Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Newsletter
(June 6, 2010 - June 12, 2010)
 Click Here
for the
As I See It...... 
 
Customer Service
 

When we think of customer service we often think of the people calling or visiting our stores.  We then stress to our employees the importance of how we treat them. 

 

However, we often forget about internal customers, our employees.  An employee enjpying their job shows the enthusiasm they have and the way they deal with your external customers. 

 

Happy internal customers equal happy external customers. 

 

My challenge to you is to thank your employees  Bring in treats, send them a birthday card, any little thing to let them know they are appreciated.

 

Expending a little energy will reap large rewards. 

 

If you spend a little time on this you can be an example in your community of a business who appreciates their customers - internal and external.

 

Bridgitte Konrad

North Branch City Administrator

MMBA Director

Construction Begins in Flensburg 
 
Flensburg Shovel 
By Morrison County Record
 

Groundbreaking for the new Flensburg Municipal Liquor Store took place last week.

 

The new building will replace the facility that burned to the ground April 13, 2009, due to an electrical fire.

 

Flensburg Mayor Gary Fafara said the Contegrity Group Inc. (CGI) was largely responsible for the new design which will be 48-feet by 74-feet, 10 feet longer than the original.

 

The bigger building will allow for additional seating and a kitchen large enough to offer more variety on the menu.

 

Plans are to finish the new liquor store in September.

 

Pictured during the groundbreaking ceremony are (from left): Earl Fuechtmann, CGI; John Gessell, Jr., councilman; Melvin Piekarski, councilman; Gary Fafara, mayor; Marian Lapos, city treasurer and Larry Filippi, CGI.

 
Mandatory Carding in Indiana 
 
Indiana 

By WFIE TV
 
Whether you're 21 or 101, you'll get carded buying booze in Indiana. Showing a photo ID is part of a new state law that takes effect next month.
 
Several women we talked to said they love to be carded, and even find it flattering. When it comes to the guys, they seem to fall on both sides of the fence.
 
Gino Delacoma, General Manager of all four Evansville Liquor Lockers, knows he and his employees will probably hear even more excuses as the Hoosier state toughens up their current liquor law when it comes to carding customers.
 
"Anybody that looks, I think 35 and below, that they have to have an ID to be in the store, not so much to purchase but just to be in the store and that's what we practice," Delacoma said.
 
The stricter state law, requiring every customer be carded regardless of how old they might look, doesn't go into effect until July 1. Some have chosen to start abiding by the new law early. All Evansville Liquor Locker stores started mandatory carding two weeks ago.
 
"Hopefully we'll get to the point when a person comes they'll have money and their ID all at the same time," Delacoma said. "They'll get used to it and adjust to it." 
 
Some people aren't happy about the stricter law.
 
"I look 53-years old," Jonathan Harrison said. "I shouldn't have to show ID, and if I do have to show it then I shouldn't have to do it like the police. This is not the police here. I shouldn't have to take it out and show it to you because it's a hassle to me as the consumer."
 
Others don't mind showing their ID while purchasing alcohol.
 
"I don't think it's a problem," David Hollingsworth said. "It doesn't bother me. If you're over 21 it shouldn't bother you. Just get your wallet out and show your ID. It takes two seconds and isn't a big deal."
 
"If you're not responsible enough to bring your license to the liquor store in the first place perhaps you shouldn't be drinking," Collin McCarty said.
 
You won't be able to use just any ID card to purchase alcohol. You will have to have an active state or government issued ID. Otherwise, there will be no sale.

Staff Training Ideas
 
Training2 
By Barowners.com

 
What do you do to train your staff and get them acclimated to your facility?
 
If you just do a standard training going straight from your employee manual or if you simply have new staff members shadow an existing employee, you are selling your new employees short. 
 
With a little creativity and a few new additions to your training,
you can give employees the tools that they need to be successful and
sell more. 
 
Give Staff Tastings
 
Let your new employees experience the food, drinks and products that make your establishment special.  Hold a staff tasting of your facilities most significant items so that employees can be genuine when explaining them to customers and so they can talk positively about how their workplace offers great products. 
 
Record Training
 
Video staff training sessions and watch them with new staff so you
can point out specific areas for improvement.  When staff members see
the error, they will be more likely to recognize it and correct it.
Also point out the good parts of everyone's performance to give them
confidence.
 
Let Them Assess It
 
When you view video of training, encourage new staff to assess themselves and other staff members.  Get them involved in a conversation about what they would do differently and what they think works for them. Often employees will take suggestions more easily from peers than from a superior. 
  
Future Dates to Remember!!
 
MMBA Regional Meetings
 
Fall 2010
 
MMBA Boot Camp
 
February 21-23, 2011
Breezy Point Resort
 
MMBA Annual Conference
 
May 22-24, 2011
Arrowwood Resort
Ask A Director
 
Gary Buysse
Rogers
763-428-0163
 
Bob Leslie
 Pelican Rapids
218-863-6670
 
Brian Hachey
Stacy
651-462-2727
 
Nancy Drumsta
Delano
763-972-0578
 
Lara Smetana
Pine City
320-629-2020
 
Michael Friesen
Hawley
218-483-4747
 
Virgene Shellenbarger
Hutchinson
 320-587-2762
 
Tom Agnes
Brooklyn Center
763-381-2349
 
Steve Grausam
Edina
952-903-5732
 
Toni Buchite
50 Lakes
218-763-2035
 
Michelle Olson
Sebeka
218-837-9745
E-Mail Me
 
Bridgitte Konrad
North Branch
651-674-8113
 
Paul Kaspszak
MMBA
763-572-0222
1-866-938-3925

 
Click Here For Newsletter Archives 
Join Our Mailing List
Milaca Liquor 
Revenue Funds Parade
Batman

The Milaca city council recently voted to donate $1,300 to the Milaca Chamber of Commerce for the June 17 parade during the Gateway to the Northland Festival.

 

The money will come from the city's municipal liquor fund.

 
 This year's theme is "Super Heroes."

 

 Everyone who's ever taken a shower has an idea.

 It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it who makes a difference.