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When the USBG Board of Directors originally formed back in 2013, they made a commitment to the development of a well-informed and organized collaborative of national leaders. The Board established a time-honored tradition of holding an annual retreat with both newly elected and outgoing USBG Board and Foundation members to connect, allowing them to streamline and develop strong and effective leadership strategies with a vision to the future of the USBG.
This year's Board Retreat was both virtual and in-person at Westerbeke Ranch to offer flexibility during the ongoing pandemic. Virtual attendees were invited to each working session via Zoom. To accommodate both live and virtual attendees, flip charts were used and Google sheets captured their input. Live activities were later recorded into Google sheets. Sessions also included break out groups, where virtual attendees participated in discussion via FaceTime or/or speakerphone with their group.
2022 Board Retreat Attendees:
USBG Board Member
Director
USBG Board Member
Director & Treasurer
USBG Board Member
Director
USBG Board Member
Director
USBG Board Member
Director
USBG Board Member
Director & President
USBG Foundation
Board Member & Director
USBG Board Member
Director
USBG Board Member
Director
(2016-2017/2019-2021)
USBG Board Member
Director (2007-2021)
USBG Board Member
Director
USBG National Council of Chapters Representative (South)
USBG Board Member
Director & Treasurer
USBG Executive Director
USBG Board Member
Director (2019-2021)
USBG Foundation
Board Member & Director
Over the past few years, the Board has worked hard to implement positive change and embrace challenges through tact, diplomacy, and introspect:
- Founding of the USBG National Charity Foundation (2012)
- National conversion to governing Board of Directors aka Governance 2.0 (2013)
- Board Retreats established (2013)
- Regional Conference Program launched nationally (2014)
- National Resolution Committee formed (2015)
- Bartender Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP) and Helen David Relief Funds (HDRF) established (2015)
- New Website Launches (2015 and 2018)
- USBG Education Week launch (2016)
- Chapter conversion to governing Boards of Directors (2018-2019)
"The annual retreat provides an opportunity for volunteers to take a step back and focus on the long-term needs of the organization and its members. With members of the National Council of Chapters and the USBG Foundation present, the Board was also able to connect with these other key governance groups within the organization to provide strategic direction inclusive of these diverse needs." - Aaron Gregory Smith, USBG Executive Director.
The role of the Board is strategic.
With this mindset, the Board worked to identify challenges, develop solutions, and clarify expectations through professional facilitation and deep deliberation. They worked deliberately to identify key industry trends and develop innovative ways to respond.
We asked a few attendees to tell us about their 2022 Board Retreat experience & takeaways:
What is your top take-away from the retreat and why? I'm impressed with how well the virtual attendees were integrated into the meetings.
What did you enjoy most about the retreat? I was able to develop a strong rapport with the other virtual attendees.
What do you look forward to as a National Board member? It's been a while since we had anything close to normal conditions for the industry and our organization, so I'm eager to help guide ours.
--T. Cole Newton | Owner of Twelve Mile Limit in New Orleans, LA | 17 years in the industry
What is your top take-away from the retreat and why? I need to start to focus on my committee work to ensure I’m entrenched in the responsibilities and needs of our members to ensure I’m making the MOST informed business decisions for our organization's long term success…. I am already in the process of stepping down from all other roles to be able to dedicate myself to that commitment.
What did you enjoy most about the retreat? Getting to know everyone a little better.
What do you look forward to as a National Board member? Being an effective leader, and helping do my part to usher in a successful future that our prior leaders have helped lay out for us.
--Joseph Fredrickson | Owner & Operator of Society Lounge in Cleveland, OH | 18 years in the industry
What is your top take-away from the retreat and why? Getting the opportunity to learn how the National Board works, objectives, goals planning, etc. To be able to be a part of the future of USBG and having input has been an incredible experience for me.
What did you enjoy most about the retreat? To be a part of the conversation. The setting and location. What a beautiful and peaceful place to be able to keep the focus on the agenda. No distractions. The after dinner get-togethers. Relax and unwind to get to know each other on a personal level.
What do you look forward to as a National Board member? Continuing to learn from the Board of Directors and to be a part of the future.
--Trish Renehan Vodrazka | Corporate Operations Auditor, Gallo Blanco | 15 years in the industry
What is your top take-away from the retreat and why? [The USBG’s] 75th Anniversary will be great!
What did you enjoy most about the retreat? The Fireplace chats. Always seems to bring everything together.
What do you look forward to as a National Board member? My new role and responsibilities.
--Bob Dagostino | Bartender with Topgolf/Crazy Horse in Valley View, OH | 38+ years in the industry
What is your top take-away from the retreat and why? 75th Anniversary and present-day dedication is as important as the future.
What did you enjoy most about the retreat? Game night.
What do you look forward to as a National Board member? Planning
--Ingrid Rodriguez | WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, Senior Steward of the Southeast | 16 years in the industry
As we enter 2022, we recognize the challenges and obstacles our community has had to work through and overcome due to the pandemic. It has not been easy, but our community members continue to thrive and band together! We are proud to recognize that our Board is made up of extremely dedicated and driven leaders that hold a passion for our industry and the heart and soul that is the United States Bartenders' Guild.
#BoardofDirectors
#usbg
#RestoretheCraft