Pennsylvania is a major player in the brewing industry. Our state’s craft breweries produced output of more than $6.2 billion in 2017, and came only second to California across all 50 states. Joining the official state guild, which champions any and all positive changes for Pennsylvania’s breweries, is the first step to strengthening both the industry and your brewery. Here are some tips for getting the most value from your Brewers of Pennsylvania membership.
Representation
The Brewers of Pennsylvania was established in 2010 to be a voice for positive change for all breweries. Originally founded with roughly a dozen breweries, the guild is now comprised of more than 170 breweries and 60 associate members. Over the years, there have been many wins for Pennsylvania breweries thanks to the strength of the herd.
For example, Brewers of Pennsylvania members are vigilant and stay up to date on legislation in both Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. When there is a present danger or new bill on the table that would affect Pennsylvania breweries, members respond accordingly. Bills with negative consequences for not only our members, but all of our state’s breweries, are fought with phone calls to peers and elected officials. Recently, the Brewers of Pennsylvania championed the return of the Malt Beverage Tax Credit, which gives breweries a tax credit on any capital expenditure that expands brewery operations.
Active Participation
Being an active member of Brewers of Pennsylvania also gives you access to strategic legal advice in the form of quarterly legal Q&A conference calls with our general counsel. Participating in this discourse with other industry insiders is thought-provoking and ensures breweries around the state are on the same page.
By engaging with digital tools (coming soon!) on the Brewers of Pennsylvania website and social media mentions, your brewery can benefit from further exposure as a member. Actively engaging with the guild not only in a professional capacity, but also in the social media realm, strengthens the group’s voice as a whole while showcasing your brewery.
Building Bridges
Pennsylvania is home to several awesome craft beer events, including Meeting of the Malts, the Mid Atlantic Brewers Symposium and PA Flavor. The Mid Atlantic Brewers Symposium is an especially epic look into the world of craft beer, with eight 45-minute seminars delving into both the science and business of brewing. Look for sponsorship opportunities for many of these events, which are highly visible ways to promote your brewery.
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Although there are plenty of networking events throughout the year, brewery and associate members should also find it easy to connect and work together on a daily basis thanks to the list of members on the site. Struggling with accounting issues? Reach out to an associate member for guidance and support. Considering a renovation, new kegs or insurance? You know where to turn.
The Brewers of Pennsylvania has also partnered with AUI Energy Consulting to provide reliable and affordable energy-saving advice to our state’s breweries. Bill Covaleski, co-founder and president of Victory Brewing Company, said, “AUI has been our reliable advisor serving our energy needs for nearly two decades! Their steady performance and guidance has earned our loyalty in this highly competitive marketplace.”
Promotion
Members gain exposure on Brewers of Pennsylvania platforms from the blog to social media. As a guild member, this helps new guests locate your taproom. It also says something positive about a business (your business!) when it’s willing to pay its dues and be an active member of a statewide team working to improve and safeguard its industry. Pushing hyperlocal collaboration is also key: Banding together for beer or marketing collaborations within your community is yet another way to make the most of your membership.
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Want to know more? Check out our leadership team, and contact us with any questions.
The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
Featured photo: Pexels; all other photos, top to bottom: Tröegs Brewing Company; Pixabay; Stickman Brews; Levante Brewing Company
