WHO WE ARE
The Washington Beer Commission, the first of its kind commodity commission in the United States, was formed in 2006, when the Washington State Legislature authorized the creation of the Beer Commission to promote the state’s microbreweries.
OUR MISSION = Promote Washington Beer
When the former Director of the Washington Department of Agriculture, Valoria Loveland, appointed the first set of six Commissioners in November 2006, she sketched out in broad strokes the task set before the new Commission:
“Simply put, Washington produces some of the finest beer in the country and our new Beer Commission will help spread the word about these wonderful products. Our microbrews emphasize quality and flavor, and are a signature product of the Evergreen State. And our renowned hops, barley and wheat are the perfect premium ingredients for the nation’s best craft brewers.”
Since 2007, the Commission has been putting on as many as four festivals each year in order to showcase for the public some of the state’s many fresh, locally produced, and award-winning ales and lagers. More than 10,000 people each year attend these events, where they have an opportunity to interact with some of the brewers and owners from many of the state’s more than 150 small, craft breweries.
In 2009 the Commission hired Eric Radovich as its Executive Director. Radovich has more than 15 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and event planning. “After an extensive search for a high caliber marketing professional who can also produce successful events and serve as a strong representative of the brewing industry, we are very excited to have Eric on board to take the Washington Beer Commission to the next level,” commented David Mudd, member of the Washington Beer Commission and head of the Executive Director search committee.
Thus the Commission is now poised to forge ahead with a number of marketing and promotial intiatives aimed at raising awareness of the great quality and value of Washington-brewed beer in both local and regional marketplaces.
OUR IMPACT
The brewing industry in Washington contributes significantly to the economic vitality of our state. According to the Beer Institute, the direct economic impact, when coupled with the the revenue generated by by way of distributors and retailers, totaled in excess of $1.2 billion in 2008.
Business and personal tax revenue in the same year topped $500 million. In addition, over $200 million were paid in federal, state, and local consumption taxes as a result of beer industry-related transactions in Washington. (source: Beer Institute)
Washington’s breweries, many of them small and family owned, are integral parts of their local communities. When you choose to buy beer brewed in Washington, you support businesses that in turn contribute generously to charitable organizations that support a host of worthy projects in all corners of the state.