Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Newsletter
(September 12, 2010 - September 18, 2010)
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for the
As I See It...... 
 
Do It

As I see IT...

 

It was all about this summer...hot, humid and GREAT Beer and Ice sales for everyone.  Now we roll into fall and winter with more Seasonal beers, Red wines, Creams and Sparkling wine sales soon to follow.  Where does the time go?

 

The BIG question that needs to be answered....  What is "IT?" in the As I See It column in this newsletter every week. 

 

What is 'it" ?

 

It... is your attitude. What will yours be today?

 

It....is how you interact with all the people in your life. (yes even salespeople)

 

It....is how you approach you job on a daily basis.  Are you striving to make your store more profitable?                                                

 

It.... is how willing are you to learn more about our industry?

 

It.... is how willing are you to share your knowledge of this industry with others?

 

It .... Is fear of change; are you willing to change to make your business successful?

 

" IT "  is all about you.....and that's how I see it for this column.

 

MMBA is here to help, feel free to contact us. 

 

Michael Friesen

Hawley Liquors Manager

MMBA Director 

Introducing: Profit Minnesota
 
Profit Minnesota

Profit Minnesota, a new coalition of small businesses and charitable organizations, is asking the state legislature and the next governor to allow for state-regulated gaming in licensed bars and restaurants throughout Minnesota.

In the proposal, state-regulated gaming includes three forms of games of chance that are currently legal and available in Minnesota: Video Lottery Terminals (VLT's), pull tabs and bingo.
 
The  proposal asks the legislature for two things:
 
1.) Allow for regulated gaming to be approved in licensed bars and restaurants.
 
2.) Allow for these games to upgrade to 21st Century technology as opposed to the paper format they currently use.

According to the Minnesota State Lottery and the State of Minnesota Gambling Control Board, the proposal has the potential to drive over $630 million worth of new revenue into the state annually, and as much as $230 million to charitable organizations such as youth athletic clubs, VFWs and American Legions and volunteer fire departments. 
 
Pabst Position Opening
 
Pabst 
Pabst Brewing Company is looking for a high energy Retail Sales Specialist that can contribute innovative ideas, flawlessly execute and thrive within Pabst's entrepreneurial culture. 
 
The position will be located in the Twin Cites area and will also travel to Iowa.
 
(There are also postions available in Northern New England, New Jersey,
Philadelphia, PA, Michigan, Nashville, TN, Memphis, TN, Florida East,
Florida West, Milwaukee, WI, St. Louis, MO, Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley/Central Coast, CA)
 
We believe Pabst's tradition of excellence with our extensive portfolio of distinctive brands offers a unique opportunity to expand our footprint in the industry.  To achieve these goals, we want people to join our team that are passionate about our products and will strive for results, all while having fun doing so!

A Retail Sales Specialist reports to the General Manager and is responsible for managing Pabst's on- and off-premise account business within the designated territory. 
 
The Retail Sales Specialist is responsible for the execution of programs within his/her assigned territory and achieving his/her specific goals and objectives by:

* Closing distribution gaps in on- and off-premise accounts, focusing on acquiring new distribution in the largest chains and independents not supported by the Strategic Accounts organization within his/her assigned geography.
 
* Participating in account planning with the Partner Sales Manager and distributor to identify target accounts that provide the best opportunity for PBC, including distribution of additional packages and/or brands.
 
* Partnering with the Partner Sales Manager to focus distributor's on- and off-premise efforts through department/sales meetings where appropriate.
 
* Executing the company's brand strategies, execution standards and marketing programs.
 
* Complying with all PBC policies and procedures, ensuring that all activities are conducted within local, state and federal laws.
 
* Monitoring the company's expenditures to make certain that spending is within budget and on strategy.

On-Premise Selling Activities:
 
* Implementing merchandising standards in accounts by brand utilizing point of sale and promotions.
 
* Developing creative promotions and programs at the account level to encourage brand awareness and move product.
 
* Allocating point of sale to targeted accounts and ensure proper placement.

Off-Premise Selling Activities:
 
* Selling in and tracking ad features and displays for all target accounts.
 
* Developing programs and opportunities for national/regional chains at the district manager level.
 
* Providing competitive data and market intelligence on retailer activity.

Skills/Qualifications Required:
 
* Approximately 5 years of retail and/or industry selling experience, including experience with merchandising retail standards 
    
* Bachelors degree preferred
 
* Professional presentation skills
    
* Ability to effectively influence others, resilience
    
* Creative problem-solving skills
   
* Customer service orientation
 
* Self-starter, takes initiative
   
* Able to work nights/weekends as needed
   
* Able to travel as required to adequately cover business area
    
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
 

To be considered for one of these positions, please submit a resume to careers@pabst.com and indicate the position for which you are applying.

 
(Editor's Note: If you decide to apply for this position and are hired, contact Minnesota Pabst Partner Sales Manager Jeff Van Schoick.  He will get brownie points because you responded to this email.)
Future Dates to Remember!!
 
MMBA Regional Meetings
 

October 13 

 

 Duluth Holiday Inn

 

October 14 

 

 Ramada

(Formerly Best Western) Marshall Inn
 

October 20 

 

 Austin Holiday Inn

 

October 21

 

 Holiday Inn Metrodome

 

October 27 

 

 Arrowwood Resort Alexandria

 

October 28 

 

 Peppercorn

Restaurant - Bemidji
 
 
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

 
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Anoka Uses Liquor Profits to Reduce Levy
RIP

Most homeowners in Anoka will see a reduction in their city taxes in 2011.

 

As part of the plan, the city will be using profits from the municipal liquor operations to help fund operations at city cemeteries.

Southern
Wine & Spirits Status
Southern
Many MMBA members have been asking the status of Southern Wine & Spirts' entry into the Minnesota distribution market.
 
 

If people only went into a store when they needed to buy something and  once there bought only what they needed, the economy would collapse