ASBC NEWSLETTER

The ASBC and MBAA Foundations are planning a silent auction at the WBC to raise funds to support their respective scholarship programs. The ASBC Foundation is soliciting ASBC corporate members, suppliers, and individuals to contribute items to the auction. This is a great way to contribute to the future of the brewing industry. Personally, I will be donating a pair of tickets to see the Packers defeat yet another opponent at the Frozen Tundra. For me, being an avid Packer Fan (not to mention waiting over 40 years for my father to transfer the tickets to my name), this is a sacrifice I am happy to make for such a good cause. If you and/or your company are interested in donating an item to the silent auction, please contact a member of the ASBC Foundation. Thanks to all who have generously donated already.

The Publications Committee and the Technical Committee have been very busy working on the Methods of Analysis CD, which will be available this summer. New with the CD version will be new packaging methods, new methods since the 1999 supplement, and video clips demonstrating several methods. Thanks to everyone involved in this huge endeavor.

During our monthly conference calls, the Board has continued its discussion on the strategic issues we identified at our fall Board meeting. A portion of our membership was sent an E-mail survey in December to ascertain what is of value to our members. Surveys were also sent to new potential members, including distillers and vintners. These survey results will be used to help develop future products and services for our members. A malt reference has been suggested as something our members need. The Technical Committee is currently working on this, and our plan is to add this as a new service in the near future. Our next Board meeting is March 4-5, and we will continue to work on these and other strategic issues.

The Technical Committee is in the midst of subcommittee work. I would like to thank all the subcommittee chairs and members for dedicating their time and expertise to this work. The number of participants on the 13 collaboratives being conducted this year shows the commitment and involvement of our membership.

Local sections continue to put together outstanding meetings that are great networking and educational opportunities. Many of the local section meetings continue to be joint meetings with the MBAA. As with the World Brewing Congress, the strengths of each organization come together to enhance membership value for both groups. Local sections have supported the Student Travel Grant Program and the ASBC Foundation, and I would like to thank them for their generosity.

With all the work going on and energy and enthusiasm exemplified in our Society, 2004 is going to be a very successful year. I look forward to seeing you all at WBC 2004 in San Diego, CA, July 25-28 and celebrating our many successes.