WELCOME
Letter from the Chairman
BY PAUL THOMAS | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Here ' s to Summer
The days have finally gotten longer , and we are all working on finishing preparations for a summer season that is projected to be more on par with what we expect here in Alaska . Our out-of-state independent visitors are returning , and cruise ships passengers will return in significant numbers . Our dedicated Dream Team is preparing for the June board meeting and our Annual Selman Memorial Golf Tournament . All signs of an eagerly anticipated but cautious return to normal .
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KEEPING UP
Hopefully , you are already fully staffed with trained workers that will stay with you through the season . Keeping up with staffing and training issues has become a full-time position for many of us . But don ’ t forget , in addition to your in-house training , to make sure your staff is Training for Alcohol Professionals ( TAP ) certified . Check on the certification dates of your long-term team and yourself as well . Remember that anyone involved in the sale of alcohol in any way , including servers , bartenders , security , managers , owners , and retail clerks , is required by Alaska State law to take the class . Classes are filling up this time of year with increased numbers of students for in-person classes and the TAP Webinar class . Remember that registration for the online Webinar class is required . You can find class dates for online and inperson classes and register and pay for the online classes at the Alaska CHARR website under the EDUCATION & TRAINING heading .
WITH STAFFING AND TRAINING ISSUES HAS BECOME A FULL- TIME POSITION FOR MANY OF US .
As summer business activity increases , remember to watch your social media accounts . Social media has become a potent advertising tool offering us a relatively easy and inexpensive method to reach current and new customers . We all use different methods to keep up with the many platforms available . Whether it ’ s owners , staff , or professionals updating the content , remember to keep an eye on that content , consider it from all viewpoints , and discuss with your team what you believe is appropriate , legal , and conveys the right message for your business . Make sure product posts and specials adhere to the strict laws and regulations that we operate under . Look for ways a picture or wording might be misinterpreted and how what was intended to be a positive post may be turned into something damaging . Posts that could be interpreted as promoting events like Happy Hours or business name inconsistencies have caused legal problems for businesses . Posts and pictures that could be construed by others not following the rules can easily slip into our social media .
Many of us look towards recreational activities on the water in the summer months . Another of my professional interests is my service on the Alaska Boating Safety Advisory Council . This summer , the council ’ s administrative arm , the Alaska Boating Safety Program , will run a SAVE IT FOR THE SHORE campaign in July . As you market your business to those enjoying Alaska waters , please remember to make sure those posts show how we , as Alaskans , have fun and do it responsibly . Keeping up the promotion of how fun and responsible we are in the hospitality industry without letting someone turn a positive post into something not intended or even negative goes a long way towards benefiting us all .
I wish you all a great summer season with many positives and sales more in line with the summers before Covid .
ALASKA CHARR MAGAZINE | 2