National homebrewing hobbyist organization transitioning from Brewers Association oversight to become an independent nonprofit
Boulder, Colo. — Today, the American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) filed for incorporation in Colorado and seated a founding board of directors in steps to become an independent 501(c). Founded in 1978, the AHA has operated as a division under the umbrella of the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—since 1983.
With these actions, the AHA will operate as a nonprofit organization autonomous from the Brewers Association, its parent organization, by the end of 2025. The AHA is in the process of hiring an association management company to manage day-to-day operations currently conducted by the Brewers Association.
The AHA’s founding board consists of chairperson Shawna Cormier, members Drew Beechum, Sandy Cockerham, Gary Glass, and Greg Roskopf, and staff liaison and current executive director Julia Herz. They will act as a transition committee to steward the AHA to organizational independence in 2025 and establish the nascent organization’s bylaws, vision, mission, and strategic priorities.
“Our members should be excited to have front-row seats to history. We’re eager for the AHA to chart its new path and meet the needs of the homebrewing community,” said Cormier.
“We take the AHA legacy, homebrewers’ importance in our culture, and member needs seriously. This bold move better positions us to deliver on what members are asking for and brings the fun of homebrewing to members today and to future generations of enthusiasts,” added Herz.
“We know that many of our brewery members originated as homebrewers, which was instrumental in the growth of the craft beer movement in America,” said Bart Watson, president and CEO of the Brewers Association. “Since 1978, the AHA has been the preeminent organization for homebrewing enthusiasts and we look forward to supporting them as they transition into an exciting future.”
For more information, read this letter from Shawna Cormier and Julia Herz.
Media Contact: Karen Boe (on behalf of the American Homebrewers Association)
About the American Homebrewers Association®
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 23,000 homebrewers. The AHA organizes events, including the National Homebrew Competition, Big Brew for National Homebrew Day, and Learn to Homebrew Day. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy®, the longest-running magazine for homebrewers. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association®, whose Brewers Publications® division is the largest publisher of contemporary brewing literature for professional brewers, homebrewers, and beer enthusiasts.
Beer lovers, fermentation fans, and anyone interested in making their own homemade beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA on InstagramOpens in new window and join us on Facebook.
The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
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