1. Guild Activities

Maine Brewers Guild Hosts Inaugural New England Brew Summit

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Acacia serves as Brewers Guilds Manager on the Brewers Association Government Affairs team. Acacia's focus is on supporting organizational development of small non-profit U.S. state and regional brewers trade associations (also known as brewers guilds). Currently based out of Missoula, Montana, Acacia’s roles include crisscrossing the country participating in guild member and board meetings, climbing Capitol Hill, contributing to various national and international beer conferences, attending association management and regulatory conferences, and of course, reveling at beer festivals nation-wide.

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The inaugural New England Brew Summit, hosted by the Maine Brewers Guild, recently took place at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. The event featured workshops and speeches from U.S. Senator Angus King and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, as well as a keynote presentation from BA Quality Ambassador Dick Cantwell.

Both Congressional delegates had positive things to say about the craft brewing industry. Senator King told attendees that, “passion is the real heart of any enterprise and it’s your commitment that is building the infrastructure to carry the industry forward.” Representative Pingree also acknowledged the economic impact of craft brewers on local communities and the agriculture industry.

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Dick Cantwell’s presentation was well received and offered takeaways about excellence in brewing. “As the industry matures, it’s important that we strive to the highest standards. Consumers can be lazy about revising opinions, so the future of craft beer lies in maintaining a tradition of integrity and a commitment to quality that reflects well on all breweries,” Cantwell said during his address. His presentation’s theme tied in perfectly with the guild’s partnership with the University of Southern Maine to launch a QA/QC lab.

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The event summit drew more nearly 500 people from 13 states.

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