MTA taps Dapper D's Dennis White to preside
Pub Date: 10/1/2007
Perhaps it is fitting that the final order of business for the Montana Tavern Association, following three full days of golf, shooting, parties, committee meetings, speeches, luncheons, panel discussions, banquets and award ceremonies, was to conduct its annual business session, culminating in the election of officers including the president who will lead the organization through the next two years.
After a hearty breakfast buffet on that final Sept. 13 day, the general assembly gathered at 10:30 at the Outlaw WestCoast Hotel to hear and approve committee reports, dispose of old and new business, and conduct the election.
The first report was delivered by Legislative and Gambling Committee Chairman Pat Kelly, with MTA Attorney and Government Affairs Counsel Mark Staples covering the nuts and bolts.
Staples asked MTA members to "hold on" before passing judgment on the recent cabaret license rollout, despite the fact that some daily newspaper editorialists had "dissed the process."
"There are only a few days to deadline" for license applications to be filed with the Department of Revenue and so far "only six applications have been received by the department," he said.
"That shows It's going to take awhile but I still believe that eventually the licenses will go to those who ought to get them," Staples said, noting that "obviously hundreds of those entering the lottery thought they were applying for a liquor store, a gambling license, whatever," rather than simply entering a lottery to win the right to apply for a license specifically structered for table-served beer and wine for full-service restaurants.
He said, "The fact is, this process and these licenses have worked and will work, despite the bombs the daily press has lobbed."
Staples also advised members to "pay attention to the Attorney General race'; be aware and be thorough. Make sure they understand your business and your issues enough to truly earn your respect, your vote and your support."
He noted there are also many term-limited legislative seats that are open. "Early encouragement and support speak louder than late support. It's not at all too early to start meeting candidates and building relationships with those who respect who you are and what you do and who will be fair to you."
Chairman Mary Jane Heisler delivered the Budget Committee report.
"The auditor has given us high marks," Heisler said, and complimented the organization for the excellent condition of its books. Both the expense and income sides of the ledger were tracking as expected with financials solidly in the black, she said.
Heisler reported the Dinner/No Dinner raffle had sold 826 tickets at $100 each. After all prizes and expenses were covered, it was expected the organization would have earned $32,600 to fund its activities.
She told members there were 678 active, paid MTA members along with 177 "Gold Star" members, 48 associate members and three corporate sponsors.
Heisler said the organization's real estate its executive office building in Helena was seeing some improvements including upgraded signage, and a newly sealed asphalt parking lot.
Harry Klock and Darrell Keck, MTA's national directors to the American Beverage Licensees, MTA's national affiliate, reported the national organization is carefully following developments surrounding campaigns by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a few other social activist organizations to universally proscribe ignition interlock devices on all vehicles.
If the devices were universal and set to zero tolerance, it could be the demise of on-premise adult beverage service, Keck said.
"The new technology is surprising," Keck said, citing South Dakota's recent purchase of 250 alcohol detection ankle bracelets, secured in the face of a serious prison overcrowding situation.
Keck reminded MTA members that, at the national level, McCormick Distilling has been exceptionally supportive and, in turn, McCormick's high quality and high-value products deserve the support of every MTA member. He also said the next ABL board of directors meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21 in Washington, D.C.
MTA Executive Director Diana Koon said 67 booths had been filled by trade show vendors, a complete sell out. She said 267 had registered for the convention, a solid attendance figure but somewhat off the record set in Butte in 2006 leading up to the legislative session when interest always runs highest.
She said Convention Chairman Dan Skiles and his Flathead member-crew deserved acclaim for pulling together a well run and exceptionally fun convention, immediately ratified with a loud round of applause. She also thanked Tim Lannaghan and the Bulldog Convention Center and Outlaw WestCoast Hotel for the exceptional quality of service, food, drink and accommodations provided by the host facility.
Koon said the 2008 convention would be in the capable hands of the Cascade County Tavern Association which raised $4,910 through its silent auction at this convention to help fund the next.
Outgoing MTA President Jupe Compton called his nominations committee to order to present the assemblage a slate of candidates for organization offices. They were:
President, Dennis White, Helena'; First Vice-President, Cal McOmber, Corvallis'; Second Vice-President, Bob Lincoln, Jr., Lakeside'; Secty.- Treas., Mary Jane Heisler, Great Falls and Barb Morris, Helena'; Seargent at Arms, Tippy Burtch, Cut Bank'; and National Director, Harry Klock, Harlowton.
The slate was duly elected by secret ballot with Heisler getting the nod for the Secty.-Treas. slot.
Finally, Missoula was nominated as the site for the 2009 convention.
With that, President Compton gaveled to a close his last MTA meeting and what was, by general acclaim, an exceptional 2007 convention.
Compton said, "We had no major shipwrecks on my watch. The committee chairs do a great job. Our Executive Director, Diana, and Lobbyist, Mark Staples, also do a great job. Thank you for the help you've given me."
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, September, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.