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When it comes to local economic impact, it’s apparent that microbreweries tend to punch above their weight, while other small businesses with similar reach leave less of a conspicuous mark on the communities they occupy.
There are actually a variety of reasons behind this phenomenon, so here’s a quick rundown of what makes up and coming beer brands so much of a standout in terms of economic clout.
Employment Opportunities
One of the most direct impacts small breweries have on local economies is job creation. Here’s how they’re brewing more than just beer:
Crafting Careers
From brewers to bartenders, and marketing professionals to salespeople, small breweries create a range of jobs that require various skill sets.
For example, consider a business like Highland Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina, which started back in 1994 with a handful of employees and now supports over 60 full-time positions, allowing it to become the largest independent brewer in the region.
Spurring Supplier Demand
The need for local ingredients like hops, barley, and yeast encourages breweries to source locally where possible. This not just supports local agriculture – think of the farms in Washington State where 75% of all hops produced nationally are grown – but also boosts industries related to brewery operations such as manufacturing and distribution.
Promoting Ancillary Businesses
Breweries often act as catalysts for other local businesses, as they draw in customers who also visit nearby restaurants, shops, and services.
In Fort Collins, Colorado – a city known for its vibrant craft beer scene – small breweries like New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing Company and Zwei Brewing help sustain an ecosystem that includes everything from glassware vendors to graphic designers creating label art.
Moreover, it’s thanks to innovative brewing technology like Ollie that it’s feasible for smaller brands to wrangle their operations as efficiently as their larger counterparts.
Software that can oversee everything from production and inventory management to sales and supplier relationships is a boon in terms of ensuring that microbreweries can be reliable local employers in the long term.
Cultivating Community
Small breweries do more than just produce beer; they conjure up a sense of community and become hubs for local engagement and development. Here’s a look at how they weave themselves into the fabric of their neighborhoods:
Event Hosting
Breweries often serve as venues for events ranging from trivia nights to live music, drawing locals together and increasing community interaction. Take Tree House Brewing in Massachusetts, which has plenty of spaces where regular events can be hosted, not only attracting locals but also bringing in visitors who spend their cash at neighboring businesses.
Supporting Local Causes
Many breweries take pride in their community involvement by supporting local charities and causes through fundraisers or awareness events.
The aforementioned New Belgium Brewing, for example, is known for its philanthropy, donating proceeds from certain beers to environmental causes.
Enhancing Local Identity
Breweries often reflect the culture and heritage of their area, contributing to a shared sense of identity among residents.
In places like St. Louis, Missouri, small breweries like Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. celebrate local traditions with beers that incorporate regional flavors and ingredients – while still having one foot firmly in the international beer camp.
Tapping into Tourism
Beyond their local contributions, small breweries often become significant players in the tourism sector, attracting visitors who are eager to experience unique, locally crafted beers – as we’ve touched on already. Here’s how these establishments draw in and delight out-of-towners:
Brewery Tours and Tastings
Offering tours and tastings gives visitors an inside look at the brewing process and a chance to taste special or limited-edition brews.
For instance, Troegs Independent Brewing in Hersey, Pennsylvania provides a compelling tour that gives you a full 60 minute look behind the scenes at its production facility.
Craft Beer Festivals
Events like these bring together multiple breweries and are significant draws for enthusiasts from around the globe. The Great American Beer Festival in Denver is a stellar example, where hundreds of craft breweries converge, showcasing their best offerings to thousands of attendees.
Collaborative Brews
Many small breweries collaborate on special edition beers with other brewers across the country or even internationally – and with modern collaboration tools this is easier than ever. This not only fosters a sense of community within the industry but also attracts fans of all collaborating brands to visit. For instance, Scottish stalwart BrewDog has worked with various other breweries – and even an ethical chocolate company!
Wrapping Up
So there’s no doubt that small breweries really do go above and beyond to make local economies more buoyant, and they achieve this via offering employment, involving the community, and encouraging tourism. If other small businesses follow their lead, they will find themselves in a similarly strong position.