USBG Board Members Connect in 2023

A few accomplishments over the past years:

In 2020, when our industry was hit by the biggest mass work disruption, ever, with the spread of Covid-19, the USBG’s charitable arm, the USBG Foundation, enacted the USBG Foundation COVID-19 Relief Campaign of the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP). The community

rallied together with the generous support of numerous organizations. With their help, the USBG National Charity Foundation's Bartender Emergency Assistance Program's COVID-19 Relief Campaign disbursed $9.6 million in the form of more than 32,000 grants to hospitality workers in need.

In 2021, the Guild switched to an annual versus anniversary membership calendar, eliminating rejoin fees. Subsequently, all USBG memberships end on December 31st with a 60-day grace period through February 28th. Several campaigns were put in place to make it easier for members to join, rejoin, and renew.
 

USBG Annual Campaigns:

• • April 1-30: Spring Membership Drive | Rejoin and Save $25
  • July 1: New Member Drive | Membership opens up for the following year.
  • Those who join in the summer receive complimentary months of membership
  • October 1-30: Renewal Campaign | Renew and Save 10%
  • December 5: Repeal and Renew Campaign | Renew on Dec 5 and Save 10%

Group Membership:
During 2021, The Guild List, an online directory of USBG Partners and Vendors was launched to provide members an opportunity to learn more about USBG Partner services, and allowing bars, restaurants, and caterers to be listed as “Guildhouses” and recognized as supporters of the USBG.

Code of Conduct:
The USBG updated its official Member Code of Conduct for 2021. The Code’s parameters apply equally to all USBG members and stakeholders with a commitment to creating a welcoming, safe, rewarding, and collaborative environment free from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation.

USBG Vision & Mission Statements:
In 2022, the Guild unveiled its new vision and mission statements, reflecting priorities in line with the goal of evolving the Guild along with the industry as it emerges from its worst existential threat since Prohibition.

Vision: Bartending is a respected and fun occupation in a healthy environment that builds a hub for community.

Mission: Uniting and elevating the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy.

At the Retreat
The retreat kicked off at Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma, California. with a Board orientation led by T. Cole, Newton, USBG President, and Aaron Gregory Smith, USBG Executive Director. During the retreat, the Board worked together, to develop a strategic plan to identify challenges, develop solutions, and clarify expectations through professional facilitation and deep deliberation. 

Megan Finnerty presented Storytelling, a seminar focusing on mentorship with a vision to the future. Alison Hart facilitated a workshop centering around strategic planning initiatives and advocacy training. Jess Pettitt hosted an inclusion and cultural sensitivity seminar.

Everyone enjoyed a lavish winery tour at Gundlach Bundshu, California's oldest continuously family-owned winery, and the third oldest winery after Buena Vista Winery. Board members stepped out of their shells through self assessments, delving into strategies to improve their weaknesses and build upon their strengths. To wrap up, committee charters were adopted and discussed.

We asked a few Board members to share what they enjoyed most at this year's retreat:
Donny Clutterbuck:

What did you enjoy most about the retreat? I really enjoyed the diversity and strength of facilitation this year. The storytelling piece was uncomfortable and prompted me to think of how we convey ideas to others in a new manner. Allison’s facilitation was direct and no b.s. and I appreciated the heck out of that— I think it really brought us closer together. Jess Pettitt, as usual, brought some life-changing perspective to the table with further diversity work. Really groundbreaking stuff this year.

What motivates you to serve in 2023? I’m motivated to serve again in 2023 because I’m always motivated to find problems and solve them from an objective standpoint. I’d argue it's one of my strongest skills, and being able to tie it to the industry in which I’ve spent a vast majority of my life is something I’d have trouble passing up when given the opportunity.

What did you learn the most about? Anything new that you learned or anything that opened up your mind? Diversity work was the most enlightening bit. Seeing the cultural adaptability scores of the Board and thinking what the membership’s scores might look like explained, and why the membership in some cases sees the Board as elitist or separate from the membership, somehow. One step closer to tying the Board back to the membership and representing the organization’s interests appropriately.

Bobby Dagostino:
What did you enjoy most about the retreat? As much as I loved having Dan the past few retreats I really like Allison and her more direct approach. Liked the sessions with Megan and of course Jess is always a pleasure. It's amazing how much we get done in person than when doing meetings over Zoom.
What motivates you to serve in 2023? I've been a member for 10 years and tending for 40 years. The first couple years when I joined I couldn't believe how much I didn't know and how much BS is out there about spirits and brands. 75th anniversary. The industry itself.
What did you learn the most about? Anything new that you learned or anything that opened up your mind? Don't leave anything in your rental car if you have out of state plates.