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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(LANSING, Mich) – Legislators in Lansing have recently declared July as “Michigan Craft Beer Month” with the introduction of House Resolution No. 135 and Senate Resolution No. 61, noting the brewing industry’s long-standing history, impact on both the tourism and agricultural interests and the ongoing contributions to the overall economy of the state.

Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild operates as the non-profit trade organization representing craft brewing interests around the state. With more than 290 member breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs spread out from coast to coast to coast – throughout both Peninsulas, in rural and urban areas – it’s no wonder Michigan is known as “The Great Beer State.” Currently Michigan ranks #4 nationally for the overall number of breweries, at 350+, according to the Brewers Association.

The highlight of “Michigan Craft Beer Month” is the 22nd Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival, July 26-27 at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti’s historic Depot Town – along the banks of the Huron River. Featuring nearly 150 breweries and more than 1,000 unique beers, this is the largest of the Guild’s four annual festivals (the others being the UP Fall Beer Festival, September 7 in Marquette; Detroit Fall Beer Festival, October 25-26 at Eastern Market in downtown Detroit; and Michigan Winter Beer Festival, February 21-22 at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, just north of downtown Grand Rapids). More than 35,000 people collectively attend the Guild’s annual festivals.

SR61 was introduced by Senator MacGregor and HR135 was introduced by Representatives Farrington, Chirkun, Clemente, Crawford, Garza, Gay-Dagnogo, Haadsma, Jones, Kuppa, Lasinski, Love, Manoogian, Sabo, Shannon, Slagh, Sneller and Warren. The House Resolution reads:

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of Michigan’s entrepreneurial traditions, operating as community-based small businesses and providing employment for more than 17,000 workers; and

     Whereas, Our state has craft brewers in every region of the state and more than 300 craft brewers statewide; and

     Whereas, Michigan ranks fifth in the nation for overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs; and

     Whereas, The Michigan Brewers Guild celebrates Michigan Craft Beer Month each year by hosting a Summer Festival in July; and

    Whereas, Craft brewers in Michigan support state agriculture by purchasing hops, malted barley, wheat, beet sugar, cherries, apples, and numerous other fruits, herbs, spices, and vegetables grown here; and

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers promote Michigan’s spirit of independence through a renaissance in handcrafted beers like those first brought to our state by European settlers and produced here by our forefathers, including Bernhard Stroh, for the enjoyment of the citizenry; and

     Whereas, Striving to educate legal drinking-age residents, Michigan craft brewers convey awareness about the differences in beer flavor, aroma, color, alcohol content, body, and other complex variables, beer history, and gastronomic qualities of beer; and

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking; and

     Whereas, Craft brewers in Michigan produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beers, the quality and diversity of which have made Michigan the envy of many states, contributing to balanced trade with increased Michigan exports and promoting our state’s tourism; and

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers have shown a successful business model by contributing more than $700 million in labor income with a total economic contribution of more than $2.4 billion, thriving and expanding by furthering their economic importance to the state; and

     Whereas, Michigan craft brewers are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities as employers providing a diverse array of quality local jobs, as contributors to the local tax base, and as committed sponsors of a broad range of vital community institutions and philanthropic causes, including not-for-profit housing development associations, chambers of commerce, humane societies, athletic teams, and medical research; now, therefore, be it

     Resolved by the Senate and House, That the members of this legislative body commemorate July 2019 as Craft Beer Month and recognize the contributions that Michigan craft brewers have made to our state’s communities, economy, and history; and be it further

     Resolved, That we commend Michigan craft brewers for providing jobs, improving the balance of trade, supporting Michigan agriculture, and educating residents about the history and culture of beer, while promoting the responsible consumption of beer as a beverage of moderation.

The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Michigan Brewers Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.

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MBG Board of Directors

PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

The Michigan Brewers Guild recently elected its 2019 Board of Directors at its annual meeting, January 10, at the Kalamazoo Radisson Plaza Hotel. Each board position is a two-year term, elected in alternating years (4, 3).

This year, three people were elected to the Guild board:

  • Isaac Hartman, “Ambassador of Great Beer” from New Holland Brewing Company, was elected to his sixth term.
  • Rick Schmitt, Co-Owner of Stormcloud Brewing in Frankfort, was elected to his first term after being appointed in April 2018 to fill a mid-term vacancy on the board.
  • Aubrey Martinson, Co-Owner of Chelsea Alehouse in Chelsea, was elected to her first term.

Additional board members include:

  • Scott Newman-Bale, Vice President of Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire, continues his fifth term and remains the Guild’s President.
  • Ryan Cottongim, Owner of Witch’s Hat Brewing Company in South Lyon, continues his second term and remains the Guild’s Vice President.
  • David Ringler, Owner of Cedar Springs Brewing Company in Cedar Springs, continues his first term and remains the Guild’s treasurer.
  • Chas Thompson, Beer Engineer at Schmohz Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, continues his first elected term after being appointed in 2017 to fill a mid-term vacancy on the board. He will remain the Guild’s secretary.

The conference was a record-breaker in many ways for the organization, with more than 750 attendees including nearly 130 vendors in the Allied Member Trade Show. The Guild also reported 256-member breweries at the close of 2018, up from 245 at the end of 2017.

The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than 14,000 full-time jobs, $662 million in labor income / wages with a total economic impact of over $2 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #4 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

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Michigan Breweries brought home 9 medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) Competition last weekend.  The competition in Denver, Colorado collected over 2,400 breweries from all over the country.  293 judges looked at over 8,500 beers and awarded a total of 312 medals to beers that demonstrated excellence in their style.

Big congratulations to The Mitten Brewing Co from Grand Rapids for their gold medal in American Style Amber/Red Ale with their West Coast Swing Amber.  Founders Brewing Company brought home two silver medals for their Breakfast Stout (Coffee Stout or Porter) and Porter (Robust Porter). Also winning silver medals were Wolverine State Brewing Company from Ann Arbor with NZ Pilz (American Style Pilsener), Bastone Brewery from Royal Oak with Kung Fu Smurf (Belgian Style Dubbel or Quadruple), Bell’s Roundhouse (Double Hoppy Red Ale), and Thornapple Brewing Company’s My Brown Eyed Girl (English Style Brown Ale).  Bronze medals were also awarded to Brew Detroit’s Cerveza Delray (International Style Pilsner) and Wolverine State Brewing Company’s Raucher (Smoke Beer).

More information about the competition and the winners below:

Continue reading →

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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(LANSING, Mich) – The Michigan Brewers Guild has once again designated July as Michigan Craft Beer Month. With more than 250 member breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs spread out from coast to coast to coast – through both Peninsulas, in rural and urban areas – it’s no wonder Michigan is known as “The Great Beer State.” Currently Michigan ranks #4 nationally for the overall number of breweries, according to the Brewers Association.

Legislators in Lansing annually recognize July as “Michigan Craft Beer Month,” noting its long-standing history, impact on both the tourism and agricultural industries, and the ongoing contributions to the economy of the state:

  • Michigan craft brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of Michigan’s entrepreneurial traditions, operating as community-based small businesses and providing employment for more than 5,000 workers;
  • Craft brewers in Michigan support state agriculture by purchasing hops, malted barley, wheat, beet sugar, cherries, apples, and numerous other fruits, herbs, and vegetables grown in Michigan;
  • Michigan craft brewers promote Michigan’s spirit of independence through a renaissance in handcrafted beers like those first brought to Michigan by European settlers and produced here by our forefathers, including Bernhard Stroh, for the enjoyment of the citizenry;
  • Striving to educate legal drinking-age residents, Michigan craft brewers convey awareness about the differences in beer flavor, aroma, color, alcohol content, body, and other complex variables, beer history, and gastronomic qualities of beer; Michigan craft brewers have been a successful business model by contributing well over $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $600 million, thriving and expanding in furthering their economic importance to the state;
  • Craft brewers in Michigan produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beers, the quality and diversity of which have made Michigan the envy of many states, contributing to balanced trade with increased Michigan exports and promoting Michigan tourism;
  • Michigan craft brewers are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities as employers providing a diverse array of quality local jobs, as contributors to the local tax base, and as committed sponsors of a broad range of vital community institutions and philanthropic causes, including not-for-profit housing development associations, chambers of commerce, humane societies, athletic teams, and medical research.
  • Michigan craft brewers champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking;

The Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four eco-conscious festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its members breweries, which attracts more than 35,000 people collectively each year. Upcoming festivals include:

The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Michigan Brewers Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.

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You may remember when I posted back about the 9th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival tickets going on sale.  Well I’ve got some more news about the event, and it looks to be a very exciting festival.

This year, the festival has had nearly 120 Michigan breweries signed on to appear.  you can find the complete list so far here, and I think that with this lineup, you are guaranteed to find something that you will like.  I’m always excited to see what kind of new and exclusive brews I can find from the likes Shorts, Vivant, and Jolly Pumpkin.  And I really want to see what Old Nation has brewing since I have totally fallen in love with M-34.  There are plenty of breweries on this list that I have never had a single beer from, and I bet many of you are in the same boat.  So it is probably a great idea to get adventurous and find something new.

There is more information in the Press Release that I have included below.

PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

Nearly 120 Michigan Craft Breweries to Participate in 9th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival

The Michigan Brewers Guild’s 9th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival (Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 at Eastern Market in Detroit) promises to be bigger and better than ever before—with nearly 120 Michigan craft breweries signed up to participate. Now in its 20thyear, the Michigan Brewers Guild prides itself as hosting the oldest, largest and original craft beer festivals by the brewers, about the brewers and for the brewers.

The Motor City has a long-standing brewing history and in recent years it has been revitalized thanks to a growing interest in the craft beer movement. Established in 1891, the current Eastern Market is one of the nation’s oldest farm markets and the area is rife with brewing history. In its heyday, there were more than 40 breweries in the Detroit area and malt silos still stand as a testament to the rich brewing history – making it the perfect backdrop for the Detroit Fall Beer Festival.

Tickets for Friday are $40 in advance (and $45 at the gate, if any remain available); Saturday tickets are $45 in advance. Admission includes 15 tasting tokens, each good for a three-ounce sample. Additional tokens are 50-cents each. Designated Drivers are encouraged and DD tickets are for $5 each. Designated Drivers must be 21 with a valid photo ID and are not permitted to drink any beer during the event.

The festival is held, rain or shine. Festival attendees must be 21 years of age or older and have valid photo ID to enter. Active Enthusiast Members ($55 annual fee) are admitted 1 hour prior to the general admission. The list of breweries, beers and entertainment will be posted in early October on The Mashblog.

The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Michigan Brewers Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $600 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

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Press Release Follows

North Peak Collaborates with Busch’s Fresh Food Market for Special Beer Release: Newfangled Pale Ale

 

(Dexter City, MI) — If you live in the Southeast Michigan, you know that Busch’s Fresh Food Markets and North Peak Brewing Company are both businesses focused on serving their local community – so why not do a collaboration? Great brewery with a solid line-up of craft beers meets great Food Market with a rather impressive selection of craft beer. This can only end well!

 

Busch’s Fresh Food Markets and North Peak Brewing Company have partnered together to release their first ever craft beer collaboration. Newfangled Pale Ale is a beer that celebrates the two brands commitment to the craft industry and local business. With a shared emphasis on freshness, consistency and quality of their products, these two brands have created a top-notch beer specifically crafted for our local region. With its Michigan-grown ingredients, Newfangled delivers a fresh, exceptional taste to our community from our community.

 

“At Busch’s Fresh Food Market, we strive to promote and sell locally produced food and beverages,” says Marty Phelan, Category Manager for Busch’s.  “Our ‘Brewed for Busch’s’ program allows us to partner with high-quality local breweries, like North Peak, to create unique beers for our guests to enjoy.”

 

Beginning in March, Busch’s Fresh Food Markets will exclusively offer this 5.5% ABV Newfangled Pale Ale, brimming with Citra, Cascade and Michigan Cascade/Chinook hops at its 16 stores throughout Michigan in Ann Arbor, Clinton, Carleton, Dexter, Farmington Hills, Livonia, Novi, Pinckney, Plymouth-Northville, Rochester Hills, Saline, South Lyon, Tecumseh, West Bloomfield and now in Canton.

 

North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally-sustainable practices. Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin, in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor and Jolly Pumpkin in Detroit. North Peak can also be found outside of Michigan, in select markets.

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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(Dexter City, MI)— New Year, New Beer. Headed your way this month is a new style of IPA for North Peak, an East Coast IPA called Stormy.

The brewery staff boasts this beer quickly became a favorite among them. “It’s a perfect beer for the wintery stormy weather we get here in Michigan,” says Northern United Brewing Company Production Manager Sean Brennen. “The malty, oat backbone balances the assertiveness of the six hop varietals leaving you with a fresh, hazy beer we all can’t get enough of.”

Coming in at 6.7% ABV and 35 IBU, Stormy Oat IPA is full of haziness along with dry/late hop additions to create a juicy mouth feel with citrus, piney notes unlike any other IPA. Stormy is now available in draft and North Peak’s signature stubby bottle 6-packs.

All North Peak beers are represented by a character and accompanying folklore tale (most famously Diabolical and the jackalope). Stormy is depicted by an underwater panther deep in the Great Lakes.

In the deepest depths of Lake Superior lives the most powerful being in the underwater world. The murky, dark, churning waters of its surroundings inspired our unfiltered IPA, Stormy. A mysterious creature with a body of a wild feline, horns of a deer, a scaled back and a tail so long it wraps around its body ending with a fish tail. With a warning hiss like the sound of rushing water, the underwater panther lives as protector of the vast amounts of copper in the Great Lakes. It’s been said that anyone who tries to steal copper from the lakes has grave misfortune befall them. Strangely, the metal has been found on numerous Great Lakes shipwrecks. Perhaps a mere coincidence, but it might behoove you to carry nothing of copper aboard your ship when crossing the Great Lakes.

North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices.

Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin, in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor and Jolly Pumpkin in Detroit. North Peak can also be found outside of Michigan, in select markets.

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Traverse Tall Ship Company Offers Multi-Day Autumn Excursions Aboard the Schooner Manitou

(TRAVERSE CITY, Mich) — Pure Michigan is blessed with the Great Lakes—the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. You’re invited to turn off your cell phone, set your email on autoreply and set sail on the inland seas for one of the multi-day excursions aboard the Schooner Manitou. 

The Traverse Tall Ship Company is once again offering a series of educational, entertaining and relaxing multi-day cruises throughout the fall color tour months of September and October. During these trips, guests enjoy a stress-free get-away, while visiting quaint coastal villages and soaking up the panoramic views of the northern Michigan shoreline. Leave your busy schedules and the daily grind in the wind as you head out on the freshwaters of Grand Traverse Bay for an experience like no other.

Excursions with remaining availability for this fall include:

6-Day Explorer Cruise (September 7-13, 2016) – Cost: $939 per person.
Join us on a longer cruise and fully embrace the rhythm of wind, wave, and shipboard life. This one books quickly!

4-Day Michigan Craft Beer Cruise (September 15-19, 2016) – Cost: $769 per person.
Michigan has made a name for itself as one of the premier craft brew states in the country, and considers itself the “Great Beer State” with more than 200 breweries throughout two peninsulas. What better way to partake of these fine beverages than from the deck of a beautiful vessel resting in a peaceful harbor!

Chef and craft beer aficionado Amy Sherman will serve as host and guide as we enjoy tastings with hors d’oeuvres, followed by specifically designed food pairings with dinner. After graduating from Aquinas College, Amy Sherman found her true calling in the kitchen. A 20-year restaurant veteran, she’s held every job possible, from ravioli runner, prep chef, book keeper, waitress, to manager, sous chef and pastry chef.  She has taught cooking classes throughout West Michigan, runs a catering company called Two Chicks and an Oven, and with her husband runs the local food company, Farmlink. As the host of the Great American Brew Trail, she drank her way across Michigan, one pint at a time. She currently hosts a podcast called “Behind the Mitten” with MLive’s John Gonzalez and was recently added to the Mlive “Best Of…” Team. She also leads culinary adventures here in the states and Europe.  Her main job, however, is being mom to three ruffians in Grand Rapids.

4-Day Star Gazer Cruise (September 22-26, 2016) – Cost: $769 per person.
We’re excited to be joined by Mary Stewart Adams, director of theHeadlands International Dark Sky Park, who will guide us through a journey of the night sky. Mary is a star lore historian, storyteller and author who has been immersed in the history of star knowledge for nearly 30 years. She led the initiative that resulted in International Dark Sky Park designation for the Headlands property in Emmet County, MI, which later resulted in the State of Michigan passing legislation to protect the night sky over an additional 23,000 acres of state park and forest land.

Mary writes and speaks extensively to local, national and international audiences on our relationship to the night sky and its cultural consequences, and has received numerous honors for her work. In addition, she is a member of the International Dark Sky Places Committee of the International Dark Sky Association, protecting and designating dark sky sites around the world. Mary’s weekly radio program “The Storyteller’s Guide to the Night Sky” airs during Morning Edition on Interlochen Public Radio every Monday. Mary makes her home under the starry skies of Harbor Springs, MI.

4-Day Explorer Cruise (September 29-October 3, 2016) – Cost: $749 per person.
A shorter version of our season starter cruise, this trip should also offer up a bit of fall color along the shoreline.

As one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes, the Manitou is a replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner. A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, Manitou measures 114 feet in length with more than 3000 square feet of sail.

There is plenty of space for sitting and moving around the decks while under sail. While aboard the Manitou, passengers are free to leave the sailing to the experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor. An excursion aboard the Manitou allows you to remove yourself from the trappings of modern life: no TV, phone (cell phones are discouraged), internet, email and definitely, no itinerary.

Trips are limited to 22 individuals, with accommodations provided in 11 double-bunk cabins. Fare includes lodging, all meals and sailing activities.

To make reservations for any of the 2016 Manitou sailing adventures, call toll free 800-678-0383 or order tickets online. Gift certificates are also available. For additional information about the Manitou, including its corporate charters, log on to www.TallShipSailing.com.

Traverse Tall Ship Company is located at 13258 S.W. Bay Shore Drive (M22) in Traverse City and shares a dock with the fleet from the Maritime Heritage Alliance, creating a unique nautical experience for the area.

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PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS

(LANSING, MICH)—Tickets are on sale now for the 5th Annual Beerfest at the Ballpark on Saturday, April 30, at Cooley Law School Stadium.

Beerfest at the Ballpark is an outdoor beer, cider and mead festival with live acoustic music hosted by the Lansing Lugnuts and promoted by I’m A Beer Hound. Festival hours are scheduled from 3-8 p.m. with special VIP entry starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are available atBeerfestAtTheBallpark.net, LansingLugnuts.com or by visiting the Cooley Law School Stadium Box Office.

Attendees will have the opportunity to taste 250+ craft beers from 55 Michigan breweries in addition to ciders, meads and – new this year– wines from 15 Michigan cideries, meaderies and wineries. Live music will be provided by Donny Brown of The Verve Pipe, The Black Barn Band and Mark Warner.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and include entry, a logoed tasting glass, and 10 tasting tickets. VIP Tickets may be purchased for $40 in advance, $45 at the door, and include early entry to the festival, a logoed tasting glass and 15 tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event.

A special package is also available, offering VIP tickets and benefits to both the upcoming Beerfest at the Ballpark and this autumn’s Beerfest at the Ballpark for $70.

You must be 21 years of age to attend. Ground transportation will be readily available via iCab Taxi Service and a $5 Designated Driver ticket will be offered on the day of the event. Area hotel accommodations can also be found at Lansing.org.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Old Newsboys, a local charity that provides shoes for deserving school children.

 

For more information, including a full list of the attending brewers, visit BeerfestAtTheBallpark.net.

 

About the Lansing Lugnuts
The Lansing Lugnuts, Class-A Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, ‘Go Nuts’ as they enter their 20th season in Michigan’s Capital City. Featured in USA Today and on CNN for their successes, the Lugnuts make their home at beautiful Cooley Law School Stadium. Built in 1996, Cooley Law School Stadium continues to be a key component in revitalizing Lansing’s downtown while providing fun, affordable, family entertainment to fans in Mid-Michigan and beyond. Find them online: www.lansinglugnuts.com

 

About I’m a Beer Hound
I’m a Beer Hound is a Michigan Beer News Website, App, Event Promotion Group & Membership Card featuring discounts at over 90 beer bars, breweries and restaurants statewide.  Find them online: ImaBeerHound.com or Facebook.com/ImaBeerHound.

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Michigan Brewers Guild Announces 2016 Board of Directors

 -PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS-

(KALAMAZOO, Mich) – The Michigan Brewers Guild recently elected its 2016 Board of Directors at its annual meeting, January13, at the Kalamazoo Radisson Plaza Hotel. Each board position is a two-year term, elected in alternating years (4, 3).

 

The conference was a record-breaker in many ways for the organization, with more than 450 attendees and nearly 60 vendors in the allied member Trade Show. The Guild also reported a record 201 member breweries during the Annual Meeting—an increase of 53 members since the previous January.

 

This year, four people were elected to the Guild board:

  • Ryan Cottongim, Owner of Witch’s Hat in South Lyon, was elected to his first term on the board, and will serve as the organization’s secretary.
  • Ron Jeffries, Owner of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales in Dexter, was elected to his fifth term on the board during the history of the organization. He was a founding board member, serving from the organization’s formation in 1998 through 2003, and again in 2007-2008.
  • Scott Newman-Bale, Vice President of Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire, continues to serve as Treasurer, was reelected to his fourth term and will once again serve as the organization’s treasurer.
  • Kristy Smith, Owner of Axle Brewing Co. in Royal Oak, was elected to her first term on the board.

 

Additional board members include:

 

  • Eric Briggeman, Director of Brewing Operations at Rochester Mills Production Brewery, continues his sixth term on the board and will continue serve his eighth year as Guild President.

 

  • Isaac Hartman, “Ambassador of Great Beer” from New Holland Brewing Company, continues his fourth term on the board of directors.

 

  • Garry Boyd, Ringleader & Managing Partner at BarFly Ventures (HopCat & Grand Rapids Brewing) continues his first term on the board and chairs the association’s sustainability committee.

The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its 201 member breweries.

 

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $277 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #5 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

 

The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Michigan Brewers Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.