News from Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association

Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Newsletter

(August 22, 2010 - August 28, 2010)

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As I See It......

Are you having a bad day?

Is a customer giving you a hard time?

Is it that customer that always comes in, in a bad mood?

Do you let them ruin your day?

You don't need to. It all comes with your attitude.

I decided a long time ago that one person should not be able to ruin my day especially when most of our customers are nice friendly people I look forward to seeing.

I have since taken the attitude of having a good day at work every day.

I try hard to let go of any troubles I have at home, deal with work problems promptly and to treat customers as I wish to be treated.

Customers appreciate a happy greeting and a smile.

Plus, as you work at having a good day,you may even forget your troubles; brighten your day and someone else's day.

So smile and spread some cheer!

Toni Buchite
Fifty Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop Manager
MMBA Director

As I See It 2......

We're on the final stretch as we turn the corner on the last quarter of the year.

Most of us have been tweaking and grinding to cut every place we can to turn a profit. Now again it is time to sharpen our pencils and go at it again with next year's budget.

As I see it, this weekend is supposed to be beautiful!

Take a long walk, lie on a blanket in the park or back yard and watch the clouds roll by and listen to the gentle rustle of the leaves blowing in the breeze.

Take a deep breath and enjoy. Force a timeout to relax.

If you take this time for yourself the rest seems to come a little easier.

Michelle Olson

Sebeka Liquor Manager

MMBA Director

Going Green Means Saving Money in Rogers

In an era where budgetary concerns are one of its highest priorities, Rogers' municipal buildings are green. And it means more green in the city budget.

The city is in the process of evaluating its energy needs and usage throughout all city-owned buildings.

Rogers Wine & Spirits is the latest facility to get audited by the Center for Energy & Environment.

It concluded the building would be eligible for Xcel Energy rebates, which Rogers Public Works Superintendent John Seifert says will save the city quite a bit of money in the future.

The cost to replace light fixtures and lamps with more efficient models is $7,800. However, with the Xcel rebate of $4,532, Rogers' final cost for the green updates is just $3,268.

Seifert says with what the liquor store will save in energy costs, it will take less than 10 months to recoup the initial expenditure. After that, he said the building will save significant energy costs.

Other city buildings are scheduled for a similar energy review and audit as well.

Cambridge Wins National Award

By Rachel Kytonen

Isanti County News

Northbound Liquor in Cambridge has won a first place award in a national marketing contest.

City Administrator Lynda Woulfe explained during the Cambridge City Council meeting Monday, Aug. 16, that Northbound Liquor, in conjunction with Johnson Brothers Distributing, entered into a national display contest sponsored by Rosemount Wines.

The theme for this year's display contest surrounded Chef Ramsey, chef and TV personality.

The contest was judged on quantity of product displayed and creativity.

Northbound Liquor's Assistant Store Manager Bobbi Mix created the design which featured an outdoor cooking theme with a barbeque grill, antique wagon wheel, shiny pots and pans, and a color palette.

Each year Northbound has placed in national contests, but has consistently lost out on first place awards to much larger stores from California and Chicago.

"I know you've entered a lot of contests and know you have a lot of fun entering them," said Cambridge Mayor Marlys Palmer. "A national award is really awesome and I congratulate you on it. This is a result of your absolute enthusiasm...It truly is great."

The display will be available to view at the municipal liquor store for a few more weeks.