Jimmy's Conference Center
35E and County Rd E in Vadnais Heights

Held Sunday October 4, 2009

Scroll down to see exhibitors and the

2009 Hospy Award Winners

The Midwest Expo was held at Jimmy’s Conference Centre in Vadnais Heights on Sunday, October 4, 2009. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the exhibitors listed below, a great time was had by all. From 2 PM to 5:30 PM, attendees met with exhibitors and learned about their products and services. New this year was a "Sales: Up Yours!" seminar put on by the Blue Collar Sales Guys. After the trade show portion, exhibitors and attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner, sponsored by Illinois Casualty Company. A special thanks goes out to Marion Dauner and Vinocopia for donating 2 bottles of wine at each table from Piattelli Vineyards.

After dinner each vendor was thanked by MLBA staff and had a chance to speak to the group by way of wireless microphone. You too can thank those that provided display tables shown below (just click on any photo for a full size image and contact information. These are the true supporters of MLBA and it is with their help that MLBA is able to continue to fight wine in grocery, increased alcohol taxes and smoking bans, while pushing for Dram Shop relief. After dinner was the Hospy™ Hall of fame Awards ceremony. See below. Then the MLBA Scavenger Hunt Game winners were announced followed by a Children's Fund Live Auction. Guests then moved over to Jimmy's Lounge and were treated to live old time rock & roll music with "The Cruisers".

Stay tuned to mlba.com for thedate and time for next year's Midwest Expo!!

Hospy™ Hall of Fame
Harold Rutstein
Wirtz Beverage Minnesota

Hospy™ Hall of Fame
Sid Applebaum
Applebaum Companies
(accepted by daughter Nancy Rosenberg)

Elected Official of the Year
Sen. Kathy Saltzman,
Woodbury

Friend of the Retailer
Marion Dauner
Vinocopia

Friend of the Retailer
Steve Trimble
MLBA

Friend of the Retailer
Lindy Bannister
The Wedge Co-Op

Tavern of the Year
Joe Amy
Fireside Lounge & Supper Club, Dennison

Not Pictured:
Elected Official: Gov. Pawlenty
Hospy: Josh Mitchell

Package Store of the Year
Jennifer Schoenzeit
Zipp's Liquor, Minneapolis