National homebrewing hobbyist organization transitioning from Brewers Association oversight to become an independent nonprofit Boulder, Colo. — Today, the American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) filed for incorporation in Colorado and seated a founding board of directors in steps to become an independent 501(c). Founded in 1978, the AHA has operated as a division under the umbrella of the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—since 1983. With these actions, the AHA will operate as a nonprofit organization autonomous from the Brewers Association, its parent organization, by the end of 2025. The AHA is in the process of hiring an association management company to manage day-to-day operations currently conducted by the Brewers Association. The AHA’s founding board consists of chairperson Shawna Cormier, members Drew Beechum, Sandy Cockerham, Gary Glass, and Greg Roskopf, and staff liaison and current executive director Julia Herz. They will act as a transition committee to steward the AHA to organizational independence in 2025 and establish the nascent organization’s bylaws, vision, mission, and strategic priorities. “Our members should be excited to have front-row seats to history. We’re eager for the AHA to chart its new path and meet the needs of the homebrewing community,” said Cormier. “We take the AHA legacy, homebrewers’ importance in our culture, and member needs seriously. This bold move better positions us to deliver on what members are asking for and brings the fun of homebrewing to members today and to future generations of enthusiasts,” added Herz. “We know that many of our brewery members originated as homebrewers, which was instrumental in the growth of the craft beer movement in America,” said Bart Watson, president and CEO of the Brewers Association. “Since 1978, the AHA has been the preeminent organization for homebrewing enthusiasts and we look forward to supporting them as they transition into an exciting future.” ### https://www.brewersassociation.org/...omebrewers-association-files-for-501c-status/
Thank YOU for posting Todd and you beat me it as the BeerAdvocate community was top of mind to share with. Cheers to the homebrewers of today and tomorrow and to learn more (deeper details) check out this post and video.
From the link provided in post #2: “Unfortunately, we have yet to find a suitable partner to execute a cost-effective 2025 Homebrew Con (HBC), the AHA’s annual member gathering, and the usual location of the awards ceremony. However, we are on track with an ongoing search for options to bring back HBC as a valued and important annual event in 2026.” That is unfortunate news. One reason I have been a member of the AHA (for the last decade+) was to attend the annual National Homebrewers Conference (rebranded as Homebrew Con). Last year they cancelled this annual event and apparently will for 2025 as well. I will have to consider whether I will to renew my membership. Cheers!
Not that it matters much, but that ain't the way I remember it and their own websites seem to agree with me. And a couple years after the merger of the AOB and BAA, they created the "Craft Brewer" definition (since changed) which eliminated many of the old line BAA member breweries from the organization's list of craft brewers due to their century old use of corn or rice adjuncts in their flagship beers. https://www.brewersassociation.org/brewers-association/brewers-association-timeline/ https://beerandbrewing.com/dictionary/ipHKELFWI3/
Good for them I was always confused why they mixed home brewing with the commercial beer industry. To different worlds the BA is constantly chasing data points and lists.
I just got back from Boulder yesterday after 2 fruitful days of discussions with my fellow board members. Lots of hope and energy in those discussions!
If anyone wants an update - you can read Julia's post and come join us in the AHA Forum to ask questions.
