Frequently Asked Questions About the BEP
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the
Wisconsin BEP. For questions about becoming a licensed BEP operator,
or opening a BEP facility on your property, also check the FAQ pages
under Retain BEP Services and
Become an Operator.
- What are your business hours?
- When does the ECBV meet?
- Are BEP operators State employees?
- Who sets prices at BEP locations?
- Who is in charge of the BEP operators?
- What if I have a complaint?
Our business hours at the RSVW office are 8am to 4:30pm, Monday through
Friday, excluding major holidays. BEP specialists may be available
outside these times by appointment.
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The ECBV meets the second Tuesday of each month. For 2008, the
meeting dates are:
| * |
January 8 |
| |
February 12 |
| |
March 11 |
| * |
April 8 |
| |
May 13 |
| |
June 10 |
| * |
July 8 |
| |
August 12 |
| |
September 9 |
| * |
October 14 |
| |
November 11 |
| |
December 9 |
An asterisk before the meeting date indicates a quarterly meeting with DWD.
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No.
BEP operators are small business owners, who run private concessions.
Their membership in the Wisconsin BEP program entitles them to priority on
municipal, county, state and federal properties. "Priority" means these businesses have
the first right of refusal to run their businesses on these properties.
They do not receive any government subsidies, or participate in the State's
benefit programs, such as retirement and group health insurance. Like
some franchises, however, the facility and equipment are owned by the State
of Wisconsin, who maintains both in consideration of fees paid by the
operators.
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BEP operators, like other business owners, are responsible for setting
their own prices based on the needs of the business. BEP operators
manage their finances using standard tools like profit and loss statements
and income statements. They set prices at a level that balances
competition from other local vendors with the costs of the business.
As in other chain franchises, BEP operators with locations in the same
geographic area may act together to keep prices similar from location to
location within the program.
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BEP operators, as private business owners, are in charge of themselves.
However, their membership in the Wisconsin BEP obligates BEP operators to
adhere to the program's rules and regulations, as well as the
laws specific
to the program. BEP operators also observe all other laws and
regulations that apply to any Wisconsin business, such as collecting for and
paying sales tax to the State of Wisconsin. Compliance is monitored by
the State of Wisconsin, through its contract for management services, and
through an elected committee of their peers.
The Wisconsin BEP also offers licensed operators support services through
the BEP specialists. These staff may advise BEP operators, but
ultimately, the operators make their own business decisions.
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Since the host properties set the terms of their
agreements directly with the Wisconsin BEP, individual operators have little
control over issues like when the facility is open for business. These
types of complaints should be directed to the
Wisconsin BEP, who will work with the host property manager and DWD to
resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all concerned.
BEP locations, especially those where food is prepared on site, are
inspected by the local health officials as required of all food service
operations. This ensures that each location is operating in a safe and
legal manner for its customers. If you believe there is an outstanding
problem, Wisconsin BEP encourages you to contact the operator directly to
discuss it. If this does not resolve your problem, you are welcome to
contact
Kent
Walser at the Wisconsin BEP, who has
established procedures for investigation and resolution of customer issues.
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Last Revised:
12/09/07.
