Bryant H. McGill stated; " One of the most sincere signs of respect is actually listening to what others have to say." If this is true, MMBA is an organization that is truly respected at a local, national and international level.
Peopl are observing as to how we act and listening to what we have to say!
"How do we know this," you ask? Well at the local level, Sunday Sales would not have been defeated had it not been for the respect and relationships our organization and members have with their legislators.
For the most part, our legislators rely on our managers as their local experts regarding alcohol policy.
They listen to what you have to say, all you have to do is communicate with them.
These types of relationships are extremely critical.
Even if you don't have your legislators vote this time, you at least have their ear and their respect.
So yes, the MMBA and our managers are respected at the local level. Nationally, our association is well respected in the liquor industry as well.
In attendance at the most recent MMBA conference was Store Manager, Tom Atkinson from Kotzebue, Alaska.
His city has embarked on starting up the first municipal liquor operation in the state of Alaska.
Tom made the trip to Minnesota to learn about how we operate and is now looking to opening up an on-sale location to complement their off-sale operation. In addition, our Board Members routinely attend the Annual NABCA Conferences and our Executive Director, Paul Kaspszak is routinely featured as a keynote feature at these events.
NABCA stands for National Alcohol Beverage Control Association and is the association that represents states that control alcohol through government agencies, whether it is through the wholesale or retail level.
Paul's most recent seminar was on providing community value.
What our association has been communicating and practicing for so long is proving to be a benefit for others to follow. Lastly, as an association, and as retailers we are being watched at both a national and International level.
The manner in which we promote control and responsibility, our ability to operate businesses at an efficient level, and the value we bring to our communities are being watched and duplicated around the nation and around the globe. How do we know?
Because we have been there, done that.
As well as a call from a Canadian retailer today who had questions on how we operate.
People and other retailers are listening to us, and they respect us.
Brenda Visnovec
Lakeville | 
