap lineup,” says Szukalski. “And that’s not just styles, but brands. With so much choice, it’s important to understand the business and velocity of each beer. You don’t just want the newest and coolest. You need to have a mix of beers that turn quick and are familiar.”

The core of your tap lineup should consist of: • Two American light lagers: One of every three beers sold falls in this category.

• A national craft beer: The national craft beer category has exploded and there are dozens to choose from.

• A seasonal beer: Half of all craft beer discovery comes from seasonal brands.

Core brands have the highest guest preference, revenue and profit and drive 70 percent of category unit volume.

Representing a wide variety of brands but low velocity of sales, the tail of your tap lineup should include a local regional craft beer to establish local authenticity; another national craft beer; a hard cider, a segment that has grown more than 60 percent for the last three years; and an import. If space is limited, however, know that bottles and cans are the preferred format for import beers.

New brands present a bit of a catch-22 for tavern owners in that they are exciting, but not efficient by way of sales. In recent years, 6,200 new brands have been introduced in the on-premise sector, with just five percent of these new entrants driving 48 percent of sales.

To devise the best tap lineup for your establishment, beer distributors are armed with tools to gauge sales velocity, price point and more. www.tlw.org

“We want to help everyone with all brands, not just MillerCoors products. If you’re not making money, no matter what beer you’re pouring, no one is making money. We’re here to help everyone make a profit.”

- Rick Marx On Premise Manager for La Crosse Beverage “There are a lot of choices available,” says Szukalski. “Every tap makes money, and the tools available allow you to make an educated choice rather than going with what’s cool or has a discount. This is fact-based selling.”

Most every beer distributor rep on the streets should have the expertise to help you increase profits, says La Crosse Beverage’s Marx. “We’re ready to help everyone out,” he adds. “We want to help everyone with all brands, not just MillerCoors products. If you’re not making money, no matter what beer you’re pouring, no one is making money. We’re here to help everyone make a profit.”

FOAM IS YOUR FRIEND The perfect beer pour includes foam. “In Europe, you don’t see a beer without foam,” says Szukalski. “It just doesn’t happen.”

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THREE STEPS FOR BEER PERFECTION Step 1: Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle, one inch below the tap; snap the tap out, but don’t let the faucet touch the glass.

Step 2: Let the beer slide down the side of the glass; once filled about halfway, turn the glass upright.

Step 3: Let the remaining beer run straight into the middle of the foam.

When full, close the tap quickly and completely.

ALSO: Always hold the bottom of the glass.

better. It also elevates the aroma, which enhances the drinking experience. “If it doesn’t have foam, it’s flat and not as appealing,” says Szukalski. “Foam is your friend.”

Keeping the foam on a beer also allows people to drink more. “By pouring the foam off, people think they’re getting a better deal, but the bubbles from the foam make you feel less full so you can consume more and stay longer.

And for the bar owner, that means higher check rings. So don’t pour off the foam. That is literally dollars down the drain.”

The perfect pour has about two fingers’ width (1 – 1 1/2 inches) of foam on any glass or pitcher. For the average bar, failing to serve the perfect pour results in 36.5 barrels of beer — and potentially $18,000 in revenue — lost each year. (To get the perfect pour, see “Three steps for beer perfection” above.)

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BEER HYGIENE The physical act of achieving the perfect pour is one thing, but there are a number of other factors that can come into play.

And they all come down to quality control and system hygiene.

First, it’s important to take a close look at your draught system as a well-balanced system that delivers consistent pours, guest satisfaction and higher profits. “I don’t think many bar owners think about their draught system enough,” says Marx. “Many haven’t updated their equipment or kept tabs on their systems to ensure they’re getting the most out of their setup.”

For instance, Marx explains, older forced-air systems can have spots where the beer can get warm as it moves toward the tap.

In contrast, glycol systems, where the beer line is wrapped in an insulated tube, keep the beer consistently cool, delivering better taste and foam. It has been found that 80 percent of all draught issues are the result of incorrect temperature or pressure.

Another helpful tool is a keg saver on every line for long draws. These, says Marx, are particularly helpful when changing a keg, as the beer flow is stopped immediately leaving the line full of beer instead of foam. Keeping the lines full of beer reduces beer waste by eliminating the need to refill the lines and purge the system when tapping the next keg.

From a system hygiene perspective, proper line cleaning can increase sales by four percent. Lines should be cleaned every two weeks and in Wisconsin, must be done by a third party.

“If you don’t have clean draft lines, the beer coming out will not taste right and it will not be a good experience for the customer,” says Szukalski.

Adds Marx: “With beer, it all comes back to one thing — taste — and there are a lot of factors that can affect that.”

Proper sanitation is also important to get beer-clean glassware.

“If you don’t have a beer-clean class, the foam will dissipate quickly and be gone before you get to the table,” says Szukalski.

The wrong amount or inappropriate mix of disinfectant can prohibit you from achieving beer clean glassware.

Rinsers are also helpful, says Marx, yet some bars are missing this critical tool from their systems. However, they can easily be added to your bar system for a reasonable cost. For three ways to check your sanitation practices, see “Testing for beerclean glass” on page 23.

Whether it’s how to achieve the perfect foam head or properly cleaning glassware, this information can’t just sit with bar owners … it must be passed to bartenders and waitstaff as well. “These are fairly easy things to train staff on and should be a priority for bar owners,” says Szukalski. “We want to help Tavern League members grow their business in these tough times. Traffic is down, choice is up, it is a tough industry.

All these things will help make sure you get every dollar you can, but everyone has to be on board.” TLW www.tlw.org

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Sheeting Test: Rinse the glass with water and turn upside-down. In a clean glass, water will evenly coat the glass and sheet away. If there is a film, water will break into small droplets.

Salt Test: Rinse the inside of the glass with water, then coat the inside with salt. If salt adheres evenly, it is beerclean. If the salt does not cling to the side of the glass, it is not beer-clean.

Lacing Test: Parallel rings will form a lacing pattern as the beer is consumed. If the lacing is spotty or non-existent, the glass is not beer-clean. www.tlw.org

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SPRING CONFERENCE TLW: Proud to Serve

to Serve,” this spring’s TLW conference theme, took on many meanings for those attending the “Proud four-day annual meeting in La Crosse. Not only did the La Crosse County Tavern League create a

program that emphasized patriotism by honoring our nation’s veterans, Tavern League members gathered to celebrate their collective commitment and long heritage of serving their communities. This made for a meaningful and productive conference at the La Crosse Center, April 3-6, with over 600 in attendance.

MONDAY’S EVENTS The TLW Board of Directors met throughout the day Monday, covering a full agenda encompassing topics of local, state and national significance. Wrapping up the day’s events was a welcome party at All Star Lanes. From 8 p.m. – 1 a.m., partygoers re-connected with old friends and met new TLW members while enjoying a buffet and cocktails plus live music by the band Ontourage.

TUESDAY’S EVENTS The General Session attended by several hundred members opened with Southern Zone Vice President Jim Pickett, La Crosse County Tavern League President Mike Brown, and La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat welcoming everyone to the city.

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Next up was TLW President Terry Harvath, who made a dramatic entrance, waving the American flag as an inspirational video about some of our military’s finest played. www.tlw.org

2017 Spring Conference Summary Next on the morning’s agenda was the President’s Award which honored Jerry Malcore, retiring sales manager for Pabst Brewing Company. Malcore worked with many of the TLW members in attendance and has been a friend to the association for decades.

Following Malcore’s remarks President Harvath shared information from the previous day’s board meeting, and then introduced Secretary Erin Farrar and Treasurer Tom Dahlen, who each presented their reports.

Special guest speaker Dick Leinenkugel continued the patriotic theme as he relayed his family’s long history of military and civil service to our country, including his brother, Jake’s recent assignment as senior White House adviser to the Office of Veterans Affairs. Dick, a former marine, played an active role in the 2016 opening of Fisher House Wisconsin, and he accepted a check for $10,000 for the facility from Tim Groth and Mike Brown of the La Crosse County Tavern League.

Next, President Harvath introduced Deb Seibel, 9th District director, who presented Gen. Borling and Dick Leinenkugel with handmade “quilts of honor,” each featuring distinctive military designs. She also presented Leinenkugel with a check for Fisher House Wisconsin in the amount of $1,500 raised through donations from her bar, The Plainfield Pub. President Harvath closed the morning session with the attendance drawing and first-time member orientation session.

Tuesday afternoon members attended seminars and visited the tradeshow, featuring over 70 vendors, who offered members a chance to enjoy samples and learn about new products. The silent auction was open all afternoon, allowing members to bid on many items donated by leagues, districts and vendors.

Tuesday evening’s cocktail and costume party featured the music of Dude Fresh, sponsored by ASCAP, and featured the live auction presided over by Colonel Pete Madland. The auction raised $17,950.

President Harvath then had the honor of introducing keynote speaker retired Major General John Borling, U.S. Air Force, who served 6 ½ years as a POW after his fighter jet was shot down during the Vietnam War. Gen. Borling spoke at length about his experience in the Hanoi Hilton beginning in June 1966 and his system for communicating with fellow prisoners.

It’s through this system or tap code that Borling and his fellow POWs survived this long tumultuous imprisonment. Forty years later, he put pen to paper to share the poems he created during his confinement. The end result: Taps on the Walls: Poems from the Hanoi Hilton. (Available on amazon.com as well as barnesandnoble.com.)

www.tlw.org

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2017 Spring Conference Summary WEDNESDAY’S EVENTS TLW Senior Vice President Chris Marsicano opened Wednesday morning’s general business meeting. His remarks included an idea he wanted to propose to members: A TLW-sponsored Honor Flight for veterans to Washington, D.C. in 2018. Before asking for a show of hands for those in favor of the proposal, Marsciano explained the trip would cost approximately $50,000 and the funds would have to be raised through local leagues. When asked for a vote, members enthusiastically raised their hands and Marsicano said he’d have more information at the fall convention in Appleton.

President Harvath then introduced the morning’s keynote speaker, Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. Not one to miss an opportunity to plug one of Wisconsin’s great traditions and to gear her remarks to her audience, Klett walked to the podium carrying a brandy old-fashioned sweet and uttered the state’s latest marketing tagline: “When you’re having fun, we’re having fun!”

Klett then proceeded to talk about marketing Wisconsin as a tourism destination since she became secretary in 2011. Although the commercials and campaigns get people interested in visiting Wisconsin, Klett said it’s the taverns, restaurants, supper clubs and resorts that keep people coming back. That’s why a big portion of the Travel Wisconsin website, the goto-place for things to do in the state, highlights these places, including many TLW-member establishments.

Following Klett to the podium was Robert “Bubba” Sprenger, the TLW’s ABL representative, who spoke about emerging issues in the beverage alcohol industry. Sprenger attended the annual ABL meeting in Las Vegas March 26-27, and updated TLW members about ongoing music licensing issues and the role of the MIC coalition to work on transparency and fairness; Utah’s passage of .05 percent BAC levels; how swipe card fees could be impacted if Congress repeals the Dodd-Frank Act; and the growing number of states to legalize marijuana for recreational use.

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Next on the agenda was TLW Executive Director Pete Madland, who stepped in to present the state legislative update in place of Scott Stenger. Madland recapped last November’s election results, indicating 98 of the 99 state and federal legislative candidates endorsed by the TLW won their races.

In addition, he gave kudos to the seven TLW members who are now serving in the State Assembly or Senate.

Madland indicated that the TLW’s SafeRide program continues to be the no. 1 priority legislatively for the TLW and he talked at length about the three-tier system and its vulnerability due to actions taken by the State Department of Justice.

Recent rulings, Madland explained, allow wineries to sell beer and there is concern that the DOJ may also allow liquor sales.

He indicated that Scott and his team are looking for a legislative solution to this problem.

Following the legislative report, Madland presented his executive director’s report. He introduced new Assistant Executive Director Lori Schiek, who will focus on day-to-day issues in the state office in Madison. This, according to Madland, will allow him to travel more to league meetings in an effort to grow statewide membership.

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

On Wednesday afternoon, TLW members attended the tradeshow where exhibitor prizes were awarded. District caucuses were held Wednesday afternoon, followed by the President’s TIPAC Reception sponsored by Minhas Micro Distillery.

www.tlw.org

2017 Spring Conference Summary THURSDAY’S EVENTS Thursday morning’s general business meeting got underway with a few announcements, including the final totals for the live and silent auctions. The silent auction netted $5,556 and the live auction generated $17,950 for a combined total of $23,506. Also, the fourth annual TLW food drive collected a barrel of food and $1,645 for the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse.

Next Samantha Szukalski of MillerCoors presented the latest trends in beer sales and discussed the latest pricing strategies.

The morning session wrapped up with a DVD presentation of the four-day event, and after closing remarks by President Harvath, the conference was adjourned. The La Crosse City/County President’s Reception followed at Mike’s Logan Bar & Grill.

A big thank you is extended to La Crosse County Tavern League, the city of La Crosse and The Radisson Hotel and La Crosse Center for their hospitality during the TLW’s four-day conference. TLW

April 2017 Election Results All offices are for 2 years unless otherwise noted: Northern Zone Vice President Jen Gunning Nancy Lorbetske

44 36

Fifth District Director (1 year) Tom Dorsey Paul Salzwedel Harlon Wright

6 26 3

Ninth District Director Jim Losiniecki Deb Seibel

2 6

The following candidates were running unopposed: Southern Zone VP (1 year)

Jim Pickett

Eastern Zone VP

Gene Loose

Eastern Zone VP (1 year)

Terry “Sassy” Buman

Central Zone VP (1 year)

Lori Frommgen

First District Director

Rich Karrasch

First District Director (1 year)

Jen Collison

Second District Director

Bob Carpenter

Third District Director

Jerry Day

Third District Director (1 year)

Todd Giraud

Fourth District Director

Fifth District Director

Tom Wenzel

Sixth District Director

Mark Rehwinkel

Sixth District Director (1 year)

Brad Schinke

Seventh District Director

Kris Zappa

Cathy Vales

Seventh District Director (1 year) Ron Smith Eighth District Director

Jim Seliger

Eighth District Director (1 year)

Keith Kern

Nominations for Fall 2017 President: Terry Harvath Tom Dahlen Chris Marsicano

www.tlw.org

Declined

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES .05 BAC IS THE LAW IN UTAH

BY SCOTT STENGER, STENGER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

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he National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently endorsed a national drunk driving standard of .05 BAC. Utah has become the first state to adopt that standard lowering their BAC arrest level from .08 BAC to .05 BAC. The issue is sure to become a topic of debate in more states around the country and in Congress. Below is an article from Sarah Longwell, managing director of the American Beverage Institute detailing the .05 issue. Please take a few moments to contact your legislators to oppose any efforts to change Wisconsin’s BAC level to .05 percent. Go to www.legis. wisconsin.gov to find your legislator’s email address.

UTAH’S MOVE TO DROP DUI LEVEL TO .05 WILL MAKE CRIMINALS OUT OF SOCIAL DRINKERS

BY SARAH LONGWELL

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tah has officially become the first state in the country to lower the blood-alcohol arrest level from .08 to .05 — and more states will certainly follow.

While such a move is unlikely to save lives, it will inflict serious damage on restaurants and others in the hospitality and tourism industries by criminalizing perfectly responsible behavior. Why would someone interested in a ski vacation choose Utah over Colorado or Montana if they fear being arrested for having a single drink after a day on the slopes before driving back to their hotel?

Utah has a unique relationship with alcohol, namely that a majority of its residents have never had a drink. Restaurants that serve alcohol in Utah have been subjected to odd regulations such as the “Zion Curtain” which mandates that bartenders must mix drinks out of sight and away from patrons. It was also the first state to lower its legal limit from .10 to .08 back in 1983.

jail time, fines, increased insurance costs, license suspension, and an ignition interlock. Not to mention the social stigma.

It is because .05 laws defy both science and common sense that the largest anti-drunk driving advocacy organization in the country, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, has declined to support efforts to further lower the limit.

Advocates of .05 routinely point to Europe as an example the United States should follow. All European countries have a limit of .05 or lower. But one critical distinction is these countries have much lower drinking ages than we do. The United States is one of only 11 countries, including Iraq and Oman, which have a minimum drinking age of 21. Most European countries with a .05 legal limit also have minimum drinking ages between 16 and 18 years old.

UNDERSTANDING THE STATISTICS It is for exactly this reason that the National Transportation Safety Board — the main advocate for lower legal limits — identified Utah as the most attractive laboratory for its lower legal limit experiment.

CELL PHONE USE VS. .08 Ironically, it was a University of Utah driving simulation study that showed a driver is more impaired talking on a hands-free cell phone than driving at the current legal limit of .08. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 70 percent of Americans admit to driving while talking on a cell phone. And yet, Utah is going to start arresting people for behavior that impairs them far less than this ubiquitous and socially acceptable behavior.

And who will they be arresting? A 120-pound women can reach .05 after little more than a single drink. If she drives, despite the absence of real impairment, she will be subject to

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Rather than examining a European model not commensurable with traffic safety in the United States, let’s understand the nature of alcohol-related fatalities occurring on American roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, nearly 70 percent of alcohol related traffic fatalities happen at a .15 BAC or above. The average BAC of someone in an alcohol-related fatal crash is .19 — almost quadruple the new .05 arrest level in Utah. That’s nearly eight drinks in an hour for a 160-pound man. Conversely, only 1 percent of highway fatalities occur between the disputed interval of .05 and .08, making dubious any claim that a lower limit would save thousands of lives.

Hard-core drunken drivers are responsible for the vast majority of alcohol-related carnage on our roads, and common sense should dictate that our anti-drunken driving policies focus on this cohort rather than a woman having a glass of wine with dinner. www.tlw.org

It’s a mistake repeated over and over again by those in the traffic safety community — targeting moderate social drinkers with more restrictive laws instead of the heavily impaired.

It’s the reason that drunken driving fatalities have stubbornly remained around 30 percent of overall traffic fatalities for the past 20 years, even after lowering the legal limit to .08.

If we want to save lives on our roads — and we all do — we should focus on solutions that target the real problem. Utah already went off the cliff, but this time around, the rest of the country should resist following its lead. TLW

TLW MEMBERS VISIT MADISON FOR LEGISLATIVE DAY The Tavern League of Wisconsin hosted its 33rd Annual Legislative Day at the Inn on the Park in Madison on Tuesday, March 14. Approximately 250 TLW members descended on the state capital to learn about issues concerning the beverage alcohol industry and to discuss these concerns with their legislators.

Governmental Affairs Director Scott Stenger presented an overview of the TLW’s legislative agenda and again emphasized the importance of member involvement in state government. Former TLW President and now State Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) spoke to the attendees as did newly elected State Rep. Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer).

Following the general session, members walked across the street to the Capitol for conversation with their legislators. These visits were followed by a reception sponsored by the TLW at the Inn on the Park.

Thanks to all those who attended. Hopefully, time spent away from your businesses and in Madison at this event proved to be worthwhile. A special thanks is also extended to WAMO (Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators) for its financial support of this event.

Next year’s date for 2018 Legislative Day has not been established, but we hope more members will take the time to participate in this important event. Your voice needs to be heard and this is a great opportunity for that to happen. TLW Photos by Holly Leitner

www.tlw.org

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LEAGUE PROFILE SHEBOYGAN COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

Sheboygan

COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE

Sheboygan County Tavern League President Dave Repinski and Vice President Judy Meyer stand in front the cancer ribbons that were a part of the league’s fundraising efforts at Meyer’s bar.

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hanks to a lot of hard work and dedication in recent years, the Sheboygan County Tavern League has beefed up its membership roll, grown its event repertoire and expanded the good work it does for Sheboygan County.

“We have been in a rebuilding phase for the last few years and have been doing very well,” says Dave Repinski, president of the Sheboygan County Tavern League and owner of Dave’s Who’s Inn in Sheboygan. “We’re excited to see where it goes.”

Now up to 58 members, the league has done a variety of things to drive membership. For instance, they have a Sunday fun day where officers take a bus to visit Tavern League members in the county and city, then stop at non-Tavern League establishments to encourage them to sign up.

“We have gotten a couple [bar owners] to sign up this way,” says Repinski. “You know how it is in the bar business with places changing hands. We work hard to try to get those locations back in Tavern League, but sometimes we have to work on them a little bit.”

Another way the Sheboygan County Tavern League has gained new membership is through its Christmas banquet, which is held the third Monday in January. The event is open to both Tavern League members and non-members. If non-members join that night, they get $25 off their annual dues as well as a pack of SafeRide tickets.

“The party is something we just brought back,” says Judy Meyers, Sheboygan County Tavern League vice president and secretary, as well as owner of Meyer’s Lakeview Pub in Sheboygan. “We’ve gotten two new members each time.”

A huge perk of being a member of the Sheboygan County Tavern League is the county’s robust SafeRide program. Of the league’s 58 members, 38 use the SafeRide program and provide between $4,000 and $5,000 worth of rides. Within the city of Sheboygan and its outskirts, members purchase a 10-pack of vouchers for $20.

Cab rides are free for patrons (riders just have to tip the driver), and the cab company bills tavern league members $7 in the city and $10 outside the city, which is ultimately reimbursed.

To support the SafeRide program, the Sheboygan County Tavern League has, of course, an annual brat fry, which raises about $2,000 a year. They also recently hosted the TLW District 4 brat fry. “We’re known for brat frys here, so it’s kind of a no brainer to have them,” says Repinski. The league is also planning their second golf outing for this summer.

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Another perk of being a Sheboygan County Tavern League member is the relationship the league has developed with local law enforcement and government officials. “In the past, they had been really knuckling down on us — the city has a lot of bars — but we have gotten things ironed out,” says Repinski.

“We have been working very hard, and we now have a very good working relationship with the city. That’s really making a difference for our members.” TLW www.tlw.org

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT MEYER’S LAKEVIEW PUB

Judy Meyer has been running Meyer’s Lakeview Pub for almost 36 years. The corner bar is known for its signature drink – the fish bowl, which is a combination of six different types of alcohol served in a 40-ounce fish bowl.

or almost 36 years, Judy Meyer has been holding down the corner of Wilson Avenue and County Highway EE, the longtime location of Meyer’s Lakeview Pub. “We bought this place back in July 1981 … we’ve been here 35 1/2 years,” says Meyers. “We’d never been in the tavern business, but my husband wanted a tavern, so we bought this place.”

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Meyer’s Lakeview Pub is open Tuesday through Friday 3 p.m. to close and Saturday 6 p.m. to close. Her clientele is primarily locals, though she gets visitors from Road America or when there is a PGA event in town. “We’ve gotten some nice, interesting people in here through the years,” says Meyer.

“We’re a welcoming place for everyone.”

Built in 1895, the building is rumored to have been a soda parlor during Prohibition. Meyer is just the third owner of the building, and most of the years Meyer’s Lakeview Pub has been open, Judy Meyer has been the sole owner.

Meyer has been a member of the Tavern League since 1983, when she was approached by another Tavern League member who told her about the benefits of membership.

Nearly a year after Meyer and her husband bought the pub, her husband passed away, leaving Meyer to run the bar while raising her two children, who were 4 and 10 at the time. “I’m a little corner bar, and most of that time, it’s just been myself,” says Meyer. “I run the bar myself, doing everything from cleaning and bookkeeping, bartending, all of it.”

Her children, now grown with their own careers, also help; her daughter bartends and her son does maintenance at the bar.

“Being a member of Tavern League is very educational,” says Meyer. “You learn about laws and issues in a way that our local newspaper would never cover.”

Meyer has been a board member of the Sheboygan County Tavern League since 1998. She recently retired as secretary but continues to serve as vice president and SafeRide coordinator.

She plans to continue running her establishment as long as she’s able.

“I enjoy it, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore.” TLW

The pub, says Meyer, is best known for its fish bowl drinks.

“We cater to everyone from 21-year-olds to 80-year-olds. We pull the young ones in with our fish bowls — it’s our specialty.

There are a lot of bars around me and we’re on the edge of town, so I need something to pull them in this direction. They start out here and then go down to the other bars.”

Meyer’s Lakeview Pub 550 Wilson Ave., Sheboygan 920-457-9610

The fish bowl is served in a real, 40-ounce fish bowl and includes six different types of alcohol. “Whenever I go shopping, I often hear “There’s the fish bowl lady!” www.tlw.org

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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT SHEBOYGAN COUNTY CANCER CARE FUND & UNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL

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or the last 15 years, when an individual fighting cancer in Sheboygan County was faced with a financial hardship, the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund was the place to turn.

“We provide help and healing,” says Mary Ann Waldbauer, who is on the Fund’s board. “When you’re coping with cancer, having financial help can make a huge difference.”

To request financial assistance from the Fund, individuals fighting cancer or cancer survivors as well as their families apply online or at either of Sheboygan County’s cancer clinics.

These requests, which the Fund refers to as “gestures,” cover a myriad of things, says Waldbauer, from paying for water and heat, covering a mortgage payment, gas money or helping fulfill final wishes. These requests are then forwarded anonymously to the Fund’s board for consideration. Money is never directly given to the requestor; instead, the Fund pays bills, provides gift cards or otherwise handles arrangements.

Since it was founded, the Fund has approved more than $1 million worth of gestures, which makes fundraising an important part of the organization’s work. And for the last 13 years, Waldbauer has been doing her part with her annual Unity Music Festival. “About 13 years ago, on a cold winter’s night, I had a little music jam at my house with friends,” says Waldbauer. “We had so much fun. We rocked the house that night.”

But all that fun found her thinking how she, now a 13-year cancer survivor herself, might turn music into money to help others with cancer. Five weeks later, Waldbauer staged her first show, then called Showtime, at the high school and raised $3,000.

Today, the Unity Music Festival takes places at Sheboygan’s Stefanie Weill Center. This year’s event, which occurred in early April, included a robust lineup of musical entertainment, live on-stage auctions, a silent auction, two gala buffets, dollar and 50/50 raffles and more. Everything for the event, except

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the cost of the Weill Center, is donated by the local community, and all proceeds stay local. While the final numbers were still coming in at press time, this year’s event raised at least $33,000 for the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund.

Part of that total is thanks to the Sheboygan County Tavern League, which got involved with the festival for the first time this year, selling small cancer ribbon placards as a run up to the event.

“At Christmas time, I was at Judy Meyer’s bar, talking about how it would be nice to have ribbons to hang up to support the festival and Cancer Care Fund, just like shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day events,” recalls Waldbauer. “Judy didn’t even blink an eye and said ‘Absolutely, I would do it,’ and suggested contacting other members as well.”

Waldbauer reached out to about a dozen other Tavern League members who raised $1,827 for the organization.

“I am very grateful that Judy Meyer and the Tavern League were willing to jump on board,” says Waldbauer. “Many said they would like to do it again next year because they know the proceeds go directly to people they may know. The community support for this festival and this organization is tremendous; everyone has a little part to play. And it’s a lot of work, but to me, it’s very rewarding.” TLW Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund 1621 N. Taylor Dr., Ste. 100 Sheboygan, WI 53081 920-457-2223 www.scccf.org Unity Music Festival www.unitymusicfestival.org

www.tlw.org

MEET THE DIRECTOR MEET THE DIRECTOR: TIM TOMCHEK As laws around drinking and driving continually get tougher, we need to continue encouraging our customers to utilize SafeRide, a free service to them.

In this column we’ll introduce you to a district director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin. The individual featured is a director representing the league that is highlighted in this issue. For the May-June issue, we’d like to introduce you to Tim Tomchek, 4th district director.

Q. ARE THERE SPECIFIC ISSUES THAT ARE UNIQUE TO THE 4TH DISTRICT THAT YOU’D LIKE TO WORK ON?

Q. TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND, INCLUDING YOUR FAMILY AND THE LOCATION AND TYPE OF BUSINESS YOU OWN.

Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the monthly meetings of most of our leagues in the 4th district because they are held on the same day as our Manitowoc County Tavern League meetings (Fond du Lac and Oshkosh are exceptions). However, I do try to attend as many special events as possible that are held by other county Leagues.

I was born and raised in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, which is located right on the shore of Lake Michigan. I have lived here my entire life, with the exception of four years I spent at UW-Whitewater. In 1980, I graduated from UW-Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in finance. I spent the next 5 ½ years working in the accounting department for a local manufacturer. In July 1985 I decided it was time for a change, so I decided to buy a bar, Tippy’s Bar and Grill, that I have owned and operated ever since.

A few short years later, I met a wonderful woman named Barbara. She has helped shape Tippy’s into what it is today, and I am proud to say she has stuck with me for over 27 years. Tippy’s is conveniently located just a few blocks from Lake Michigan, making it a convenient stop for anyone utilizing beautiful Neshotah Park and Beach or the Mariner’s Trail. Tippy’s Bar and Grill would definitely be considered a sports bar, namely a Packers bar.

We try to be gracious hosts for every game with lots of food, cheering and even some door prizes. We have miniature bowling lanes which make us somewhat unique and run miniature bowling and bean bag tournaments throughout the year. We are popular with the locals and have the pleasure of meeting many tourists and fishermen throughout the year.

Q. WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN BECOMING A TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBER? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER AND WHAT OFFICES, IF ANY, DID YOU HOLD LOCALLY BEFORE BECOMING 4TH DISTRICT DIRECTOR? I decided to join the TLW shortly after I bought Tippy’s. They were in need of help because they were the hosts of the TLW state convention (this was the last convention held in Manitowoc County). I was first elected president of the Manitowoc Tavern League in 1993 and I have held the position ever since, with the exception of a couple of years, 10 years ago.

Q. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING TAVERN LEAGUE MEMBERS TODAY? As both our county president and SafeRide coordinator, I see the need to expand and increase awareness of our SafeRide program. www.tlw.org

Q. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A DISTRICT DIRECTOR? I enjoy the plethora of information that I receive from the TLW through communication with the state office, conventions, League Leaders Day, Legislative Day, etc., and then passing that information on to our members in the 4th District.

Q. HOW ELSE ARE YOU INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? I was a volunteer coach in our junior high school football program for seven years. The last three of those seven years I was the head of the program. I founded and was the head of a softball organization that was instrumental in the development of the softball complex that we have in beautiful Two Rivers. We started with two fields and with the participation of many others along the way, we have expanded to six diamonds today. I also was elected to serve two terms on the Two Rivers City Council and was briefly vice president of the Two Rivers Jaycees. TLW

Sign Up for The 19th Annual Tavern League of Wisconsin State Golf Outing Network with Your Peers, Enjoy a Day on the Links!

Siren National Championship Golf Siren, WI Monday, September 11, 2017

For complete details see

WWW.TLW.ORG MAY/JUNE 2017

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FEATURED AFFILIATES GLASS CAPITAL FUNDING Thomas Kneubuehl, owner and CEO of Glass Capital Funding, says that seasonality is a business dynamic that is common to many Tavern League of Wisconsin members. Kneubuehl explains it’s very difficult for small businesses, especially if they see peaks and valleys in revenue, to get credit for a variety of reasons. “I try to arrange credit for small businesses that allows them to stay in business and grow. Often they need money for payroll or new equipment; money that’s for short-term, but imperative to have,” he says.

Kneubuehl says that many TLW members will see revenue drops in the winter and major increases when the weather warms up.

Sometimes, he explains, a little bit of money to bridge the gap in order to pay bills is all they need, but they have a hard time obtaining it.

With interest rates steadily increasing, this 25-year veteran financial lender says that he’s telling businesses to consider locking in longterm funding now instead of later. Kneubuehl also recommends small business owners do not wait until they are in a critical state and their credit looks worse. “If you know you need credit at some point in the future, don’t wait until you absolutely need it,” he says. “Ask for it ahead of time, because the credit review process will look at your cash balances and what you have in cashflow to determine if you can pay it back. I always say, ‘Dig a well before you’re thirsty.’”

Kneubuehl says he offers free consultations at any time, which could mean just going through financial strategies. His team at Glass Capital Funding consists of five people and offers financing from $10,000 to $1,000,000 as well as Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. He says he has well over a billion dollars of capital to tap into, which is held by various companies. “We’re really good at knowing what kind of funding is available and what kind of lenders are looking for certain types of loans,” notes Kneubuehl.

He adds that things change over time because some lenders may back away or become more passive about lending as they maximize credit lines or raise prices. Kneubeuhl says that the staff at Glass Capital Funding can help TLW members navigate those complexities as they know the industry well.

When it comes to advice to TLW members, Kneubuehl says he joined the organization about a year ago to become a resource for small business owners, just like himself. He wants to help them be aware of financial possibilities as well as pitfalls, such as choosing a partner versus a lender. “You want to have the optimal loan for your business that will keep your business moving forward and your costs optimized,” he concludes.

Glass Capital Funding 5601 Lake Mendota Dr., Madison, WI 53705 866-232-4925 • www.glasscapitalfunding.com

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FOREMOST BUSINESS SYSTEMS Foremost Business Systems Inc. is based in Minneapolis, but it’s the exclusive dealer in Minnesota and western Wisconsin for the Aloha Point of Sale System produced by National Cash Register Company (NCR), which invented the original cash register in 1879. In those days, James Ritty ran a saloon in Ohio and wanted to solve a problem that still exists today – how to keep track of sales.

As they say, the rest is history, and today Jason Johnson is a sales rep for Foremost which was established in 1963. He explains that NCR’s multifaceted Aloha System is the most installed restaurant and bar software in the nation. Other than the traditional point of sale system, he says many customers are also asking about mobile applications and Foremost has developed a proprietary solution called Orderman. He says the hand-held POS terminals are built in a manner that’s suited for rugged restaurant use and have a long battery life. Johnson also says various solutions for chip card security or EMV will be in Foremost’s portfolio soon.

He adds that customer service is truly important to the company’s core values. Web-based as well as 24/7 phone assistance provides the ability to troubleshoot most issues remotely, and Foremost offers a whole-unit replacement warranty directly through the manufacturer. This allows, according to Johnson, customers to have quicker technical service if something malfunctions, ensuring return to normal operations is seamless.

The manufacturing of Foremost’s POS terminals is done in their Georgia plant, and 100 percent of the parts are made in the U.S., a factor which Johnson believes adds to their longevity. This, he says, helps preserve their customers’ investments and ensures replacement does not occur prematurely. Johnson says POS models come with a guarantee for full service and parts for five years after the model’s end of life. “In the technology industry, even outside of POS, that’s like having someone at Best Buy say: ‘We guarantee that five years from today we’ll be able to give you 100 percent repairs on your technology purchase,’” explains Johnson. “It doesn’t happen.”

He says Foremost has been involved with the TLW for about seven years. A recommendation from a member of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association was the impetus behind their affiliate membership.

The majority of Johnson’s time is spent on the road. “We do a lot of time driving town-to-town and knocking on doors,” he explains, and adds that Foremost teams enjoy visiting locations, performing a needs assessment to determine what specific solution could work for each individual tavern.

“We really want to make sure we spend the time, and those are things you can’t do over the phone or Internet,” Johnson concludes.

Foremost Business Systems 4834 Park Glen Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55416 952-920-8449 • www.foremostpos.com

www.tlw.org

Where You Belong Affiliate Member

METROPOLITAN FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT

Working with the Tavern League since 1988 Auto - Home - Life - Health - Business

Mark LaVick, a past TLW member and tavern owner for more than 20 years, says he is excited to still be a part of the organization as an affiliate member, representing Metropolitan Food Service Equipment. This new sales division of Northwest Refrigeration Services opened its doors in Eau Claire earlier this year.

Representing:

He explains that this division is part of a larger relationship with Northwest Refrigeration Services that also consists of Metropolitan Service Company, Comfort Systems, and Certified Refrigeration Mechanical, to offer statewide service and sales to a variety of industries.

Since 1996 2916 Church St. PO Box 179 Stevens Point, WI 54481 Tel: 715.344.8383 Toll-Free: 800.675-5137 www.DisherInsurance.com

Metropolitan Food Service Equipment offers a full product line of food service equipment, including installation and 24-hour service. Their showroom in Eau Claire allows customers to browse equipment and see what best fits their needs.

LaVick says Metropolitan Food Service Equipment provides commercial cooking, refrigeration, HVAC and exhaust system equipment across Wisconsin. He explains that the staff will consult with tavern owners and design systems that best suit each business, then work to ensure proper implementation and provide training on how to operate new equipment. “We have the ability to provide them everything from ranges and deep fryers to ovens, exhaust systems, walk-in coolers, and commercial refrigeration,” he says. “Any place that has a kitchen, we can help them out, whether servicing, replacing or starting from scratch.”

Located on the north side of Eau Claire, LaVick says the parent company, Northwest Refrigeration Services, has been in business for nearly 20 years and has a strong history of reliability and experience in the industry. “If you add up all our teams’ experience, I can say they have a pretty good idea of what a customer’s needs are and how to address them,” he says. The Metropolitan Food Service Equipment team is always involved in continuing education, something he explains is important to keep abreast of the many changes in the industry.

Mike Disher - Matt Disher - Andrew Disher - Michael Disher II

Super Sports

SafeRide

Breast Cancer

VFW

When it comes to the TLW, LaVick says he’s glad to be back at the TLW events, and seeing familiar faces as well as making new contacts.

As a past tavern owner, he completely understands why trust in equipment providers, especially when it comes to service, is so important. He says preventative service is just as important as knowing someone will respond in an emergency. “They need to be up and running, so when it’s Friday night at 9 p.m., something doesn’t go wrong,” LaVick notes. “In the event it does, we have the availability to get people there, around the clock, seven days a week.”

Metropolitan Food Service Equipment 618 Birch St., Eau Claire, WI 54703 • 715-318-2337

www.tlw.org

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ACCOUNTING ON TAP MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS WITH JUST A FEW CRITICAL NUMBERS

BY DAN BERGS, CPA

R

egardless of the type of business you’re running, monitoring a few key financial indicators is often all that’s needed to keep your company growing and prosperous. On the other hand, neglecting a business’s vital signs can lead to management by crisis and corrective action that’s too little, too late.

Although annual financial statements provide historical perspective and a wealth of data for long-term planning, correcting current problems is a matter of timely insight and informed analysis. You want to know whether your business is losing money or growing – now, not later.

A company’s key financial indicators often fall into one or more of the following categories:

FOOD AND BEVERAGE ORDERS Are you selling more food or beverage items over time? To find out, look at your sales figures by food and beverage items sold. Tracking revenues alone may present a false picture. After all, revenues may be growing because prices have increased.

If food and beverage sales are declining, you might be losing market share. Are your customers returning to give you repeat business? Hopefully this is the case. Evaluating your sales based on items instead of gross revenue gives you a better idea of how much you are selling.

Vote This Fall!

p

Chris Marsicano

BREAKEVEN POINT If you need $10,000 this month to cover fixed and variable costs, are you selling enough food and beverages to break even? If you’re dipping into reserves to cover revenue shortfalls, adjustments may be required. Expenses may need to be slashed, a new advertising campaign launched, or a new and cheaper supplier procured.

LIQUIDITY Knowing the availability of cash is vital to every business.

That’s why reconciling the firm’s bank statements shouldn’t be an afterthought. Every month your accountant or bookkeeper should ensure that your general ledger agrees with the bank’s records of deposits and withdrawals. If a company is “bleeding cash,” the bank statements should tell the story.

INVENTORY CONTROL Controlling the stuff that’s weighing down your food inventory or staying in your bar is often a key to profitability. Buying too many items may lead to excessive waste; buying too little may lead to lost sales. Being efficient and having good controls over inventory can make a substantial difference in the bar and restaurant industry.

PAYROLL COSTS Staff size should be proportionate with revenues. Restaurants and bars often can find that labor expenses grow too rapidly.

A decline in business may signal a need to reduce payroll costs.

What are you doing to keep your best staff? Are there incentives for these individuals that keep your business operational and profitable?

Over time your business’s key numbers may change. The key is to know your company, identify changing conditions, and adapt quickly. A brief but timely report that presents the numbers that really matter will help keep your business on the right track. Knowing your business’s numbers and being able to adapt quickly will help your business have more success in the long run. 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 Dan at 608-442-1986 or dan.bergs@wegnercpas.com.

For President of the Tavern League of Wisconsin 36

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AFFILIATE MEMBERS TLW AFFILIATE MEMBERS AS OF APRIL 20, 2017 AcclaimPOS Solutions Inc.

Disher Insurance Services

Kessenich’s Ltd.

Quarter Time

Ackley Novelty Inc.

Edge One Inc.

KevCorp International

Racine Amusement Inc.

Aflac

El Cortez Hotel & Casino

Allied Games Inc.

Ember Glo

KLB Insurance ServicesIllinois Casualty

Ransom’s Home & Business TV-Satellite

American Entertainment Services Inc.

Emil’s Pizza Inc.

Kobussen Buses, Ltd.

Red’s Novelty Ltd.

Engels Commercial Appliance Inc.

Lakes Business Group Inc.

Reinhart Food Service LLC

Lamers Bus Lines

Retail Control Solutions

EPSG (Evo Platinum Services Group)

Lebby’s Frozen Pizza

Riverside Foods Inc.

Fabiano Brothers

Lee Beverage of Wisconsin LLC

S & S Distributing Inc.

LJP Insurance Agency/ Rural Mutual

Safe Harbor Payment Systems

American Income Life American Welding & Gas Amusement Devices Inc. B & K Bar & Restaurant Supplies B-M Music & Games

Farley Forster Herbenson Group - Baird

Luiges Frozen Pizza Inc.

Saloons N Spoons/Turbo Chemical

Badger Mutual Insurance Company

Flanigan Distributing Flashpoint Designs

M & R Amusements & Vending LLC

Sam’s Amusement Co.

Badger State Events Entertainment & Production Inc.

Fleming’s Fire I

Magnuson Industries Inc.

Flipside Coin Machines Inc.

Mass Appeal Inc.

Sanimax USA LLC

Bar Rags Drinkware Bar Restaurant Success

Focus on Energy Small Business Program

MBE CPAs

Baraboo Sysco Food Services

Foremost Business Systems

Metropolitan Food Service Equipment

Barr Refrigeration

Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band

Meyer Brothers LLC

Batzner Pest Control

Friebert, Finerty & St. John S.C.

Mid Wisconsin Beverage

Bay Towel/Linen Rental

Game Management Corp.

Midstate Amusement Games

Bayland Insurance

Games Are Us Inc.

Midwest Amusements

Benedict Refrigeration Service Inc.

General Beer – Northeast Inc.

Midwest Coin Concepts of WI

Best Bargains

General Beverage Sales Co.

Midwest Insurance Group

Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP

Mike Lindy Amusements Inc.

Big Game Sports Cards/ Sterling Graphics

Glass Capital Funding

Milwaukee Pedal Tavern LLC

Bill’s Distributing Ltd.

Gourmet Parlor Pizza

Bevinco

Blue Honey Bio-Fuels Inc. BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) Bob Schuchardt Insurance Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin Brakebush Brothers Brat Stop Products LLC Bromak Sales Inc. Capital Brewery Cash Depot CCI Merchant Services

Glavinsured Agency Inc. Great Lakes Amusements Great Lakes Beverage Great Lakes Distillery Great Northern Amusements Groot Industries Guardian Pest Solutions Inc. Gunderson Linen Hansen Foods LLC/Pep’s Pizza Health Markets Insurance Agency Heartland Business Systems

Milwaukee Brewers Minhas Micro Distillery Mitchell Novelty Co. Modern Cash Register Systems Modern Specialty Murphy Desmond S.C. National Chemicals Inc. Nei - Turner Media Group Inc. New Glarus Brewing Co. NHS Food Service Northern Lakes Amusement Northwest Coin Machine Co. Northwoods Cab NSM Music Inc.

Sam’s Club Saratoga Liquor Co. Inc. Schmidt Novelty Securus Workplace Solutions LLC Service Specialists Stansfield Vending Inc. Star Connection/LodgeVision Star Satellite Stevens Point Brewery Superior Beverages LLC Superior Vending Taylor Ent. of WI Inc. Tesch Chemical Think Ink & Design Ticket King Inc. Tim-Todd Services Inc. TIPS Program Tito’s Handmade Vodka Tom Sawyer Amusements Top Hat Marketing Tri-Mart Corporation Tricky Dick & Specialty Tricky Dick Specialties II TRL Int’l. Mtkg Group/ Global Vending LLC

NuC02

U.S. Bank Payment Solutions/Elavon

On Mobile

U.S. Foods

Holiday Wholesale Inc.

Paradise Printing Company

Vern’s Cheese Inc.

HSC Business Brokers

Park Ridge Distributing Inc.

Vital Tokens

Indianhead Foodservice Dist. Inc.

Pehler Distributing Inc.

Wausau Coin Machines Inc.

Pepsi Beverages Company

WI Hospitality Insured

Insurance Center

Pivotal Payments

Wine Institute

D & D Amusement Games LLC

Inzane Apparel & Promo Products

Plunkett’s Pest Control

Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Dean’s Satellite & Security

Johnson Brothers Beverage

Delafield Brew Haus

Just in Time Refrigeration LLC

DeVere Company Inc.

Kavanaughs Restaurant Supplies

Central Ceiling Systems Inc. Chambers Travel Cornerstone Processing Solutions Inc. Corporate Casuals & Promotional Products County Wide Extinguisher Inc. Cover5.com Creative Beverage Systems LLC

DISCUS www.tlw.org

Heartland Payment Systems Hiawatha Chef, Bar and Janitorial Supply

Portesi Italian Foods Inc. POS Partners Precision Pours Inc. Pretzelhaus Bakery/Funacho Print Source Plus

Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps Wisconsin Tavern Wisconsin Winery Association Wollersheim Winery & Distillery MAY/JUNE 2017

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NEW MEMBERS TLW NEW MEMBERS FEBRUARY 17, 2017 TO APRIL 20, 2017 DISTRICT 1

LJ’s Sports Tavern & Grill Johnny Kavanaugh Madison

Kenosha City Pete’s Place Angela M. Cook Kenosha Waves Bar & Grill LLC Heather & Jenfry Martinez Kenosha Racine County AJ’s Bar & Grill Alan Jankowski Muskego South Central Cork Down Saloon Angela Wirth Blanchardville Walworth County Delavan Lake Store Ryan Simons Delavan 10 Pin Pub Andy Kelly Walworth

DISTRICT 2 Columbia County Clyde Sheppard Post 271 American Legion Poynette

Big Boar BBQ Jerry Beyer West Salem

Martini Pete’s Peter Olds Grafton

Midway Roadhouse LLC Alexander Prebeg Sun Prairie

Monroe County Jakes Northwoods LLC Jason Boris Sparta

Willie’s Lake Front Lanes Gayle Wilber Port Washington

Cahoots Bar Jersy Verona

The Cotter Pin Inc. Tracy Schaitel Sparta

DISTRICT 3

Sauk County Chasers Donna & Brad Luce Baraboo

Dells/Delton Area Chula Vista Resort Jeff Kaminski Wisconsin Dells Grant/Iowa County Dean’s Liquor Dean W. Rogers Dodgeville Speedy Mart Angie Faith Fennimore The Bar Stool Sports Pub Brian Kutzke Highland Vesperman Farms LLC Kyle Vesperman Lancaster

Dodge County Burnett Hall Greg MacDonald Burnett

Phoenix Center Tom Hauber Richland Center

Entree’s By Chef Chanse LLC Chanse F. Schomber Juneau

La Crosse City/ County Big Boar BBQ Jerry Beyer La Crosse

Jefferson County Spirits Wild Saloon Wendy & Brian Harter Jefferson

Howie’s Michael Gorder La Crosse

Justmann’s Liquor Arvinder Khasria Watertown The Hay Loft Tim Otterstatter Watertown Madison/Dane County The Red Mouse Kym J. Kalscheur Cross Plains

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State Room Michael Gorder La Crosse The Old Crow Michael Gorder La Crosse Twisted Moose & Legends George T. Markos Mindoro

MAY/JUNE 2017

Redstone’s North End Tavern Tracy Rastocan La Valle Trail Break & Kickstand Patio Bar Bill Good La Valle

DISTRICT 4 Calumet County Lugnut Bar & Grill Alexander Stumpf Menasha The Granary Supper Club Kevin Eggert Sherwood Manitowoc County 10th Street Pub Lenny Miglieri Manitowoc Baugniet’s Badger Bowl Jeffrey Baugniet Mishicot Oshkosh City Big Daddy’s Pub & Grub Paul Kowalske Oshkosh Ozaukee County North 48 Peter Olds Cedarburg Barb’s Pub & Grub Barbra Robillard Fredonia

DISTRICT 5 Langlade County Mink Pen Craig Walters Antigo Bass Lake Country Club Bob Miller Deerbrook Marathon County Alfa Heaven MotorSports Bar Tom Zatloukal Aniwa Pike Lake Resort John Bresnahan Hatley Dane House LLC Danielle Aschbrenner Marathon Clubhouse Bar & Grill Emily Ohlrich Ringle Hoffman House Todd & Peggy Wold Wausau Portage County Live On Main Timothy L. Schertz Stevens Point Waupaca County Pier 5/Nauti Turtle Jim Van Dergeest Fremont Thirsty Perch LLC Steve Steeber Iola Phil’s Still Phil D. Heimbruch New London Gill’s Howard Mattes Weyauwega

Wood County Lumberyard Bar & Grill Adam Jacobson Marshfield Kimmer’s Cheers & Bites Agnieszka Heldak Nekoosa

DISTRICT 6 Brown County Chateau De Pere/ Cafe Chanson Jessica Bumbard De Pere Aardvark Wine Lounge Bradly Klingsporn Green Bay Maricque’s Inc. Jamie Maricque Green Bay McNeils GB LLC Shaun McKeefry Green Bay Timmy R’s Tim Rueckl Green Bay Door County Scaturo’s Baking Co. Robert Scaturo Sturgeon Bay Kewaunee County Algoma Boat Club Jeff Rabas Algoma Waterfront Bar & Grill Jill Pansier Kewaunee Marinette County Red Brick Tavern LLC James Kitzinger Marinette Crazy Guys Bar & Grill Dennis Tomko Silver Cliff Oconto County Klaus Lake Bar & Grill Jenny Neumann Gillett Jen’s Knaughty Pine Jen Olson Pulaski www.tlw.org

NEW MEMBERS Outagamie County J2’s Sports Bar Harvey Sprangers Nina Fink Kaukauna

DISTRICT 7 Barron County V & M Bar & Campground LLC Jerry & Jill Hockersmith Rice Lake Chippewa County Next Place Bar & Grill Shawna Hutton Bloomer Pines Ballroom Brian Schwab Bloomer Rookies Pub Darrel Hazelton Chippewa Falls Clark County 125 Main Scott Hinkline Greenwood American Legion Post 175 Carl Becker Loyal

St Croix County Butler Harmon American Legion Post 80 American Legion Post New Richmond Trempealeau/Buffalo County Bills Talk of the Town William Haggerty Alma Doc’s Roadhouse LLC Paula & Carl Kennedy Ettrick Big Bad Wolf Jason Lazzeroni Mondovi

DISTRICT 8 Ashland/Bayfield County Pagac’s Bar Susan A. Sundor Ashland

Rockford House Saloon Heather Kurtz Sarona

Superior/Douglas County Patti’s Dockside LLC Patricia Coughlin Lake Nebagamon

Becky’s Food & Spirit Larry Alt Shell Lake

Pizza Man Jeff Anderson Superior

Fluid Inc. William M. Wardlow Milwaukee

Silver Lake Saloon Amanda Wiberg Trego

DISTRICT 9

Vilas County 70 East Road House Laura Koranda Eagle River Washburn County Gruzy’s Buck & Wing Bob Gruzy Minong

Milwaukee County Otto’s Wine and Spirits Ted Fischer Brown Deer

Foundation Bar Inc. Charles Jodan Milwaukee Scotty’s Bar & Pizza Gary Tiedke Milwaukee Kaz’s Pub Anna M. Kasianowicz St. Francis The Crimson Club Jeffrey Krueger West Allis

Cat Daddy’s Too Cat West Milwaukee

Star Liquor Patrick Hunt Ashland Buck-N-Bass Resort Kevin Murphy Barnes

Neillsville Gun Club Neillsville

The Butternut Cafe Derrick Van Orden Butternut

Pierce County Danny Dunn’s Krista Melstrom Ellsworth

Greater Northwoods T’s Trailside Teresa Henning Montreal

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Sarah Larson Ellsworth

Lincoln County Johnny T’s Tropicana Jonathan Timm Merrill

Polk County Captains Bar & Grill Dave Robinson Balsam Lake

Sawmill Brewing Co. Inc. Stan Janowiak Merrill

Paradise Landing Kevin & Brennan Adkins Balsam Lake

Oneida County Rendezvous Kevin Baertlein Three Lakes

Chateau St. Croix Winery Kay Shiurek St. Croix Falls

Price County Park Falls Gastropub LLC Gail Boushon Park Falls

www.tlw.org

Sawyer County Grid Iron Pub & Grub Tim Metropulos Hayward

Sign up for the Tavern League of Wisconsin’s Trap Shoot 50 Bird Shoot with Over $6,000 in Prize Money!

Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Weston Hit & Miss Trap Club, Schofield Details and registration online at

WWW.TLW.ORG MAY/JUNE 2017

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ASK THE BARTENDER In this column, we answer some of the most often asked questions

by Tavern League members. Please feel free to submit your questions for consideration to TLW Senior Vice President Chris Marsicano, cmarsicano@yahoo.com.

Q) I GET CONFUSED ABOUT TIPPPED MINIMUM WAGE AND WHAT I NEED TO REPORT ON MY EMPLOYEES’ PAYCHECKS. CAN YOU HELP? TIPPED MINIMUM WAGE – WHAT IT MEANS Wisconsin’s minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.33, except for opportunity employees (trainees) who may be paid $2.13. See WI Statute 104.02; WI Admin. Rules 272.03(2).

Tips are defined as an amount of money given by a customer as a gift or gratuity to an employee in recognition of services performed. Service charges are not tips. Tips are distinguishable from service charges in that customers are solely responsible for deciding whether they will give a tip, how much it will be, and who will receive it. Tips are the property of the employee who receives them, according to WI Admin. Rules 272.03(c) (1). Service charges on the other hand are compulsory and the amount is fixed or negotiated by the employer. They may not be counted as tips unless they are distributed to employees per WI Admin. Rules 272.03(e). Special gifts received from customers, such as tickets, merchandise, or passes are not tips.

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

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

SILVER CLUB MEMBER

Employers may only pay the tipped minimum wage to tipped employees. A tipped employee is an employee who is engaged in an occupation in which he or she customarily and regularly receives tips from customers. See WI Admin. Rules 272.03(12). Employees customarily and regularly receive tips if they receive them more often than occasionally, but may be less than constant. Employees working in occupations where it is known that they consistently and regularly receive tips qualify as tipped employees. Such occupations include waiters, waitresses, bellhops, taxicab drivers, barbers, or beauty operators. See WI Admin. Rules 272.03(2)(f).

If an employer chooses to pay the tipped minimum wage, it must also ensure that the tipped employees receive the standard minimum wage when tipped wages earned are combined with tips received. If a tipped employee is not paid the standard minimum wage when tipped wages earned are combined with tips received, the employer must pay the employee the difference. The difference between the tipped minimum wage and the standard minimum wage is referred to as a tip credit.

See WI Admin. Rules 272.03(2)(b), (g). Additionally, it is the employer’s responsibility to have tipped employees sign a tip declaration each pay period and to maintain payroll records to verify that tipped employees were paid the standard minimum wage. See WI Admin. Rules 272.03(2)(b).

Tips your employees receive from customers are generally subject to withholding. Employees are required to claim all tip income received. This includes tips you paid to the employee for charge customers and tips the employee received directly from customers.

EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS Employees must report tip income on Form 4070, “Employee’s Report of Tips to Employer” or on a similar statement. This report is due at the end of each pay period. This statement must be signed by the employee and must show the following: • • • •

The employee’s name, address, and SSN. Your name and address.

The month or period the report covers.

The total tips received.

No report is required from an employee for months when tips are less than $20.

REPP’S BAR

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS PLATINUM $1,000 Annual Membership Level GOLD $500 Annual Membership Level SILVER $250 Annual Membership Level

EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS Employers must collect income tax, employee social security tax and employee Medicare tax on tips reported by employees.

You can collect these taxes from an employee’s wages or from other funds he or she makes available. TLW

For more information on becoming a Special Club Member, call the TLW office at 800-445-9221

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LOCAL LEAGUE UPDATES COLUMBIA COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE CONTINUES ITS TRADITION OF GIVING

Columbia County Tavern League (CCTL) donates to several charities each year and some of its members gathered this spring with representatives of some those organizations. Receiving $500 each from the league were the following organizations: KAMO (Kids and Mentors Outdoors), Special Olympics of Wisconsin and Hope House of Central Wisconsin. Pictured above are: Sarah Brockley and Julie Briggs, Special Olympics; CCTL Vice President Mark Rowley; CCTL President, Treasurer and SafeRide Coordinator Lisa Thompson; CCTL member Randy Heinzel; Bob and Linda Broeder, KAMO; and Clare Pillsbury and Heidi Henkel, Hope House.

ABL RECOGNIZES SAUK COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE PRESIDENT

Neil Caflisch, Sauk County Tavern League president and owner of Square Tavern in Baraboo was named one of the Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year at the American Beverage Licensees Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, March 26-28. Surrounded by Caflisch are other Wisconsin attendees.

NORTHWOODS LEAGUE KEEPS BUSY

LEFT: Bootleggers Supper Club in Tomahawk was the site of the 8th District Caucus on Monday, Feb. 27. In attendance was state Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander), representing the 34th Assembly District, who answered questions about upcoming legislation that directly impacts TLW member-businesses.

ABOVE: The Oneida County Tavern League hosted its annual bowling tournament at Hodag Lanes in Rhinelander on Sunday, March 5.

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

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ADVERTISER INDEX

Anheuser-Busch Inc. www.anheuser-busch.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcap

B&K Bar Supplies www.bankbarsupplies.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Great Profits Employee Incentive Program Used Pulltab Machines Available More Info: 414-217-1731 wbohrer@wi.rr.com www.wimilkcaps.com

Chris Marsicano for TLW President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Cornerstone Processing Solutions www.cornerstoneps.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Disher Insurance www.disherinsurance.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Edge One www.edgeone.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Great Lakes Amusement www.glastore.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Great Lakes Distillery www.greatlakesdistillery.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mass Appeal Specialties Inc. www.massappealinc.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 MillerCoors Inc. www.millercoors.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Pabst Brewing Company www.pabstbrewingco.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Reinhart Food Service www.rfsdelivers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Society Insurance www.societyinsurance.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 WAMO (Wisconsin Amusement & Music Operators) www.wamo.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Wisconsin Souvenir Milk Caps www.milkcaps.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 42 Wisconsin Wine & Spirit Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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Pulltab ProMotionS

Great Lakes Amusement Cherry Master - Video Poker Pull tab disPensers Coin Pushers - rePlaCeMent Parts

PLAtinum touch 3 34 GAmes in one cAbinet Affiliate tavern League member Green Bay, WI 877-354-7544 www.GlaStore.com

Advertise in

On Premise the official publication of the Tavern League of Wisconsin

CONTACT:

Louise Andraski, Account Executive louisea@merr.com Direct: 608-873-8734 Fax: 262-245-2000 NEI-TURNER MEDIA GROUP www.tlw.org

and fo t s r WE

LOCAL JOINTS

We’ve been a regular in Wisconsin for more than 150 years. And, if only the wood-paneled walls in its bars could talk. Here’s to all those nights spent going to fish fries, duckpin bowling and losing at bar dice. We can’t wait to see what the next 150 years will bring.

©2016 MILLER BREWING CO., MILWAUKEE, WI