Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Newsletter

(August 9, 2015 - August 15, 2015)

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As I See It...

I admit it.

I've become an addict.

Not with Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

My free time whether 10 minutes, an hour or two, a lazy weekend I have a hard time not catching up on my insatiable habit.

Sometimes it's different perspective than the one I currently hold, which in some areas of my life is different from a year ago

Heck it may even be different from a week ago.

Evolution of our views, whether it be of work, personal life, family, friends, politics have changed over the years whether we acknowledge those changes or not.

Like like the sands through the hour glass so are the Days of Our Lives.

(Are Bo and Hope still married?)

Focus Michael, Focus. Way off tangent now. :-)

My addiction has been Ted Talks.

The neat little link on the right hand side of of our weekly newsletter.

For the smart phone and tablet users they have a free app in the online store.

I wanted to share this Ted talk with you...

Tapping into our Hard Wired Happiness.

We can never learn too much about our ability to achieve more than we ever dreamed.

The learning in MMBA never ends, as we are setting the dates for our Regional Meetings all around the state starting in late September and October.

I hope to catch up with some current friends and meet some new managers so we can share our experiences to help our businesses thrive in the upcoming years.

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Michael Friesen
Hawley

Did You Know?

By Colleen Shalby, PBS

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We are a nation of drinkers.

Alcohol's storied relationship with the U.S. dates back to the dawn of the nation, according to Derek Brown, chief spirits advisor for the National Archives Museum's "Spirited Republic" exhibit.

Brown is an innovator of cocktails who owns several bars in Washington, D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood.

We joined him at Mockingbird Hill, his punk-rock sherry bar named for a lyric from The Clash song "Spanish Bombs," for a history on alcohol in the U.S.

Here are seven things you might not know about alcohol's history in America:

1. At the time the U.S. was created, alcohol was seen as healthy.

In 1790, drinking-age Americans consumed an average of 5.8 gallons of pure alcohol annually, according to the "Spirited Republic" exhibit.

By 1830, that number had risen to 7.1 gallons.

That's a lot, considering that Americans today drink on average 2.5 gallons a year, according to the World Health Organization.

At the time, alcohol was viewed as a digestive aid and a source of strength. With no standard water treatment system in the U.S., some considered it an alternative to water.

"For some people, it was because water was poisonous in the sense that it had all kinds of bacteria they didn't quite understand," Brown said.

2. Doctors used to prescribe whiskey to patients.

During Prohibition, the U.S. Treasury Department authorized physicians to prescribe alcohol.

It was used to treat depression and even cancer.

But the prescriptions, which cost approximately $7 to obtain and get filled, were largely a way for the medical industry to make money, Daniel Okrent, author of "Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition," told Smithsonian Magazine.

"There may have been some people who were being prescribed because of a perceived medical need, but it was really a way for some physicians and pharmacists to make a few extra bucks," he said.

3. George Washington once made orders for his troops to receive whiskey and rum.

While encamped at Valley Forge during a brutally cold winter, General George Washington issued orders for his troops to receive a "gill" of whiskey and rum each.

Washington, who owned the largest rye whiskey distillery in the country post-presidency, knew good whiskey, Brown said.

Brown and "Spirited Republic" curator Trevor Plant created a cocktail inspired by this bit of history.

Called "The General's Order," the drink is, you guessed it, rum and whiskey-based, while incorporating Martha Washington's recipe for cherry bounce.

An automobile is decked out with signs and banners supporting the repeal of the 18th Amendment in New York City, May 1932.

4. The first definition of the cocktail came about in 1806.

A newspaper based in Hudson, N.Y., called The Balance and Columbian Repository defined a cocktail this way: "A drink comprised of sugar, water, bitters and "spirits of any kind."

The paper's editor, Harry Croswell, wrote the definition in response to the question, "What is a cocktail?"

He continued:

"It is vulgarly called bittered sling, and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, in as much as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head."

Croswell's definition of the cocktail most resembles what is known today as an Old Fashioned, Brown said.

5. Lewis and Clark journeyed with wine and beer.

The famous Lewis and Clark expedition across the U.S., led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, totaled more than 30 people.

To keep the group satiated, Lewis purchased 30 gallons of "rectified spirits" for the journey, according to records from 1803.

6. The 19th century is considered "The Golden Age" of alcohol.

The ad men of Don Draper's era owe much of their time sipping cocktails to the 100 years before the 1960's.

That's when the Manhattan, martini and daiquiri were born.

In 1862, the "Bar-Tender's Guide" by Jerry Thomas - widely considered the first bartending guide - was created.

Prohibition would come 51 years later.

7. A surprising number of amendments pertain to alcohol.

Of the 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, two are focused on alcohol.

The 18th amendment, known as the Prohibition Act, was ratified in 1919.

It prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcohol.

It wouldn't be repealed for another 14 years under the 21st amendment.

Stacy Position Opening

Permanent full-time On-Sale Manager position for the City of Stacy.

This position is work of significant complexity and difficulty.

Minimum qualifications: Two year business degree in merchandise retailing, marketing, business management, finance or related field with two years progressively responsible experience in a related position with supervisory responsibilities, at least two years of bar and restaurant experience with at least two years of management experience or an equivalent combination, valid driver's license,
computer proficiency.

Salaried and benefitted position.

Application form and information regarding this position, can be obtained at Stacy City Hall 30955 Forest Blvd, or 651-462-4486, www.stacymn.org.

Deadline 5:00pm September 2 2015.

EOE

2015 MMBA Regional Meetings

Dates for the 2015 MMBA Regional Meetings should be finalized next week.

At each meeting, Jim Langemo will be discussing best practices regarding customer service, while also providing tips and strategies to help liquor store managers and city officials who oversee municipal liquor stores work together more effectively.

Key talking points include:

* The benefits of making customer service a priority.

* The strength of partnership between the liquor store and the city and the importance of importance of trust, transparency, and honest communication.

* Foundational elements of managing change.

* Key elements that need to exist for a customer service culture to thrive.

* Best practices regarding the creation ofa customer service culture.

* Basic behaviors you can teach your employees to get started.

* Reports often used when focusing on customer service to grow the business.

* Tips for what to do and what not to do when visiting or observing your store(s].

* Setting expectations and being accountable: A two-way street.

Seven Retired Fellows....

Seven retired fellows were playing poker in the condo clubhouse, when Thompson loses $500 on a single hand, clutches his chest and drops dead at the table.

Showing respect for their fallen comrade, the other six continue playing, but standing up.

At the end of the game, Voller looks around and asks, "So, who's gonna tell his wife?"

They cut the cards. Ryman picks the low card and has to carry the news.

They tell him, "Be discreet, be gentle, don't make a bad situation any worse."

"Discreet? I'm the most discreet person you'll ever meet.

Discretion is my middle name. Leave it to me."

Ryman goes over to Thompson's condo and knocks on the door.

The wife answers through the door and asks what he wants?

Ryman declares, "Your husband just lost $500 in a poker game and is afraid to come home."

"Tell him to drop dead!" yells the wife.

"I'll go tell him." says Ryman.

Future Dates to Remember

2015 MMBA Regional Meeetings

September and October

2016 MMBA Annual Conference

April 17 - 19, 2016
Arrowwood Resort

Ask A Director

Gary Buysse

Rogers

763-428-0163

E-Mail Me

Cathy Pletta

Kasson

507-634-7618

E-Mail Me

Bill Ludwig

Paynesville

320-250-3325

E-Mail Me

Candice Woods

Hutchinson

320-587-2762

E-Mail Me

John Jacobi

Isanti

763-444-5063

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

Tom Agnes

Brooklyn Center

763-549-3710

E-Mail Me

Brenda Visnovec

Lakeville

952-985-4901

E-Mail Me

Bridgitte Konrad

North Branch

651-674-8113

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

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Minnesota SMART

The SMART campaign: Supporting Minnesota's Alcohol Regulations and Traditions, is a renewed public education and grassroots advocacy effort in support of Minnesota's current alcohol regulations and three-tier system.

We believe Minnesota's current alcohol regulations are smart, balanced, and supported by many citizens and our local small businesses.

They work well for Minnesota!

The SMART campaign functions to help you engage in advocacy efforts with state legislators and others in support of Minnesota's current alcohol regulations, and to oppose issues-such as Sunday alcohol sales.

We want to make it easy and effective for you to engage.

Take action and send an email to your state legislators today through the new SMART campaign website.

We have sample letters and legislator contact information put together that is ready to go.

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

The Surprising Way Groups Like ISIS Stay in Power

ISIS, Hezbollah, Hamas. These three very different groups are known for violence - but that's only a portion of what they do, says policy analyst Benedetti Berti.

They also attempt to win over populations with social work: setting up schools and hospitals, offering safety and security, and filling the gaps left by weak governments.

Understanding the broader work of these groups suggests new strategies for ending the violence.

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