Michigan Brewers Guild announces 2014 Board of Directors

The Michigan Brewers Guild recently elected its 2014 Board of Directors at its annual meeting in Kalamazoo. Each board position is a two-year term, elected in alternating years. This year, the Board of Directors was increased to seven members, so four people were elected to the board. Currently, the Guild represents 119 member breweries – the highest number since the organization’s inception.

Steve Berthel, pub brewer at New Holland Brewing Co. in Holland, was elected to a fourth term on the board of directors. Berthel will serve as events/entertainment chair for 2014

Scott Newman-Bale, VP of Short’s Brewing Co. in Bellaire, was elected to a third term and will continue to serve as treasurer.

Brad Stevenson, VP of operations for Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, was elected to his first term on the board. Stevenson will serve as the membership chair for 2014.

Aaron Morse, CEO at Dark Horse Brewing in Marshall, was elected to his first term on the board. Morse will serve as the marketing chair for 2014.

Additional board members include:

Eric Briggeman, brewmaster at Rochester Mills Beer Co. in Rochester, continues his fifth term on the board and will serve his sixth year as guild president.

Isaac Hartman, “Ambassador of Great Beer” from New Holland Brewing Co., was elected to his third term on the board of directors and will continue to serve as Secretary and also as the Enthusiast Membership Chair for 2014.

Scott King, owner of MIP Brewing Co. in Royal Oak, and past Board Member, continues his two-year term and will serve as the co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee for 2014.

Founded in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild oversees the organization’s administrative and promotional affairs, including four annual public events: Winter Beer Festival in February in Grand Rapids, Summer Beer Festival in July in Ypsilanti, UP Fall Beer Festival in September in Marquette, and Detroit Fall Beer Festival in October, as well as its annual Winter Conference in January.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks No. 5 in the nation. – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”