Mass Brewers Guild Fall Board Elections

Interested in Joining the MBG Board?

Members of the Mass Brewers Guild board of directors are volunteers that serve to further the work of the association and its mission -- to protect and promote the interests of Massachusetts craft brewers.

Unlike many nonprofit boards that serve to advise the organization’s staff, MBG board members also have to serve as staff, and work on behalf of the organization to deliver the created objectives and goals. With the support of only one full-time staff member, board members spend an average of 10 to 25 hours a month working on the MBG’s initiatives -- depending on the project or work cycle.

The guild’s board of directors currently holds ten seats, and will drop to nine seats total in January 2021. Five seats are up for election. 

After serving on the board of directors since 2017, Ryan Daigle, hospitality manager for Wachusett Brewing Co., who has co-lead the events and technical committees for the Mass Brewers Guild has decided to step down. While he will no longer be a part of the day-to-day activities of the board, Ryan will remain a supportive guide to the MBG and has promised to stay very involved as a member of the family. 

Ryan played an integral role in the creation and execution of the MBG’s two yearly festivals and fundraisers, as well as supported MBG Con since its inception. We are grateful to Ryan for his insight, perspective and the time he has dedicated to get the MBG where it is today. Thank you for your service Ryan! 

Rob Burns, co-founder of Night Shift, Tara Heath, Vice President, Legal and Deputy General Counsel of Boston Beer Corporation, Adam Romanow, co-founder of Castle Island Brewing Co., Kelsey Roth, GM of Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Co. and Chris Sellers, co-founder of Four Star Farms Brewery, will all re-run for their seat for a two-year team (2021 to 2023 calendar year) 

During the November 9, 2020 member meeting, those running will address membership and share why they would like a seat on the board. They can also take questions from members. 

The five seats up for election will be voted on by members. Only member breweries current with their 2020 dues will be able to vote in this election. If you are unsure of your membership status please reach out to the MBG’s executive director. 

Brewers and brewery staff are also welcome to run for the opportunity to join the board to help further its work by donating their time, expertise, and passion for the industry. 

The Mass Brewers Guild is now accepting resumes with a letter of intent detailing the goals or changes that candidates would like to help implement within the organization.

Those submitting their resume should be involved in the organization. These would be leaders who have donated their time volunteering on a committee in the past, or presently, and have participated in events to support the MBG. 

The board seeks to diversify its board members and strengthen its geographical representation. We are looking for all areas of expertise -- from law to marketing, to fundraising, event planning and general leadership. 

A committed and passionate board is essential to accomplishing the work of the MBG. Now more than ever, it's vital for a strong board and leadership team to help guide the Massachusetts craft beer community forward and serve as a unified voice when confronting all issues that impact the industry.

If you aren’t in a position to run for a seat this year, but are interested in joining the board in the near future, this is a good time to get involved! Many of our board members will begin “terming out,” meaning they are ineligible to rerun for a fourth consecutive term. By shadowing a board member, joining a committee, and learning more about how the MBG operates, you’ll be better poised to join our leadership team in the future. 

Those interested in joining the board can send their resume and cover letter to the MBG’s executive director, Katie Stinchon at by Nov. 2 for review.

In your cover letter please answer the following questions:

• Why do you want to join the MBG’s board of directors?

• Realistically, how much time you can dedicate to the organization a month?

• Which committee you would like to donate your time to?

• What major issues would you like to be involved in and how would you change them?

What’s expected of MBG Board Members? MBG Board Members Will: 

• Interpret the organization's work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson

• Listen carefully to board colleagues and members of the craft beer community

• Respect the opinion of fellow board members

• Respect and support majority decisions of the board

• Recognize that all authority is vested in the full board only when it meets in legal sessions

• Keep well-informed about developments relevant to issues that may come before the board

• Attend bi-monthly board meetings (six a year – 1.5 hours long) and understand that they may be relieved of board duties if they miss more than two meetings

• Actively participate in board meetings and actions

• Become actively involved in at least one committee – driving goals and accomplishing tasks – (Marketing, Events, Government Affairs, and Membership)

• Support MBG events and initiatives through participation

• Bring to the attention of the board any issues that will have an adverse effect on the organization or those we serve

• Refer complaints to the proper level on the chain of command

• Recognize that the job of a board member is to ensure that the organization is well-managed, not to manage the nonprofit

• Represent all of those whom this nonprofit serves, not just a particular geographic area or interest group

• Consider yourself a “trustee” of the nonprofit and do your best to ensure that it is well-maintained, financially secure, growing and always operating in the best interests of those we serve

• Declare conflicts of interest between your personal life and position on the board, and abstain from voting or discussion when appropriate

MBG Board Members Will Not:

• Criticize fellow board members or their opinions, in or out of the board room

• Use the nonprofit organization for your personal advantage or that of your friends or relatives

• Discuss the confidential proceedings of the board outside the board room

• Interfere with the duties of the administrator or undermine the administrator’s authority with staff

As a board member, the organization is responsible to you in the following ways: 

• To keep its board members regularly updated on the organizational activities, programs, policies, goals and objectives as appropriate

• It is expected that board members and the Executive Director will respond in a straightforward fashion to questions that are necessary to carry out fiscal, legal and moral responsibilities to the organization

• If the organization does not fulfill its commitments, board members may call upon the Board President and E.D. to discuss the organization’s responsibilities

• The organization will carry directors and officers’ liability insurance

BFE ARCHITECTS & C.E. FLOYD CONSTRUCTION COMPETITION FOR BREWERS UPDATE

Bechtel Frank Erickson Architects is currently running a pro bono design competition through the Massachusetts Brewers Guild to help brewers spatially conceptualize solutions to the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the restrictions imposed upon their businesses. Click HERE for a recording from our roundtable discussion with the guild board and jury where a finalist was chosen. 

“Untold Brewing” in Scituate, MA was selected as the winner!

Roundtable participants: Jesse Widtfeldt (BFE Architects), Taylor Theriault (BFE Architects), Mark Beckler (C.E. Floyd), Ray Caruso (C.E. Floyd), Katie Stinchon (MBG), Chris Sellers (Four Star Brewing), Dani Babineau (Redemption Rock Brewing), and Adam Romanow (Castle Island Brewing).

Topics of Discussion

 Untapped Potential

With “Social Distancing” and the “6’ apart rule” being the most widely adopted strategies for safety, space (area of a floor plan) is at more of a premium than ever. However, many breweries, due to the size of their brewing equipment, locate themselves in large building volumetrically but only utilize the given floor?

Is there untapped potential in the volume of brewery spaces to up their occupancy and still meet the “6’ apart” (horizontal vs. vertical) rule?

Commingling Production & Consumption

Spaces within breweries are clearly separated for function. Production areas and consumption & sales areas, while often visually connected, are not physically intertwined. The layout of these spaces is also designed for their individual function but not for the flow of people between and around them.

Does potential exist to overlap the consumption & sale areas with the production areas based on optimizing schedules, to expand upon available space for multiple uses? What, if any, issues do you see with opening production space up for customers to safely socially distance and enjoy beer?

Circulation Efficiency

Previously, having a successful brewery came with long lines of patrons. During this pandemic and social distancing guidelines people want to feel comfortable and safe, which translates to taking up more valuable floor space.

Can you identify areas where circulation has compounded or eased due to maintaining social distancing measures?

Patron Experience

The typical taproom exists as a place not only to purchase product but as a place to linger and observe, to experience the “vibe” or “spirit” of the brewery or brewer, and to sample the full variety of products available beyond what one currently enjoys. While Covid 19 and the restrictions on gatherings may have shortened the duration of the visit and removed the chance to linger, patrons still sought out their desired beer.

Does potential exist to craft an experience to convey the “vibe” and “soul” of a brewery that caters to a much shorter duration visit? What is more valuable as a consumer visiting a taproom; experiencing the environment while enjoying the product or grab and go during COVID?

Embrace Seasonality

 A trend during Covid is to be outdoors because of circulation of fresh air. As the temperature begins to drop, outdoor environments will likely get less customers. What is “really” needed to maintain a comfortable experience. Instead of bringing your indoor brewery experience outdoors, embrace the seasonal changes. 

Can a new experience be created with seasonal activities while embracing the changes of a Massachusetts environment and seasonality?

Perceived vs. Actual

As breweries and restaurants are allowed to serve more patrons indoors, the choice of where or how to partake falls back on the consumer per their perception of what is safe. Many patrons will still choose outside and refuse inside due to this perception of safety. Are there improvements to the physical space that will have both real and perceived impacts on safety and therefor encourage more patrons to partake in all aspects of the brewery experience. As an example, an exterior wall of closed glass vs an exterior wall that can be completely operable to bring in fresh air vs. changes to an HVAC system not seen.

What have you noticed about your patron’s tendencies? 

Resiliency

Many breweries, our entrants included, are considering making spatial changes to meet social distancing requirements. Many solutions are temporary, such as tents outside, some solutions are permanent. 

In hopes of creating a usable space once breweries open to full occupancy levels again, are there ways to meet the requirements of today but make changes with the future in mind? 

Preparing Food On-Site

With new regulation of having to prepare food on site for consumption of alcohol, some taprooms are not set up to change their layout or setup.

What are the components needed to adapt and meet the minimum requirement to be open and serve alcohol?

Next steps 

BFE will visit Untold Brewing to see first-hand the evolution of their business model as a result of the pandemic and further assess opportunities for design intervention. Our design team will then work with Untold Brewing to develop a conceptual design and schematic estimate for a constructed solution.

Keep an eye out for more posts about their work with Untold Brewing! 

Questions?

For more information regarding the competition, contact Taylor Theriault at ttheriault@bfearc.com & 781-862-3313).

MBG Con Goes Virtual - Offering Three Days of Online Learning

Technical Brewing, Business & Communication | Oct 5, 6 & 7

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- (9/16/2020) The Mass Brewers Guild, a non-profit trade association dedicated to protecting craft breweries across Massachusetts, today announces that MBG Con, the organization’s 3rd annual technical brewing and business conference, will shift to an online model starting Monday, Oct. 5 and will run through Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. 

A lineup of renowned experts, including Rob Tod, founder of Allagash Brewing Co., Matt Stinchfield, Safety Ambassador of the Brewers Association, Dr. J. Nikol Jackson-Beckham, Diversity Ambassador for the Brewers Association, Jim Koch founder of Boston Beer and Dan Kenary, founder of Mass Bay Brewing Co., will share best practices, hard lessons learned, and strategies for survival during these challenging times. 

This year’s conference will have three main areas of focus; technical brewing, business, and communication, covering everything from SOPs to bookkeeping, paid advertising strategies and yeast management. Attendees can choose the day, or track, that best suits their role within the industry, or they can attend the entire conference. 

“It’s been a difficult few months for the brewing community, to say the least,” says Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “Despite the fact that we all can’t be together -- learning, listening, and being inspired by fellow brewery owners and colleagues is the best way to survive this pandemic. Even now, with all of the heightened competition, our brewers are ready to share how they are navigating these waters -- what’s working, what’s not – in order to support one another. It’s what makes the brewing industry so unique and amazing to be a part of.” 

Tickets are just $25 a day for Mass Brewers Guild members, and $50 for non-members. All ticket proceeds support the Mass Brewers Guild and its work to protect and promote the craft beer industry across the Commonwealth. Due to festival and event cancellations, this is the only fundraiser slated for the association this year. The event hopes to raise $7k for the Mass Brewers Guild. 

“We wanted to make this event as accessible as possible for our beer family,” says Stinchon. “One of the great perks of a virtual event is that we can draw experts and attendees from all over the country. Our goal is to ensure that the brewing community is armed with the knowledge and skills it needs to remain successful, independent, small businesses that continue to stimulate the economy, revitalize downtown communities, and employ locals.”

All sessions offer ample time for Q&A and ticket holders will receive supporting materials and the recording of each session for later viewing. MBG Con is made possible thanks to presenting sponsor, Bernstein Shur and supporting businesses ABS Commercial, Acadia Insurance, arryved, Bowditch, Cavallo & Signorello Insurance, Drink Tanks, Four Star Farms, InTouch Labels, Micro Matic, Omega Yeast, Petainer and Solar On Earth. All of these businesses are associate members of the Mass Brewers Guild and help make our educational programs possible.  

To view the entire lineup of speakers, or to purchase tickets to MBG Con, visit MassBrewersGuild.org.

About the Mass Brewers Guild
Founded in 2007 by a group of committed and passionate brewers, the Mass Brewers Guild, 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 the state. Through industry and educational events, its mobile application beer trail map, 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, fighting for license and franchise law reform, and serving as the voice of craft brewers on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation.

Small and Independent Craft Brewers Urge Participation in National Day of Action

Passage of Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act before year-end expiration vital to small business health

FRAMINGHAM, MA • September 9, 2020 – Leaders in the beverage alcohol sector are urging industry advocates across the U.S. to participate in a national Day of Action on September 9 by asking their members of Congress to pass the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, S.362/H.R. 1175 (CBMTRA). 

On December 31, 2020, the recalibrated Federal Excise Tax (FET) rates for more than 200 small and independent breweries in Massachusetts will expire. These small businesses are asking Congress to prioritize and pass the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act and make the current FET rates permanent. Since its enaction at the end of 2017, the reduced FET has enabled small and independent brewers across our state to reinvest in their business, hire new employees, and grow their breweries. Without action from Congress, America’s more than 8,300 breweries along with beer importers will face a nearly $154 million annual excise tax increase beginning in January 2021.

“The nation’s craft brewers, distillers, winemakers, and cider makers have been among the hardest hit during COVID-19,” said Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “Significantly increasing taxes on these small businesses even in normal circumstances would be devastating, but to do so during a pandemic would undoubtedly force many of them to close. Congress should give these businesses a fighting chance by passing the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act as soon as possible. Only then will breweries have the opportunity to recover from the harsh economic impacts of COVID-19 and be able to continue to support other vital industries in their communities.” 

Introduced by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and by Representatives Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act is uniquely bipartisan legislation with support from more than half of the U.S. Congress—the bill currently has 346 cosponsors in the House and 74 in the Senate. The legislation will make permanent reforms enacted in 2017 that create a fair and equitable tax structure for brewers, winemakers, distillers, cider makers, and importers of all beverage alcohol.  

“The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act has been crucial to the success of small and independent brewers in Massachusetts and needs our full support,” added Stinchon.  “The craft beer industry has experienced sustained growth in Massachusetts and across the country and the current FET rate has gone a long way to empower our brewers to make significant investments into their businesses. Breweries operate in every state and nearly every congressional district in the country and if the current rate is allowed to expire, the tax increase will have a devastating effect on these businesses. The beer industry is one of the jewels of America’s manufacturing sector, supporting more than 2.1 million jobs—559,545 of which come from the craft industry.” 

Recalibrated FET rates have saved the American craft brewing industry nearly $80 million annually and helped provide certainty and stability for more than 8,300 breweries across the country, including 200 in Massachusetts. If the legislation is not acted upon, American and Massachusetts brewers alike will face a massive financial burden. More than 2,000 new brewers who have only been in operation since Jan. 1, 2018 and have never before paid the tax will see a 100 percent tax increase.  

“We need everyone’s help, from supply chain partners to loyal customers, to ensure Congress makes this legislation—which is critical to the survival of hospitality businesses across the country—permanent. It takes just a few minutes to make a difference for these businesses in our communities,” said president of the Mass Brewers Guild, Sam Hendler, co-founder of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers.

Day of Action participants are encouraged to call, tweet, and email their members of Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation.   #PassCBMTRA

About the Mass Brewers Guild
Founded in 2007 by a group of committed and passionate brewers, the Mass Brewers Guild, 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, its mobile application beer trail map, 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, fighting for license and franchise law reform, and serving as the voice of craft brewers on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 4,800-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR™: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew ConTM, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® magazine, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association® and the free Brew Guru® mobile app. Follow us on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

True North Ale Company releases BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL Imperial Stout

Ipswich, MA • September 1, 2020 — True North Ale Company will release BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL Imperial Stout on Wednesday, September 2nd. The beer was brewed as part of the worldwide initiative sponsored by Weathered Souls Brewing of San Antonio, TX to raise awareness of the injustices faced by people of color and to raise funds to fight systemic racism. Proceeds from sale of our beer will support the New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund of The Boston Foundation.

“We are committed to raising awareness of the issues faced by people of color here in Massachusetts,” said Gary Rogers, Founder & Chief of Business Operations at True North Ales. “Conversations initiated over a beer can ultimately lead to real change. Let’s have those conversations.”

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL Imperial Stout is brewed with Tahitian vanilla beans and cacao nibs, contributing flavors of dark roast coffee, black cherry, tobacco, and baker's chocolate. A big beer at 10% ABV, it is meant for thoughtful sipping. Available exclusively at the True North Ales Taproom on draft and in four pack cans to take home-beginning-Wednesday.

About True North Ale Company
True North Ale Company is located in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Opened in 2017, its beers have been poured in nearly 1,000 bars and restaurants and sold in more than 1,000 stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The brewery has won major international awards, to include a Gold Award at the 2018 World Beer Cup. It has been voted Best Brewery on Boston’s North Shore three consecutive years. Its North Shore location features a 100+ seat tented patio, a 100+ seat taproom, and an events venue, The North Side, that may host events with more than 250 guests.

New Workers’ Comp Class Code for Furloughed Brewery Employees

By: Matthew Post, C&S Insurance

According to an April 2020 survey, conducted by the Brewers Association, 99 percent of craft breweries—virtually all, in other words—experienced some economic strain due to the coronavirus pandemic. This staggering figure includes 90 percent who saw declines in their on-site sales, and 89 percent who were forced to cancel 2020 events. No doubt for many, curtailed cash flow and production led to another tough reality: furloughs.

Three months later—as restrictions ease and the industry begins to make peace with a new normal—any inroads toward recovery are worth pursuing. And luckily, thanks to the Massachusetts DOI’s recent approval of a newworkers’ comp class code for furloughed employees, we’re now seeing an opportunity for brewers to lower their annual premiums. The following Q&A outlines what this code means, who can leverage it, and when qualifying brewers need to take action. (As soon as possible is the answer, by the way.)

Q: What is this new workers’ comp class code, and why does it matter?

A: Code 0012 is a newly approved workers’ comp class code. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, a “class code” is a four-digit code used by insurance companies to estimate what your premium should be, based on the risks associated with the type(s) of work your employees perform. Normally, brewers and brewery drivers would be assigned a code of 2121—with a rate that currently stands at $1.24 per $100 of payroll. 

Because it is designed to address the folks on your payroll who were temporarily absent from work, this new code has a rate of zero ($0.00 per $100 of payroll). So even though you may have continued paying your furloughed employees, any of that payroll assigned to code 0012 would not be included in the premium calculations for your workers’ comp. That could potentially equal big savings.

Q: My brewery furloughed employees this year. Can we use this class code?

Yes, as long as you continued to pay those employees while they were furloughed, and provided you maintained “separate, accurate, and verifiable entries” within your payroll records. 

Q: What about employees working from home? Does that count as furloughed?

No. According to the WCRIBMA, if an employee has been designated to work from home, and his/her duties are now of a clerical nature, his payroll during the pandemic period can be allocated to Code 8810 – “Clerical Office.” (As long as you keep those separate records for each employee affected.)

Q: What documentation is needed in order to leverage class code 0012?

You’ll need to provide a list of all furloughed employees, the employees’ normal workers’ compensation class codes, their weekly wages, furloughed dates, and anticipated dates of return to work. Your insurance agent should be able to help you compile and review these materials before audit.

Q: When does my brewery need to submit this information?

According to the WCRIBMA, employers making payments to furloughed workers need to alert their workers’ comp carrier within 60 days of the rule’s approval (7/10/2020), or within 25 days of beginning to may furlough payments, whichever is later. If your annual audit is approaching, you’ll want to prepare this information even sooner.

Q: I still have questions about the new class code. Who should I ask?

Your insurance agent should help you take advantage of this cost-saving opportunity, along with other pre-audit reviews. If you don’t have a dedicated agent and commercial risk advisor, our team of brewery insurance experts would love to answer any questions you may have. You can reach me, Matt Post, at mpost@candsins.com or 508.504.2012. We recently worked with a new client on their annual audit, and were able to implement the 0012 class code for a variety of employees—saving thousands on the company’s workers’ comp premium. 

Massachusetts Brewers Participate in the Black is Beautiful initiative

to raise awareness and funds to fight racism and advocate for police brutality reform

The Black is Beautiful initiative is a nationwide effort across the brewing community and craft beer customers, with the goal to bring awareness to the injustices that many people of color face daily. 

Launched by African American owned Weathered Souls Brewing Company, located in Texas, the founders asked breweries from across the country to sign on to the collaboration by utilizing the base stout recipe they’ve provided to create a “Black is Beautiful” beer with 100% of the beer's proceeds going back to foundations that support police brutality reform and legal defenses for those who have been wronged. 

The base recipe was designed to be a moderately high ABV stout to showcase different shades of black. 

Participating breweries choose their own local organizations that support equality and inclusion. Those who sign onto the project are also asked to look internally and commit to the long-term work of equality. The goal is to bridge the gap that's been around for ages and provide a platform to show that the brewing community is an inclusive place for everyone of any color. 

To date, sixteen local breweries have joined the effort including 3cross Fermentation Coop., Aeronaut Brewing Co., Big Elm Brewing Co., Bright Ideas Brewing Co., Brockton Beer Co., Castle Island Brewing Co., Gentile Brewing Co., Harpoon Brewing Co., Lost Shoes Brewing & Roasting Co., Old Planters Brewing Co., Samuel Adams Boston Taproom & Brewery, Trillium Brewing, True North Ale Co., Vitamin Sea Brewing, White Lion Brewing Co. and Wormtown Brewery.  

“As a black owned brewery we diversify a predominately white brewing culture.  Since our launch we have been able to bridge the gap in our black and brown communities and will continue to model the way,” says Ray Berry, owner of White Lion brewing Co. “If we don't hold true to our core values and be a voice for change, we failed on principle.” White Lion Brewing Co. has teamed up with Trillium Co. to create a 9% Imperial Stout that will be available in August. Proceeds will benefit the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley, located in Springfield, Mass. 

Nearly 80 percent of craft beer consumers in Massachusetts are white, and there are only six African American owned breweries across the state.

Aeronaut Brewing Co.’s Black is Beautiful Beer will be available starting on July 16 and sold at the brewery for pick-up and home delivery. They’ll also distribute to local shops throughout Cambridge, Somerville and across the state. 

“We’ve had many discussions on how we can take our allyship to the next level through internal and external actions - so we were very excited to see this project come about. We love the collaborative spirit across the brewing industry and love the opportunity to connect with fellow brewers, near and far,” says Lee Hatfield, communications manager for Aeronaut Brewing Co. Aeronaut’s 6.2% Oatmeal Stout is brewed with a blend of chocolate malt, roasted barley, Midnight Wheat and Cascade hops, along with a generous proportion of flaked oats. This beer will support the ACLU and its mission to preserve the individual rights and liberties of every person in this country. 

“True North Ales is committed to doing our part to eradicate systemic racism. One way that we can do that is through raising awareness. Ipswich and the surrounding communities are not very diverse,” says Gary Rogers, owner of True North Ale Co., “Offering the Black Is Beautiful brew from our Taproom will serve to raise awareness and start conversations that we hope will lead to real change.”

3cross Fermentation Coop. has always been centered around the ideals of community and inclusion, so when the project was launched they knew right away that this was an effort they wanted to get behind, owner Dave Howland said in an email. They brewery plans to split donations between two local organizations - the Worcester chapter of the NAACP and Legendary Legacies, a local organization that provides positive male role models for young men in vulnerable populations.

When the Mass Brewers Guild formed its Diversity and Inclusion committee a year and a half ago, it did so to address and to better understand the barriers that exist within the communities that surround our brewery’s walls.  Taprooms typically serve as gathering places and neighborhood revitalizers. Yet, the employees and patrons in our establishments don’t reflect the neighborhoods they reside in. 

“Historically the craft beer industry has not worked very hard to be welcoming to people of color, and that's something we need to change,” says Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “The burden is on us as an industry, as businesses, and as individuals to do better. Our work to look within and create meaningful change continues. The Black is Beautiful initiative is a great first step, one of many that we hope to foster in the years to come.” 

The Mass Brewers Guild Diversity & Inclusion Committee, made up of board members, brewery members and associate members, will continue this important work to bring education and best practices home to the state’s breweries. 

About The Mass Brewers Guild Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The Mass Brewers Guild is committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome in our breweries - as patrons and employees. We do this by identifying and overcoming barriers to inclusion. We work to create a unified voice that celebrates our collective uniqueness and leverages our differences for a stronger community. Our passion for great beer unites us. Together, we can create an industry that embraces our diversity and is open to all people.

Brewers Converge on Capitol Hill to Seek Relief

Small and independent Massachusetts brewers seek tax relief, resources to survive 

BOSTON, Mass. |  July 14, 2020 — Led by the Brewers Association—the national not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers—the annual craft brewing industry hill climb went online this year to practice advocacy at a safe social distance.

During the week of July 13, the Mass Brewers Guild and four of its members joined small and independent craft brewers from across the country to meet with members of Congress and staff and advocate for the issues that will help breweries in Massachusetts recover from the long lasting impacts of the coronavirus, such as making the existing federal excise tax (FET) rates permanent by passing the language of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA), and securing additional resources to ensure that small and independent breweries weather the global health pandemic and economic crisis.

Participants shared their stories and emphasized that making the current FET rates permanent, before the savings sunset in December, will be critical to small and independent breweries as they work to recover from the impact of the coronavirus. Making the FET rates permanent will provide certainty to the more than 8,300 small and independent breweries across the U.S. and allow breweries to continue re-investing in their businesses and hiring new employees.

“The lower FET rates have benefitted small and independent brewers in all 50 states and nearly every congressional district,” said Bob Pease, president and CEO, Brewers Association. “These savings empowered brewers to reinvest in their businesses and resulted in an annual tax savings of more than $80 million.”

Brewers reinvested the additional capital by creating thousands of new jobs, buying new equipment, expanding their operations, and improving employee benefits. Thanks to the recalibrated rates, craft brewing jobs grew by 15,000 in 2018 to more than 150,000 nationally—the largest job increase on record for small brewers. 

Congress overwhelmingly supports the lower FET, with more than half of Congress co-sponsoring the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (S. 362/H.R. 1175), including 73 Senate and 345 House co-sponsors (as of July 9, 2020). 

Hit hard by the global health pandemic and economic crisis, brewers are also urging their representatives to ensure that their small businesses have the resources they need to survive these unprecedented times. They are requesting access to grants and economic stabilization funds, as well as support of a credit for businesses like breweries to help cover the costs of perishable goods. Thousands of kegs of beer in the marketplace have expired due to the closure of breweries, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.