Mass. Brew Bros. founder Bob Kelley joins the association’s team
If you work in the craft beer industry in Massachusetts, or are a part of the craft beer loving community – chances are you know Bob Kelley, founder and owner of local blog the Mass. Brew Bros.
In any given week Kelley visits five breweries or more -- attending ribbon cuttings, beer dinners, new beer release celebrations and beer collaborations. A staple at Mass Brewers Guild (MBG) events, fundraisers and meetings, he’s been the non-profit’s number one volunteer and supporter.
Dedicating his time to foster community and spread good beer, Kelley has joined the MBG team to aid its work recruiting more members to the association, as well as continue to manage and oversee the data collection of brewery openings and closings.
“Bob has been a tremendous ally, partner and friend to the Mass Brewers Guild and it was an easy decision to make him formally a part of the team,” says Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “He knows everyone, travels everywhere, and I swear he can smell brewery ground breaking. I know that he’ll continue to be a tremendous asset to the Guild and support our work to bring our resources to more breweries across the Commonwealth.”
Massachusetts is home to more than 230 operational breweries with 30 in-planning stated to open before the close of this year or in 2023. The Mass Brewers Guild currently has 115 breweries as members, equating to half the state. The association, which is run by one fulltime executive director and nine volunteer board members, hopes that the added boots on the ground will help them expand their reach and bandwidth.
"The Mass. Brew Bros. have been working alongside the Mass Brewers Guild for several years now to essentially achieve the same goal, promote and educate people about Mass craft breweries, beers and events. This official partnership will only align our resources and allow both of us to continue to advocate for this industry and all the amazing, hard-working people involved," says Bob Kelley, co-founder of the Mass. Brew Bros.
Founded in 2007 by a group of committed and passionate brewers, the MBG, is organized for the purposes of promoting craft brewing and protecting the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth. The association is membership based and open to all Massachusetts breweries licensed by the federal Tax and Trade Bureau and the Commonwealth’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
The nonprofit creates a community of brewers while shining light on the broad range of breweries and styles offered throughout state. Through industry and educational events and by providing resources and marketing support to brewers, the nonprofit works to highlight Massachusetts as a top travel destination for craft beer in the U.S. The board also continues its work at the legislative level serving as the unified voice of craft brewers on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation. To learn more about the Mass Brewers Guild, visit MassBrewersGuild.org.