Grand Rapids Area Breweries Form Beer City Brewers Guild

In April, a New West Michigan Non-Profit Guild organized to raise awareness of the craft brewing culture within the community by forming Beer City Brewers Guild 501(c)(6). A vehicle for events, collaborations, charitable giving, and knowledge sharing.

Since 2012 Grand Rapids Area Breweries and supporting businesses have collaborated to make Beer City a better place to brew, drink, visit, and live.

“The brewers thought we should get together to celebrate the initial Beer City USA designation and decided to do a collaborative beer. That was a success, and we enjoyed each others company, so we decided to band together to promote all of the breweries. We hope to encourage the spirit of collaboration; not only between breweries, but all related groups.” said Jackson VanDyke, Beer City Brewers Guild President, Co-Owner Harmony Brewing Company.

The opportunities Beer City Brewers Guild will continue to build on include collaborative beer releases such as the Beer City Pale Ale, where each area brewery created their rendition of a Pale Ale. Brewers Grove/Tree Beer, a united effort between breweries and the Friends of GR Parks; increasing the city’s tree canopy by donating a portion of Tree Beer sales toward this effort, and physically planting trees in multiple parks for the last three years.

Licensed Breweries and Breweries-in-Planning involved in the Guild will include those within Kent County, Mich or any city or township whose geographic boundary borders Kent County. Craft Beer Affiliates and Enthusiasts are also encouraged to join the Beer City Brewers Guild to participate in meetings, and serve on committees.

“Being selected to serve as the Marketing Chair on the Guild Board has been an honor. Working with creative individuals who value collaboration over competition while embracing our community goes beyond beer. I feel lucky to support and promote such an incredible group of people.” said Kelli Williams, Beer City Brewers Guild Marketing Chair, Owner Momma Needs A Beer, LLC.

The Beer City Brewers Guild will host a festival to embrace their collaborative community spirit in the heart of downtown at Ah-Nab-Awen Park on Saturday, August 13.