(KALAMAZOO, Mich) – The Michigan Brewers Guild recently elected its 2014 Board of Directors at its annual meeting, January 8, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. Each board position is a two-year term, elected in alternating years (4, 3).

This year, the Board of Directors was increased to seven members, so four people were elected to the board.

  • Steve Berthel, Pub Brewer at New Holland Brewing Company in Holland was elected to a fourth term on the board of directors. Steve will serve as Events/Entertainment Chair for 2014.
  • Scott Newman-Bale, Vice President of Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire, was elected to a third term and will continue to serve as Treasurer.
  • Brad Stevenson, Vice President of Operations for Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, was elected to his first term on the board. Brad 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. Aaron 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 Company, 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 Company 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. Currently, the Guild represents 119 member breweries – the highest number since the organizations inception.

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 #5 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, we strive to achieve 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption. For more information, including a list of Michigan microbreweries, log on to www.MiBeer.com.