Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Newsletter
(January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2016)
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for the
As I See It...

In the recent newsletter from our Employee Assistance Company, they had a great article about being a good team member.

It had some tips getting the most out of team members in your next team meeting.

I thought it had great lessons for me as a member of various teams, but also as the leader of many teams.

 

Listen Well - Really listen when someone is talking. Turn off electronics, focus on the discussion at hand and not the things you need to pick up at the grocery store on your way home or start formulating your response. Listen.

 

Be Curious About Others Ideas - It is human nature to think our own ideas are best, but some great decisions come from collaboration with others.

 

Ask Good Questions - This shows you're listening, helps clarify items you are unsure of and will help with creative problem solving.  

 

Encourage Others - Everyone likes words of encouragement. Even if you are the kind of person that doesn't need affirmation remember that others on your team do need those pats on the back.

 

Be Grateful - Think about yourself, are you more likely to work hard on an issue with some who is thankful for your help and tells you they are thankful or the person who is grumpy and grumbling about every little issue.

 

Bring Your Ideas and Be Willing to Share Them - Lead by example and share ideas and encourage your team members who are more reserved to share their idea. It might be uncomfortable for them at first, but with practice they will not need to be prompted to participate.

 

I hope this helps all of you have productive team meetings this year!
 
Bridgitte Konrad
North Branch
Per Member Request, 2016 MMBA Annual Conference Now in April

By back popular demand, retail expert Tom Shay (pictured left with your editor in very warm Florida) will be headlining the upcoming 2016 MMBA Annual Conference.

April 16 - 19, 2016 are the dates.

Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria is the place.

Complete information on the conference can be found by
CLICKING HERE!
Did You Know?

A member recently asked about minors in an on-sale.

Minnesota Statute 340A.503:

Subd. 4.Entering licensed premises.

(a) It is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years to enter an establishment licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages or any municipal liquor store for the purpose of purchasing or having served or delivered any alcoholic beverage.

(b) Notwithstanding section 340A.509, no ordinance enacted by a statutory or home rule charter city may prohibit a person 18, 19, or 20 years old from entering an establishment licensed under this chapter to:

(1) perform work for the establishment, including the serving of alcoholic beverages, unless otherwise prohibited by section 340A.412, subdivision 10;

(2) consume meals; and

(3) attend social functions that are held in a portion of the establishment where liquor is not sold.

Click Here for Entire Statute
Profits in 140 Characters or Less

Your told social media is an important success component.

Problem is, you don't know anything about the subject.

Click Here to Learn More About TWITTER 
 
4 Questions to Ask at Work to Boost Your Reputation

According to TheMuse.com, there are a few questions that likable employees usually ask.

These questions demonstrate a willingness to help others and the ability to work as part of a team.

Try them out to see what happens.
 

"How Can I Help?"


No employee's work exists in a vacuum.

At some point, all employees need a little help from their colleagues.

If you spend your time too consumed with your own work to help out, your coworkers may see you as self-absorbed.

Therefore, ask your coworkers how you can help with their projects.

Your coworkers will see you as friendlier and more approachable.

Helping out could be as simple as dropping the mail off on your way home or offering to proofread a document.
 

"Could You Tell Me More?"

 
Most employees want feedback from their coworkers on their projects or ideas.

Even if you don't have the time to chip in and physically help with the project, simply lending an ear to your coworkers will be much appreciated.

You'll be seen as more considerate in the workplace by offering a few minutes of your time to help your colleagues weigh the pros and cons of a new idea.
 

"What Are Your Thoughts on This?"

 
Similarly, everyone likes to feel that their opinions are valuable and appreciated.

Many employees are actually flattered when others ask for their advice, and the employee asking for such advice usually seems more approachable.

To maintain good relationships with your coworkers, ask them for their input once in a while.
 

"Would You Like to Grab a Cup of Coffee?"

 
In most workplaces, friendships form between employees.

However, once these "work cliques" form, they usually do not change very much-meaning that some of your coworkers may feel excluded if you and two other employees always get lunch together.

To make sure you are perceived as friendly and approachable, it is wise to mix up your lunches and coffee outings once in a while to build new relationships within the office.
Walking on the Grass...
   
The room was full of pregnant women with their husbands.  

The instructor said, "Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you. 

Walking is especially beneficial.

It strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make delivery that much easier.

Just pace yourself, make plenty of stops and try to stay on a soft surface like grass or a path."  

"Gentlemen, remember -- you're in this together.

It wouldn't hurt you to go walking with her.

In fact, that shared experience would be good for you both."

The room suddenly became very quiet as the men absorbed and pondered this information. 

After a few moments a man, name unknown, at the back of the room, slowly raised his hand.

"Yes?" asked the Instructor.

"I was just wondering if it would be all right if she carries a golf bag?
 
This level of sensitivity can't be taught!!!



A person must be big enough to admit their mistakes, smart enough to profit from them and strong enough to correct them.


Future Dates to Remember


Legislative Session Start

March 8, 2016

MMBA / MLBA
Legislative Day
(REVISED) 
 
March 22, 2016
2016 MMBA Annual Conference

April 16 - 19, 2016
Arrowwood Resort

Legislative Session
End


May 23, 2106
Ask A Director

Gary Buysse
Rogers
763-428-0163

Cathy Pletta
Kasson
507-634-7618
  
Bill Ludwig
Paynesville
320-250-3325
  
Candice Woods
Hutchinson 
320-587-2762
  
John Jacobi
Isanti
763-444-5063

Michael Friesen
Hawley
218-483-4747

Steve Grausam
Edina
952-903-5732

Tom Agnes
Brooklyn Center
763-549-3710
Brenda Visnovec
Lakeville 
952-985-4901
 
Bridgitte Konrad
North Branch
651-674-8113

 Karissa Kurth
Buffalo Lake
320-833-2321
 
Paul Kaspszak
MMBA
763-572-0222
1-866-938-3925
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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
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763-428-0164

The Mysterious World of Underwater Caves
Cave diver Jill Heinerth explores the hidden underground waterways coursing through our planet.

Working with biologists, climatologists and archaeologists, Heinerth unravels the mysteries of the life-forms that inhabit some of the earth's most remote places and helps researchers unlock the history of climate change.

 In this short talk, take a dive below the waves and explore the wonders of inner space.

 Click Here 

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