Milwaukee District
President Letter

January 2011

Greetings and Felicitations Fellow District Milwaukee Members

As we are in the depth of a lovely Midwest cold snap, there are but four things that come to my mind (friends, please no jokes about my state of mind!!): Beer, keeping that beer from freezing in our hands, our Beloved District Milwaukee MBAA, and the NFC Championship game.

Beer: We are all fortunate enough to be in the business of beer, whether we are brewers, packagers, vendors selling us things to better make our beer, or just plain beer lovers. Sure, we all occasionally move to the "dark side" and imbibe in distilled spirits, but beer is where our hearts lay. On those long, hard days where it seems that our work is frustrating and for naught, we can still sit back at the end of a shift and enjoy the fruits of our labors, content in the fact that we bring joy to the lives of others with what we create.

Keeping that beer from freezing in our hands: It's winter, and it's damn cold. But have heart; spring is just around the corner. Try drinking that beer indoors, where it's apt to be a tad warmer.

Our Beloved District Milwaukee MBAA: Can it get any better than this? We belong to the Heritage District, and we do so with pride. There are people here that have been members longer than many current members have been alive, and they drink and enjoy beer with a distinction that comes with age. They contribute a true sense of history and camaraderie to those of us that have come along since. Why I was but a mere child, barely fumbling with my first bottle of beer, when members like Jerry Hilton, Tom Volke, John Kretsch, Dave Radzanowski, and Gary Luther had already established themselves as masters of the business. These are the people that contribute more than just membership to our District – they teach us the all-important history of how things were, and how they can be. I raise a glass and salute all those that have been such staunch advocates of this crazy business we call beer. Cheers, and prost!!!!

The NFC Championship Game: GO BEARS!!!!!!!! Alright, I realize that there are those of you that are diehard Packer fans, and quite honestly, that's ok. I have been a Bears fan for nearly as long as I have been drinking beer. Regardless, I am overjoyed in the fact that the NFC Championship is to be decided between us. It honestly doesn't matter who wins the game on Sunday, January 23, 2011 – I kid, it does matter!!!!!!!!! YOU PACKERS ARE GOING DOWN, DOWN I SAY!!!!!! OK, sorry about that, moment of weakness. Still, it brings a little tear to the right hand corner of my left hand eye knowing that, together, we are the best in the NFC this year. I salute the Packers, and very nearly wish them well. This message will be posted after the game is over, so get your chuckles now if the Packers magically win the game (through whatever underhanded ways they can!!!). Should my Bears win, I shall salute you, you have done our Division proud. Still, go Bears.

Lastly, I would like to announce who you and I have chosen this year to represent our District in the various positions of import, for these people deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work. Really, you think it's easy putting on this show?

President: OK, that's me, Kris Kalav, of Minhas Brewing Company, and mostly because Tom Eplett was transferred to North Carolina

Vice-President/Technical Chair: The handsome and talented Randy Thiel, of New Glarus Brewing Company

Secretary: The up-and-coming Manager-With-a-Vengeance Andy Jones, of Lakefront Brewery

Past President: The lovely and heavily overworked Mary Pellettieri of MillerCoors, who has graciously consented to be Past for another year

Treasurer-For-Life and Condolence Chair: Tom Volke, who though mostly retired, works harder than any three men I know

Public Relations Co-Chairs: The Honorable Jerry Hilton, who shall serve as an advisor and PR Emeritus to our faithfully lovely and reasonably overworked Gretchen Wilson-Kalav, who puts out such snappy meeting notices and invokes the Powers of The Gods to garner attendance at our meetings

Arrangements Chairs: The nattily dressed, for a Packer fan, John Kretsch, who has been Arrangements Chair for 275 years, and the aforementioned lovely Gretchen Wilson-Kalav, who shall attempt to continue the nattily dressed theme set forth by John

Membership Chairs: The lovely and talented Penny Pickart, who keeps us all well-sated with those delicious malted milk balls, and the equally lovely Gretchen Wilson-Kalav – did I mention over-worked?

Board of Governors Representative: The dashing and well-traveled Mike Scanzello, who has graciously consented to continue to represent us at National with aplomb and dignity

Thank you all for your continued support of The Master Brewers Association, District Milwaukee, and I look forward to seeing you all at future meetings. Did I mention….Go Bears?