As a new MMBA board member; I'd like to say hi to everyone, and introduce myself.
I've worked for Bagley liquor for 17 years.
I started as a part time, call-in employee, working my way to becoming the Liquor Operations manager 5 years ago.
I've seen many changes in my time with Bagley Liquors.
From a time when there was only dark or light rums, to now having every flavor under the sun.
I've watched as companies keep trying to create the new "big thing", while, at the same time, trying to copy everyone else's idea.
I've watched customers tastes become broader and more refined.
To keep up with customer's desires, we greatly expanded our product selection.
As we satisfied our customers, our overall sales increased.
For a number of years the Bagley City Council had been contemplating building a new liquor store to replace the old, inadequate facility.
With all of the changes in the industry, the growth in business, and the realization that further growth was not possible in old store.
The city council decided it was time for Bagley Liquor to change with the times.
In the fall of 2011 we started looking for help to build a new store.
I called the MMBA and talked to Paul a number of times over a few months.
Paul, and a few of the board members, came to our old store for visits.
They gave us helpful information; from looking for new locations to giving us ideas on store layout.
This was when I really began to understand the value of the MMBA.
All I had to do was pick up the phone and give Paul a call, and all sorts of MMBA resources became available.
In the spring of 2012 we started designing a new store and by the next spring we moved in.
We wanted a new new store that would last us many years, so we instructed the architects to use a 50 year design standard.
We also wanted an efficient, low maintenance building.
We wanted plenty of room for expansion, so we purchased enough property to potentially allow us to doubling of size.
We went from 10 door cooler in the old store, to a 20 door cooler and went with a wider cooler doors at which are equivalent to 29 of the old doors.
We went with wider aisles so customers feel comfortable browsing, and wide enough for shopping carts. So, already knowing I don't have as much space as I would like, in the next week, I'll be doing the first major cooler reset since the initial set when the store was new.
I didn't think this was going to be a great challenge.
I had my 3 main beer vendors submit their cooler resets ideas to me.
I was simply going to choose the best one.
It's interesting that two of the three companies just rearrange the cooler doors and kept the same amount of space; they took out slow sellers and added some new items.
The third company decided they needed more room.
They wanted to take 3 more doors to increase their presence in the cooler and reduce the other two company's product to make it work.
So, how did I handle this dilemma?
I believe in being fair, and working with all my vendors, but I was a little stuck.
Well, I once again found value in the MMBA and the members.
I took a trip to visit a neighboring municipal liquor store manager who I had gotten to know through the MMBA, and I asked him how he handled his cooler resets.
We have the same vendors, and I knew he would be a good resource.
He reminded me that it's my store and my cooler, and I should do it the way I want it done.
He reminded me that while the vendors have knowledge and experience and their recommendations need to be considered, in the end, what matters most is what's best for my store and my customers.
I went back and looked at everyone's layout, I sat down the vendor who had the greatest respect for my store and customers, and took what were the best parts from all three plans and made one that best fits my store and customers.
My point is we all work in an industry that is always changing.
Individually we can't keep up.
We need to take advantage of the resources we have as municipals.
One of the best resource is the MMBA and the connections we can make with membes.
The MMBA holds great educational and networking events throughout the year.
I've attended the Regional meetings, which are held throughout the
state in the fall, and the Annual Conference which is held every spring.
While I strongly encourage you to attend the events, remember the MMBA is only a phone call away, and they are more than happy to help you.
Also remember, in addition to the MMBA, the tremendous advantage we have as Municipal Liquor Stores, is all the other municipal liquor stores.
There are a bunch of people out there who deal everyday with the same problem as you.
I have found that other municipal managers are willing to help, to share their experience, or just be a good sounding board.
A good friend once told me that if you surround yourself with successful people, you too will be successful.
I'm glad to have an opportunity to serve on the MMBA board, because working together we are not just successful, we are a powerful entity in our industry.
Through the MMBA we will be able to better serve our communities.
Have a great and successful weekend.
Christopher J. Arnold Bagley | 
