Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Newsletter

(February 23, 2013 - March 1, 2014)

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MMBA Website

As I See It...

Beer Cooler

Spring will arrive.....right??? It seems doubtful today as we prepare for yet another Winter Storm Warning!

But our calendars are full of things to be accomplished before we begin the busier summer season.

Some things to be done at Liquor Hutch between now and May 1st:

Hire and Train Temporary/Seasonal Part Time Staff
Plan, Review and Reset all Beer Cooler Doors
Select and Implement a new POS/Inventory Control System
Whiskey Seminar on February 27th
GrapeVine Wine Club Tasting Event on March 20th
Pub Club Beer Tasting Event on April 17th
Review and Update Policy and Procedures Handbook - done annually in March
Quarterly Employee Meeting and Product Knowledge Training on Sunday, March 16th
Clear all displays from sales floor, scrub and refinish concrete floors on Sunday, April 13th

I'm sure your calendar is just as busy! Obviously, we cannot accomplish everything needed without the support of great staff and sales people. Make sure they know that they are appreciated!!

That reminds me.....I forgot to list the Employee Appreciation Trip that we will be taking soon! All employees and their guests will be treated to a trip to Third Street Brewhouse and Glacial Ridge Winery.....it's our chance to say "Thank You" and to offer some product knowledge at the same time!

Foremost on our calendar in the next few days is the Beer Cooler Reset.

I am always amazed by the "positioning" that occurs among beer distributors during this process!

Be sure to spend the time, not always easy to find, to review your inventory for items that should be discontinued.

I think we do a great job of this with each vendor on an everyday basis, but we always find some things to get rid of when we look at the categories overall.

Use your inventory control system to identify trends, set goals for the outcome and then have each of your major distributors submit a proposal.

Remember you are responsible for the results, so use their proposals to put together the best set for your operation.

It is a time consuming process....especially when each distributor needs to convey their priorities...but the best results can only be achieved when you gather as much information as possible!

On the day of the reset, we actually tape the plan for each door on the glass and back rail so that no changes can be made and no further debate can exist.

2013 was the worst Spring in many years for beer sales!

I hope Spring 2014 treats you well!

Candice Woods

Liquor Hutch, City of Hutchinson

Buffalo Position Opening

LIQUOR STORE ASSISTANT MANAGER

Buffalo and Downtown Wine & Spirits stores have an opening for full-time Assistant Manager.

The Assistant Manager is a working supervisor who is responsible for managing store operations in the absence of the Store Manager and is also responsible for performing a variety of administrative and supervisory duties.

Previous supervisory experience in the retail liquor industry is preferred.

Wage range $18.06 to $23.77 DOQ.

Check the website for applications: www.ci.buffalo.mn.us and send to Laureen.bodin@ci.buffalo.mn.us or send to 212 Central Avenue, Buffalo by March 14, 2014.

The City of Buffalo is an EOE.

Wine Staff Training Available

Wine continues to be an area of industry growth and profitability. However, many employees have little knowledge of the subject.

As discussed at the 2013 MMBA Annual Conference and the recent MMBA Boot Camp, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is working with MMBA to conduct live trainings with local liquor facility employees on wine characteristics and sales techniques.

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

Above is information about a training scheduled in Vergas, on May 4.

Click Here to Contact Randy Dobratz & Find Out More About the Trainings

The Consequences of Alcohol "Normalness"

By Chris Lehman, KPLU

Fewer teenagers in Washington say drinking alcohol is wrong, according to a survey taken after the state privatized liquor sales by two Northwest public health researchers.

The finding comes as Oregon voters are being asked to sign petitions for a similar liquor sales privatization.

Hard alcohol is much more convenient to buy in Washington these days. That was the whole point of the voter-approved initiative that shifted liquor sales away from state control.

But two public health researchers say that the wider availability has come with a societal price tag. They say surveys of Washington youth show increased acceptance of drinking among high school age teens.

"The normalness of it just makes it seem more acceptable, more like, 'Oh, this is what our community does. This is what our society does,"' said Linda Becker, co-author of the study and researcher with Washington's Department of Social and Health Services.

Becker says the research also shows an increase in alcohol-related visits to Seattle-area emergency rooms over the past year. And she says there's more shoplifting of liquor, too.

In Oregon, the grocery industry is trying to get a liquor privatization initiative on the ballot similar to Washington's this fall. A public health consultant was quick to peddle the unflattering findings to the media in Salem.

Camping with Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip.

After a good meal, they laid down and went to sleep.

Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see!"

"I see millions of stars," Watson said.

"What does that tell you?" Holmes asked.

Watson replied. "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.

Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo.

Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three.

Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful.

Meteorologically, I suspect we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.

What does it tell you, Holmes?"

"Watson, you idiot," he said. "Someone has stolen our tent!"

However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.

Future Dates to Remember!!

2014 MMBA / MLBA Legislative Day

March 10

Kelly Inn, St. Paul

2014 MMBA Annual Conference

May 17 - 20

Arrowwood Resort

Ask A Director

Gary Buysse

Rogers

763-428-0163

E-Mail Me

Cathy Pletta

Kasson

507-634-7618

E-Mail Me

Vicki Segerstrom

Milaca

320-983-6255

E-Mail Me

Candice Woods

Hutchinson

320-587-2762

E-Mail Me

Nancy Drumsta

Delano

763-972-0578

E-Mail Me

Lara Smetana

Pine City

320-629-2020

E-Mail Me

Michael Friesen

Hawley

218-483-4747

E-Mail Me

Lisa Kamrowski

Nevis

218-652-3135

E-Mail Me

Steve Grausam

Edina

952-903-5732

E-Mail Me

Toni Buchite

50 Lakes

218-763-2035

E-Mail Me

Brenda Visnovec

Lakeville

952-985-4901

E-Mail Me

Bridgitte Konrad

North Branch

651-674-8113

E-Mail Me

Shelly Dillon

Callaway

218-375-4691

E-Mail Me

Karissa Kurth

Buffalo Lake

320-833-2321

E-Mail Me

Paul Kaspszak

MMBA

763-572-0222

1-866-938-3925

E-Mail Me

Click Here For Newsletter Archives

Sunday Sales: Convenience at What Cost?

The MMBA website now contains comprehensive information on Sunday Sales.

It is a reference for members, legislators, media, city councils and the general public.

Click Here for the Website

Beverage Alcohol Training

Contact Bob Leslie at:

320-766-3871

E-Mail Bob

Contact Gary Buysse at:

763-428-0164

E-Mail Gary

EBT Cards

This week, a member asked:

I just got a recorded call stating my business was able to accept the state issued EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card.....is that legit???

According to the State of Minnesota:

Cash on an EBT card is provided to help families and individuals meet their basic needs.

These basic needs include food, shelter, clothing, utilities and transportation.

It is illegal for an EBT user to buy or attempt to buy tobacco products or alcoholic beverages with the EBT card.

Click Here for More Information