PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: ALICE SCOTT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
804.643.7489, ext. 10 December 9, 2010
ascott@vamanufacturers.com
VMA Develops Virginia Craft Brewers Guild
WILLIAMSBURG, VA – The Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) launched the Virginia Craft
Brewers Guild today during the 2010 Virginia Industry Leadership Forum in Williamsburg. The Virginia Craft
Brewers Guild and its government affairs arm, the Virginia Craft Brewers Council, will operate as a division of the
VMA. Members of the Guild held a reception and tasting today to officially launch the organization.
The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild’s Chair is Mike Killelea of Legend Brewing Co. Brian McNelis, former
VMA Director and current Virginia Industry Foundation Director, and Brett Vassey, VMA President & CEO,
worked collaboratively with the industry to form the business plan for the Guild and launch the organization.
The eleven founding members of the Guild are true entrepreneurs.
FOUNDING MEMBERS:
Bull & Bones At the River
Cally's Restaurant & Brewing Co., LC
Devils Backbone Brewing Co.
Legend Brewing Co.
Mad Fox Brewing Co., LLC
Port City Brewing Company
Shooting Creek Farm Brewery
Starr Hill Brewery
St. George Brewing Co.
Wild Wolf Brewing Co.
Williamsburg Alewerks
The intent of the Guild is to organize craft brewers for purposes of economic development, business development,
supply chain management, tourism and government affairs. Membership will be extended to craft brewers and
associate memberships will be extended to businesses and organizations that provide support services or products to
the industry (e.g., equipment manufacturers, agricultural interests, economic development, etc.).
The Guild is developing a promotional campaign for craft beer, its own craft beer festival and a competition for the
best craft beer in Virginia for 2011. The Guild is also planning a Craft Beer Caucus for the 2011 General Assembly
session and will hold a reception in February 2011. The Guild will collaborate with partner organizations such as
Nelson County Economic Development and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association on future projects.
The VMA estimates that the craft beer industry could double in the next decade. Virginia has great potential to be a
national leader in this burgeoning industry.