While dedicated homebrewers and craft-beer enthusiasts are always eager to hear professional brewers reveal the secrets of their success, it's good to see the wider business community show an interest.
The Young Professionals Association of Delray's goals are to emphasize creating opportunities to attract, retain, and nourish the young professionals who live or work in Delray Beach and its neighboring communities, and with craft beer such a booming industry in South Florida, it only seems appropriate to see an event crop up of this type.
"The emerging craft-beer industry has become so big, we can no longer ignore what craft breweries bring to our communities," said Dan Paulus of the Everglades Group, one of the business supporters of the organization. "From job creation — for every one job created in a brewery, 45 other jobs are created in other industries that support the movement — to the feel-good balance and support brewers share with other organizations, we can’t deny the inspiration they generate in communities’ revitalization and an expression of the arts."
The five brewers set to participate in the panel are:
- Copperpoint Brewing Co. - Matt Cox, a 17 year veteran of the industry.
- Islamorada Brewing Co. - Jose Herrera, a contract brewer.
- Bangin’ Banjo Brewing Co. - Matt Giani, the youngest brewer of the panel.
- Saltwater Brewery - Dustin Jeffers, a local favorite of Delray.
- M.I.A. Beer Co. - Eddie Leon coming from the farthest south of all brewers.
Tickets are available for $10 in advance and $15 at the door and include the panel discussion, light snacks, and some beer samples. It's almost like a sneak peek at the upcoming Delray Beach Craft BeerFest, coming May 13.
Doug Fairall is a
