Are BEP operators State employees?
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.
