MTA board has packed agenda
By Paul Tash
Montana Tavern Times
The Montana Tavern Association executive board meeting Nov. 11 in Helena featured discussions on a number of issues, including the November election, the upcoming legislative session, the recent convention in Havre, and ways to improve gaming revenues.
The board also set Wednesday, Jan. 26, as the date for its biannual legislative reception at Jorgenson's in Helena. The board will meet earlier that day, as well.
Following are highlights of committee reports at the board meeting.
Legislative and Gambling
Committee Chairman Ralph Ferraro said his committee met earlier in the day and largely discussed “what we could possibly do to help our businesses in so far as gaming goes.”
The wide-ranging discussion touched on a variety of possibilities, including the introduction of new games and machine enhancements.
“At the end of the meeting, we decided we don't really have a plan,” he said, but that “everybody's thinking about the possibilities.”
Ferraro then introduced Mark Staples, MTA's government affairs counsel, who provided a run-down on a variety of issues.
Staples said that because of the economic situation, “everything is taking a back seat” to gaming’s struggles.
“But I want you to know there are thundering hooves in other directions, as well – serious ones.”
For example, he cited some local municipalities trying to enact mandatory server training at the local level. Doing so would circumvent the Legislature's plans for a statewide program that “has the endorsement of the entire hospitality community” and would create “a hodge-podge of differing, local regimes in sector that has from the get-go been regulated at the state level.”
And several bills set to be introduced in the upcoming Legislative session deal with important licensing requirements, Staples said. In fact, several bills could impact MTA members in a variety of ways, including those that would:
• Eliminate prohibition on private shipping of wine into the state;
• Revise microbrewery and microdistillery laws;
• Require bars to have outside cameras;
• Increase penalties for DUI;
• Revise liquor laws related to non-profits and the ability to protest;
• Clarify liquor laws related to serving underage and intoxicated persons;
• Increase consequences for refusal to provide breath or blood samples;
• Strengthen laws for aggravated driving under the influence;
• Clarify that the Clean Indoor Air Act applies to the smoking of marijuana;
• Enact mandatory alcohol server training;
• And authorize county social host liability ordinances.
Staples then discussed November's general election, which was good for the Montana Tavern Association, but not perfect.
“We gained some new friends,” Staples said, “but lost some old ones.”
But of the 61 races in which MTA's PAC contributed, Staples said 58 of MTA-supported candidates won.
Staples also lauded local MTA members in Gallatin County for their success in promoting association-friendly candidates who won.
“You guys did a hell of a job.”
He added that the local association in Great Falls did very well, as did Helena and the local Tri-County association.
Staples then thanked everybody who participated in the election process.
He added that the MTA is planning some dinners for the new legislators in several communities, including possibly Kalispell, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula. He said successful candidate forums were held in Billings and Ravalli County.
Staples also mentioned that a rules hearing is upcoming, though not yet scheduled, that will determine premise issues, especially regarding patios and decks. It also will define “go-cups” and develop rules for go-cup use.
That hearing will also “define food” as it relates to the requirement that beer and wine license holders offer food at their establishments – what exactly do licensees have to provide, and how much.
Additionally, the Department of Revenue could further define what constitutes a bar, and what is mandatory for beer and wine licensees to have.
Budget and Finance
Mary Jane Heisler gave the Budget and Finance Committee report.
She said the group's two main fund-raisers had some success, despite some tough times. The traditional no-dinner dinner raffle made $15,600 this year, she said, after a late push at the convention banquet in Havre in September.
Members joked that MTA President Bruce Enott, who traditionally sells the most tickets by fare, get cracking.
“I move that Bruce buy or sell half of the no-dinner tickets,” said Darrell Keck, to laughter from the crowd.
And the new Charity Mania fundraiser raised $26,400, despite a late start due to issues with getting the game approved and the materials distributed.
Membership is down from the year before. Heisler attributed the falling membership to a variety of reasons, including the poor economy, smoking issue and MTA administrative changes and not sending out timely renewal notices.
“We do need to get out there and let the people know in Montana that we're still around,” Heisler said.
Heisler then briefly reviewed the organization's balance sheet, saying that MTA's finances have certainly improved since the 1974 convention in Great Falls, when members had to pass the hat to pay bills.
“I got on the board and wanted to know what happened,” she said.
“(Improving finances) was a goal of mine for a long time,” she said.
An appreciative crowd gave her an ovation.
She said there had been some corrections requested in the year’s budgeting by the auditor, and those were being adopted.
2010 Convention
Heisler gave the convention report as well.
She said the convention attracted 221 registrants, which was way down from past years. Heisler attributed the smaller turnout to economic and administration factors, as well as very late mailing of registration materials to members.
“Overall, I think Havre did a really good job,” she said.
Public Relations
The traditional no-dinner dinner fundraiser is being revised a bit, said Public Relations Committee Chairman Bobby Lincoln.
The committee, he said, decided to spread out the winnings so there are more winners.
So the top prize will be cut from $15,000 to $10,000, with the other $5,000 to be “reinvested” into new payouts in the form of 10 $500 drawings to be held the night of the trade show. And instead of one “early bird” winner of $4,000, the group will pick four $1,000 winners – one each in June, July, August and September – to help promote early ticket sales.
Continued participation in the popular Charity Mania fundraiser, Lincoln said, was “pretty much a no-brainer.” The fundraiser's first year was successful, even though it didn't get started as early as it needs to be. He said the group will be much better organized for next year.
Lincoln said taverns have shown interest in participating in the free-drink coupons that are the main part of the promotion.
The committee also endorsed the use of a “telephone tree” as an additional communication tool to supplement the emails sent by the MTA office. Lincoln said the MTA office is working on finding a phone system to accommodate that effort.
In addition, Lincoln said, the committee endorsed a new mentoring program to match veteran members with new members to help them better navigate the MTA and its issues.
“I think making ourselves available to new members is a good idea,” Lincoln said.
Executive Director Anderson is working on developing that program, he said.
Executive Director
Anderson reported that although attendance at the recent convention in Havre was down by about 26 percent over recent years, members of the Hi-Line Tavern Association rallied to make the event a success.
Financially, it was more successful for MTA than originally believed, Anderson said.
“Membership and service has been the major focus of our MTA office and staff,” Anderson added. “We have noted that other trade associations have also seen a downturn in member numbers; however MTA's dues are significantly low in comparison to many other associations and should not be a major factor in the decision to belong.”