St. Paul — September 1, 2015 The Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA – www.mlba.com) today announced it has named Tony Chesak as its new Executive Director.
Chesak has been with MLBA for 14 years, serving as the association’s Associate Director and Director of Education. Previous MLBA Executive Director Frank Ball retired in 2015 after six and a half years with the association. Prior to working with the MLBA, Chesak worked in the wholesale beverage distribution business. He attended the University of Texas at Tyler and lives in Mahtomedi with his wife and four children.
“Our association is strong because of the more than 1,300 small business members we have across Minnesota who are connected to their communities,” said Chesak. “I’m looking forward to helping MLBA build on our strengths and continue to play a key role in cities large and small and at the State Capitol.” MLBA also announced that they have hired MZA+Co to assist with membership development and communications. MZA+Co is a St. Paul-based public relations and public affairs company known for its strategic approach to helping clients meet their goals. The firm is led by former Minnesota Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers, Brian McClung and Chas Anderson. The firm’s three principals have decades of experience in public relations and the highest levels of state government crafting, implementing and managing strategic communications and public affairs initiatives for businesses, trade associations, non-profits and government agencies.
Since 1952, MLBA has helped licensed beverage retailers, both off-sale and on-sale, with information resources, educational programs and government affairs services to promote their businesses. The organization has more than 1,300 members across the entire state. MLBA is known at the State Capitol and around Minnesota as a strong and active voice in support of balanced alcohol regulations and independent retailers who are involved in our communities.
“Tony has an exceptionally strong background working with our members on education and legislative issues,” said MLBA President Bryan Turtle of Turtle’s Bar & Grill. “We’re excited to have him taking the reins as we continue to show value for members around Minnesota and at the State Capitol. We’re also pleased to have the experienced team at MZA+Co coming on board to help us grow and elevate awareness of MLBA, our members and our mission.”