With the dawn of each new year comes the appointment of a new president for the San Diego Brewers Guild (SDBG). This year, Coronado Brewing owner and co-founder Rick Chapman was tapped to take the lead for the volunteer-run non-profit, which will celebrate its 25th year in operation in 2022. Chapman has been there for all of it. He launched Coronado Brewing in 1996 when there were only five other craft breweries in the county. A year later, the Guild was born. Chapman has served the SDBG in numerous capacities, including stints on its Board of Directors. A month into his presidency seemed a good time to find out what he and his fellow board members and SDBG colleagues are working on to help publicize the quality beer and breweries in the “Capital of Craft” while providing multifarious resources for its member breweries.
What led you to get involved in the Guild and, most recently, assume the president role?
Since its inception in 1997, either myself or someone else at Coronado Brewing has been involved in the SDBG. I’ve always felt that it’s incumbent for all in our brewing community to be engaged and involved in our ever-evolving industry. To be honest, I was ready to term out and welcome others to join the Board of Directors, however, the Board and Executive Director Paige McWey Acers asked if I would be willing and able to serve as president this year. It’s a three-year commitment to be a vice president, president and president emeritus. After much consideration, I am honored, humbled and looking forward to serving our awesome beer community here in San Diego.
What initiatives will you be focusing your attention on in 2022?
The SDBG will continue to push forward marketing campaigns, educational programs and special events that further showcase our region’s brewing innovation and talent. This year, we’ll be bringing back our cornerstone events like November’s San Diego Beer Week and Septembers annual golf tournament, while also growing events like San Diego Craft Beer Con, which will take place in August. Plus, brewery members will have the opportunity to participate in various workshops throughout the year as part of the Tap Into Knowledge series, featuring a range of beneficial topics for brewery employees. As a collective leadership group, the Board of Directors and myself will be focused on creating more resources to help members operate their businesses.
What do you have in the hopper for the SDBG’s 25th year?
Twenty-five years is a great milestone for any organization. Of course, this is deserving of a big celebration, which we’ll provide more details for at a later date. For now, save the date for June 10. Plus, brewery members will soon be able to vote on a specialty “SD Beer Hop Blend” that will be offered by BSG. We would love to see brewery members use this blend to create a true San Diego-style beer commemorating the SDBG and its accomplishments. The last 25 years have been one hell of a ride, and I’m proud to have been involved in the SDBG since its inception. Looking back at all the festivals, events, general Guild meetings and board meetings I attended with brewing colleagues, I am most proud of everything the organization has evolved into. Our combined community efforts are demonstrated in the strong regional guild we have built. SDBG is admired and modeled after throughout the US brewing community. Personally, I feel that says it all.
What are the biggest challenges facing the brewing industry coming into 2022?
Some might say the challenges we faced in the early ‘90s are a bit similar to what we still face today—limited resources for small craft breweries, access to fair distribution channels, consumer education and the importance of buying fresh, locally produced beer. Plus, much like other industries across the country, the craft-beer community is also having to tackle issues related to staffing, supply-chain shortages (i.e., cans, ingredients and other materials), and increased operational costs. Together, these are creative a perfect storm as we also endure the current pandemic recovery phase. On behalf of the SDBG, we are tremendously grateful for all the support we’ve received from the local community. Thanks to everyone who has purchased independently owned beer and/or attended an event in the past 25 years. Because of this, San Diego County has rightfully earned its reputation as the Capital of Craft.