Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Newsletter

(July 28, 2013 - August 3, 2013)

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As I See It...

Financial Report

Can you believe that it is budget season already!

I hope you have had a successful year and are on track to meet or exceeded your budget goals for the year.

Budgets continue to be tight and City Councils are looking for ways to reduce the property tax impacts.

As you prepare and present your budget to the Council and residents of your community don't forget to remind them of the things your City has been able to accomplish with funds from your liquor operation....is there a piece of equipment you helped fund, a park project funded, a sidewalk repaired, or a transfer to the general fund to reduce taxes....REMIND THEM!

Also let your customers and other residents know. I often find that residents don't realize the great things that are done with the profits of our store.

As you finish out 2013 and work on your 2014 budget I encourage you to get creative and work hard to increase your profits.

Any transfers that can be made to complete a project, purchase a piece of equipment or to transfer to the general fund helps the city council achieve their budget goals.

Good luck with preparation for your 2014 budget!

Bridgitte Konrad

City Administrator

City of North Branch

Morris Liquor Revenue to Pay for Airport Project

The Morris City Council recently approved transferring $98,000 from the liquor store fund

to pay for the local share of a new hangar at the Morris Municipal Airport.

The city should make back the money in about 10 years through rental fees.

Training Your Staff to Sell More Wine Seminar

At the recent MMBA Annual conference, Randy Dobratz from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates introduced a new training program to teach employees wine characteristics and sales techniques.

This training can be adapted to any size facility and is available to members located throughout the state.

A training was conducted last week for Kasson Liquor off sale and Hubbell House restaurant employees.

Here is what Kasson Liquor manager Cathy Pletta had to say about the event:

Last Wednesday I had Robin from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in town for the 'How to Sell More Wine" seminar. It was held at the Hubbell House, a local restaurant. The newer wait staff from the restaurant attended as well. We provided a buffet meal so folks could taste some food pairing as we went along.

It was time and money very well spent on my staff. They had some fun, learned a lot and got to enjoy some food.

Robin did a great job. My staff (of professionals) has all commented that they felt more comfortable making wine suggestions.

Our plan is for her to come back next year and perhaps discuss different wines of the same varietals.

I would encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Perhaps facilites who are near each other could combine for the workshop.

Marshall Liquor Has a Future New Home

By Deb Gau , Marshall Independent

The Marshall municipal liquor store has a new future home, after recent action taken by the Marshall City Council.

Council members met in both a special meeting and a budget work session.

After a closed session to discuss issues related to the purchase of a lot in the J.C. Boyer Addition, the council voted to buy the land, with the intent of building a new liquor store there.

Marshall City Administrator Ben Martig said the city has been looking at places to relocate the municipal liquor store.

Profits from the liquor store go to help fund city projects, but it has outgrown its current building and location on East College Drive.

A lot in the Boyer Addition was being considered as a place to build a new liquor store, Martig said. The property is about one acre in size and is located along Boyer Drive.

After meeting with the property owners, Martig said, the city had the opportunity to buy the lot for the price of $205,000.

Council member Glenn Bayerkohler said he did not support the project. The idea behind building a bigger liquor store would be to generate more funds for the city through increased alcohol sales, he said.

"The question I have is, does the end justify the means?" Bayerkohler said.

Council members voted 5-1 in favor of buying the land. Bayerkohler cast the vote against, and council member Mike Boedigheimer abstained from the vote.

A Man Went Into a Bar in a High Rise...

A man went into a bar in a high rise. He saw another man take a pill, take a drink, walk to the window and jump out.

He flew around for a minute and zipped back into the bar.

As the amazed newcomer watched, the man repeated this twice more. Finally the man asked if he could have a pill.

The flier said it was his last one.

The man offered five hundred dollars to no avail, so he made a final offer of a thousand dollars.

The man said that it was all he had on him.

The flier reluctantly gave in, took the cash, surrendered the pill, and turned back to the bar.

The man took the pill, took a drink, went to the window, and jumped out only to fall to his death.

The bartender walked over to the flier at the bar and, wiping a glass, said, "You sure are mean when you're drunk, Superman."

Future Dates to Remember!!