TLW Membership Drive Builds Industry Strength
The Membership Drive Week of Action taking place during the week of October 20th is important, not just to build members in the Tavern League, but to preserve the clout of the entire industry in the pivotal months and years to come.
The Wisconsin tavern industry is unlike any other in America. The over 10,000 Class B establishments that dot Wisconsin’s landscape provide a major boost to our state’s economy and add immeasurably to our state’s character. Keeping it strong in the coming years will mean navigating some difficult issues that are on the horizon.
For example, in the coming months the legislature will consider action on THC drinks and related products, and we’ll be fighting to make sure there is a role for the tavern industry in safely offering these products to the public. Lawmakers may also consider a proposal to allow expanded delivery of alcohol directly to consumers, and we need to ensure individuals who deliver alcohol are trained, licensed and held to standards similar to those followed by the tavern industry. Music licensing problems persist, as does the threat of more scrutiny of video gaming machines. The list goes on and on.
That’s why the timing of the TLW Membership Drive is so important. There is a strength in numbers that ensure leaders throughout the state, on both sides of the political divide, understand that the Tavern League has members throughout their districts. They’ll be watching how they vote and will be active at election time.
Please take some time to help build the membership in your local league. Stop by a few non member establishments and let them know what the TLW has done and continues to do to help the industry be successful. We’re providing a few talking points to give you ideas, but feel free to come up with your own as well. Follow up with a phone call, and don’t forget to tell them that new members can take advantage of a six month free trial, so they have nothing to lose.
We’re challenging each local league to add a minimum of eight new members. Some leagues have such high membership rates already that it could be a challenge. Others have a large pool of possible members and could easily reach that number with a little effort. Either way, we need as many new members as we can get.
Over the years, the number of Class B establishments around the state has dwindled, but the Tavern League has maintained a fairly stable membership by getting a larger share of tavern owners to sign up as members. We need to continue that trend. The future success of the industry depends on it. Your efforts are vital to making it happen, and are greatly appreciated.
Membership Drive Talking Points
The following are possible talking points when discussing the advantages of joining the Tavern League of Wisconsin. Pick any that work for you or add any that fits your area:
- With strength in numbers, no organization does more to protect the livelihoods of Wisconsin’s 10,000 tavern owners.
- TLW has fought for and won lower penalties which have made video games in taverns possible.
- Lower penalties for smaller amounts of alcohol purchased from other retailers.
- Currently offering a free 6-month trial for new members.
- Discounts for food service training of $30 per member, which for some establishments can nearly pay for the TLW dues alone.
- Discounts for music licensing with BMI.
- Members qualify to be Brewers’ “Tavern of the Game.” Each game a TLW member tavern wins up to 40 tickets to attend a Brewer game.
- Newsletters and On-Premise magazine help keep members up to date on changes in the industry and changes to state laws.
- Effective, well-connected lobbyists in Madison who deliver wins for Wisconsin’s alcohol retailers and making sure the voices in our industry are heard.
- Frequent local league meetings that give members a chance to connect, discuss issues facing the industry, create a dialogue with local law enforcement, and organize locally to protect and promote the tavern industry.
- One of the most powerful trade associations in Wisconsin, and at a cost of less than 60 cents per day, among the most affordable.
- TLW convention and trade show twice each year. It continues to grow, with nearly 1,000 members in attendance and around 100 trade show exhibitors showing off their products and services from tavern food to beverages to insurance carriers and credit card processors and much more.
- Las Vegas Meet Up of 500 members in February with unmatched hospitality at the El Cortez.