LINCOLN — The Nebraska Craft Brewery Board was created to provide guidance and leadership to Nebraska craft brewers and to build on the momentum of a rapidly growing craft beer industry. During board meetings, members are taking care of the details needed to start the new Craft Brewery Board, including developing a mission statement, vision statement, logo and goals while diving into the important work of researching, marketing and promoting craft beer.
“We’ve got a talented and knowledgeable group of board members who understand the craft brewery business and the industry as a whole,” said Zac Triemert, Chair of the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board. “The Board represents different aspects of the craft beer industry including brewers, manufacturers, distributors, consumers, and Nebraska agriculture. We’re here to help grow the agricultural diversity and economic development of the Nebraska brewing industry.”
The Craft Brewery Board, created by LB 1105 and signed into law by Gov. Pete Ricketts, consists of seven members appointed by the Governor. In addition to Zac Triemert serving as Chair, board members include: Annette Wiles, Vice Chair; Nathan Bell, Secretary/Treasurer; and Bruce Nelson, Drew Fordham, Adam Kosmicki and Mark Jagels, members. Each member serves a three-year term and may be reappointed. Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Tourism Commission also serve on the board as non-voting, ex-officio members.
“Grow Local. Brew Local. Buy Local. is more than our mission statement,” Triemert said. “It’s our guiding principle. We’re here to support marketing, business development, education and research that will enhance the economic condition of the agriculture and brewery industry in Nebraska.”
“Craft brewers are passionate about their beer, and their goal is to produce the highest quality of beer,” Triemert said. “The Board gives any beer manufacturer or producer of agricultural products used in the brewing process the opportunity to discuss policies and procedures with others. It’s an organization where people can work together toward a profitable, sustainable future that advances the interests of Nebraska’s growers, brewers, distributors, retailers and trade partners.”
Board members have to be Nebraska citizens, at least 21 years of age, and either engaged or previously engaged, in the manufacture or the wholesale or the retail sale of beer in Nebraska, and/or in the production of Nebraska agricultural products that are used in the brewing process. The Governor selected board members based on suggestions from the Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild, the Associated Beverage Distributors of Nebraska and other qualified candidates.
— Nebraska Craft Brewery Board
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