AHA Governing Committee Meeting Summary: March 2023

Chad on April 27, 2023

The following is a summary of the March 2023 meeting of your American Homebrewers Association Governing Committee (GC).

GC Members: Jen Blair, Matt Bolling, Sandy Cockerham, Shawn Cormier, Chris Frey, Chris Hummert, Annie Johnson, Melissa McCann, Gail Milburn, Doug Piper, Goose Steingass, Roxanne Westendorf. Absent: Jill Marilley, Amy Martin, Cassie Salinas.

AHA Staff: Julia Herz

Approval of January and February Meeting Notes:

  • There were no additions or corrections to the meeting notes for January, and those notes were approved.  The February Basecamp review and training had no questions or additional comments.

AHA Mission Statement:

  • Shared was a proposed “external” Mission Statement for the AHA: “Dedicated to protecting and connecting the community of homebrewers, giving reasons and rewards for brewing, empowering an equitable homebrewing culture, and showcasing the fun of the hobby.”
  • Shawna reiterated that according to Section 4 of our bylaws, we are an advisory committee to the BA Board and provide advice to the BA Board concerning the members of the AHA.
  • One of the primary goals of the AHA is to provide the best information to educate the homebrewing community.
  • It was asked whether the AHA could keep up with the pace of technology regarding homebrewing education.
  • The Bylaws need to be addressed as they are incomplete and defunct based on the governance structure of the AHA within the BA.

Review of Club Model Code of Conduct and GC Social Contract:

  • We reviewed the language of the Club Model Code of Conduct. The next step is to share at the Bootcamp for Club Officers at HBC to get their input.
  • The language of the GC Social Contract was also reviewed, and approved. Basecamp’s living, breathing document can be scanned and changed when needed.
  • Roxanne to check on the #NotMe option for homebrew clubs (AHA already offers this at National Homebrew Competition Judging locations and Homebrew Con (HBC)).

Subcommittee and Working Group Briefings:

  • Education and Events
    • Ken Grossman will be the speaker for the April 25 webinar, which Chris Frey will moderate.
    • Sarah Flora will be the speaker for the May 22 webinar moderated by Amy Martin
    • Justin Crosley will be the speaker for the June 23 webinar moderated by Shawna Cormier.
    • Ashley Carter will be the speaker at the July webinar. A date for this has not yet been set.
    • The subcommittee would like to see more involvement from the GC at these webinars, and they are looking for another body to help on the subcommittee.
  • Matt reported that this group is sending invites for the two-hour Industry Coalition program from 8:30 to 10:30 on Friday morning at HBC. Everyone on the GC is encouraged to attend.
    • The AHA is conducting a retailer survey which will be sent out in the next few weeks.
    • The working group is also exploring where the BA Supply Chain Subcommittee might have synergies with AHA.
  • Sandy is knee-deep in the NHC, and Gail has consulted with Sandy, Chris, and Millie at the BA to facilitate a strong competition this year.
  • HBC Sessions Working Group:
    • Shawna reported that the working group is currently in the preliminary stages of reviewing outlines from the potential presenters. They will then review drafts of the presentations.
  • DEI
    • . The DEI Committee is working on a big project for the Craft Brewers Conference, which is basically “pack-out” kits for those on the margins of housing and security.
    • Julia is looking to create a strategic plan for the AHA on DEI work and asking for input from the DEI Committee for 2023-2024.
  • Program/Events Update:
    • HBC website list pricing options for Super Early Bird (through 4/3), Early Bird (4/4 – 5/1), and Full pricing (after 5/1).
    • There is the standard Social Package. In addition, a new Saturday Social Package has been added.
    • Workshops are listed on the HBC website with an overview of each one.
    • The Industry Coalition meeting is overviewed on the HBC site, and an RSVP is required.
    • There are no keynote speakers. Instead, there will be two headline speakers. The headline speakers will be announced soon.
    • GC is urged to promote attendance at HBC with AHA members. The future of the AHA depends on strong membership and attendance numbers.
    • GC Recognition Award was discussed in prep for voting.

Other:

  • BA is preparing for the future passing of Former President Jimmy Carter.
  • Media kits regarding HBC will be available to promote the event between now and June 22.
  • Joining the AHA will allow people to receive a free book valued up to $25 from the AHA.
  • Missouri is working on homebrew legislation that the AHA/BA legal team is supporting, and when the time is right, we are ready to send an activation email to AHA members in the state.

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