(Harrisburg PA), The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), the official state brewing guild whose mission is to promote and protect the brewing industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, met in January 2016 in Harrisburg, PA (ZerOday Brewing Company), and elected two new members to serve on the state Board of Directors.
At the BOP 2016 Annual Meeting, President Bill Covaleski (Victory Brewing) welcomed the two newest directors, Chris Lampe (Weyerbacher Brewing) and Jason Lavery (Lavery Brewing) who will serve a term of two years.
Chris Lampe is the Production Manager for Weyerbacher Brewing Company in Easton, PA. He received his B.A. in Anthropology and Philosophy from Juniata College. For many years, he worked as an Archeologist based in various locations throughout the U.S. including North Dakota, Vermont, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. While examining his career options, he decided to look for something that would combine his talents for working with his hands, his business experience and managing people. He found Weyerbacher Brewing Co., Inc. The brewery was a perfect fit for someone with his varied talents and work experiences. Starting out as a part-timer, he quickly joined the brewery full time in 2004 and then moved to the position of Production Manager. He has helped spirit Weyerbacher from a 2,500 BBL brewery in 2004 to the 22,000 BBL brewery that it is today. Along the way, he has had his hands in every aspect of the business including being “elbows deep in grease” machine maintenance to adding additional buildings, design and layout of new facilities, redesigning Weyerbacher artwork, recipe development, sales, and the development of a tap room.
Jason Lavery is the President/Founder/Brewer at Lavery Brewing Company in Erie, PA. Born and raised in Erie, Jason was bitten by the home-brewing bug in 2004, at the tender age of 22. Home-brewing became a passion throughout undergraduate and graduate school. Having earned a Master’s Degree and unable to find a job, Jason and his wife, Nicole, decided in early 2009 to start a brewery. By February 2010, Lavery Brewing Company was up and running. What began as an alternating proprietorship quickly transitioned into an independent brewery in early 2011. In 2013, Lavery Brewing opened a pub and won Gold at the GABF for its Liopard Oir Saison. Production has remained steady the past 2 years at approximately 1100 BBLS/year.
Being passionate about his profession and his products, Jason has taught many home brewing courses, and has been invited to teach a ‘brewing course’ at a local university’s biology department. Jason founded the local home brewing club, Hazard, in 2010, and in 2015 he helped found the Lake Erie Ale Trail.
“Each year the BOP is fortunate to receive applications from many diverse, highly-qualified brewers who want to participate in our growing and influential association,” said BOP President, Bill Covaleski. “Both Chris and Jason embody the spirit of the Pennsylvania brewing community and bring unique talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have them on our team as we continue to advocate for and promote awareness of the Pennsylvania brewing industry to not just consumers, but legislators as well.”
Current Directors Kathi Reinstein of Samuel Adams Brewery and Bob McCafferty of North Country Brewing Company were also re-elected to new two year terms.
Despite record snowfall in the Harrisburg area, over 50 brewery and associate members were in attendance for both the social event and business meeting.
The entire list of the Brewers of Pennsylvania Board of Directors can be found HERE.
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