Photo credit: Paradeigm Interactive
One of America’s finest craft beer communities had a thriving 2017. To drive awareness for the importance of independently owned beer, the San Diego Brewers Guild (SDBG) executed various educational initiatives, which included revamping sdbeer.com and launching a research partnership with the College of Business Administration at California State University San Marcos.
Enter 2018: the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting San Diego’s more than 130 independent craft breweries announced its president and leadership team as well as preview what’s in store for the current year.
Annually, all incoming board of directors are voted in by SDBG brewery members, and officers are appointed by the previous year’s directors. The goal is to build a team that is representative of the varying brewery sizes and beer barrel production (i.e. 90 to 380,000+ barrels) found in San Diego. Paul Sangster, cofounder and brewmaster of Rip Current Brewing Co., will have a one-year term as president. Sangster, whose brewery produced 1,050 barrels of beer in 2016, is succeeding Jill Davidson from Pizza Port Brewing Co. as she transitions into the role of president emeritus.
“I’m thrilled to be serving as president for 2018 and continuing the momentum that Jill, the leadership officers and all SDBG members have helped create in past years,” explained Sangster. “As the capital of craft, we have much to celebrate in San Diego, ranging from medal-winning breweries to our international reputation and commitment to independence. This year, we’ll be building on our existing programs that help consumers know the importance of independent breweries while also introducing completely new features.”
Comprised of an executive director, six leadership positions and seven board of directors, SDBG events, programs and other initiatives are spearheaded by the following individuals:
Leadership Team:
- President — Paul Sangster, cofounder and brewmaster, Rip Current Brewing Co.
- Vice President — Terry Little, cofounder and CEO, Bear Roots Brewing Co.
- Secondary Vice President — Lee Doxtader, cofounder, San Diego Brewing Co.
- President Emeritus — Jill Davidson, senior sales and brand development manager, Pizza Port Brewing Co.
- Treasurer — Bryan Carpenter, senior audit manager, LevitZacks CPA
- Secretary — Todd Colburn, founder and CEO, Higher Gravity Brand Advocates
Board of Directors:
- Candace Moon (aka the Craft Beer Attorney), partner, Dinsmore and Shohl LLP
- Dande Bagby, owner and director of pub operations, Bagby Beer Co.
- Kris Anacleto, CEO, Booze Brothers Brewing Co.
- Matt Zirpolo, president, Burgeon Beer Co.
- Rachael Akin, cofounder and brand czar, Benchmark Brewing Co.
- Rick Chapman, cofounder and president, Coronado Brewing Co.
- Terry Little, cofounder and CEO, Bear Roots Brewing Co.
Executive Director: Paige McWey Acers
Legal Counsel: David Moore, Attorney, Moore & Skilljan Attorneys at Law
On the horizon for 2018
In 2017, the official website for the San Diego Brewers Guild, sdbeer.com, was redesigned to feature a more user-friendly interface that allows visitors an easy option for finding a brewery, beer event and simply learning more about the region’s craft beer offerings. Whether a resident or visiting tourist, guests are able to search San Diego breweries on the site by browsing the map or using a current location. New for 2018, more features will be added to sdbeer.com along with an iOS/Android mobile application (launching in Spring 2018) to further assist with easily navigating through and enjoying delicious beers from the capital of craft. Beer festival devotees can still look forward to SDBG’s popular annual events, including Rhythm & Brews (May 2018) and San Diego Beer Week (November 2-11, 2018). The organization’s highly attended festivals will continue showcasing an impressive array of craft beer offerings, which are to be served alongside new-and-improved elements added to this year’s celebrations.
Additionally, last year, SDBG joined forces with California State University San Marcos’ College of Business Administration and developed the “Economic Impact of Craft Breweries in San Diego County.” The study found that the region’s craft brewers produced an impressive economic impact of $870 million in output and contributed more than $100 million in taxes in 2016. This research will be revisited and released in 2018, ultimately providing more current data and expanding to include other topics.
Stay tuned for more information on 2018 events and educational initiatives, as full details will be shared later this year!
