ASBC Newsletter

It’s a rainy November day in DC and there’s been a lot going on. How about those Boston Red Sox, winning the professional baseball World Series! And seemingly just as unbelievable, and welcome, is the long-awaited conclusion of the U.S. presidential election campaign. I’m so thankful that I live in a non-swing state and was subjected to very few presidential campaign ads!

On the subject of baseball, there’s a great deal of excitement over the new team coming to my hometown of Washington, DC—and a National League team no less. I know this doesn’t mean much to many of you, but I know there are others who can relate to my enthusiasm for both the new team and the National League. But enough fluff; let’s talk about the ASBC.

The final numbers have come in for WBC 2004 in San Diego, and not only was the program a great event, it was also a financial success. Again, I’d like to thank the organizers from ASBC and MBAA and the St. Paul staff of Scientific Societies for their efforts. I just read a review of WBC 2004 from the 2004 Brewing and Beverage Industry International Journal, no. 4, which had many complements on the event. I think we can all be excited about the success and opportunities the WBC series is bringing to the brewing industry. The plans are already under way for WBC 2008, and I believe this will continue to be a much-looked-forward-to event for many years to come.

The ASBC Board of Directors met in St. Paul on October 28 and 29. Details of the meeting can be gleaned from the highlights published elsewhere in this issue of the Newsletter, but I have some comments on the important aspects.

Primarily, let me emphasize that ASBC is financially sound, but continuing efforts must be made to keep it that way. Our operations and the services that ASBC provides to the membership are costly, and we strive to add value to you in our revenue-generating programs, while also being cognizant of the need to keep membership fees and meeting registration fees within reason. This is a difficult balance, but as long as you, the members, gain value from our efforts and programs, we will remain strong.

Some changes are coming to the Check Sample Services Program. Past-President Rob McCaig has graciously accepted the position of ASBC Check Services director and will add some technical, practical, and visual improvements—and perhaps even some excitement—into the program. You will see some of these changes in the near future.

Also, in an effort to make improvements in the continuity of the treasurer’s position, the Board has approved a vote of the membership for a change in the by-laws to allow (or, as some feel, subject) the ASBC treasurer to an extended term of service, with an option for renewal to a second term, if desired. Rebecca Newman now holds this demanding position, and with the current two-year limitation, by the time she (like other incumbents) has hit the peak of the learning curve for the position, it’s typically time to vacate and pass it on to a new person. It’s sort of like expecting the U.S. president to serve for only two years and then leave! Wait—perhaps there is some merit in that!

Another improvement in store is the new layout and functionality of ASBCnet, as demonstrated by St. Paul staff member Steve Kronmiller during the fall board meeting. I won’t go into detail; you will soon be able to see for yourself at www.asbcnet.org. The new layout is visually appealing and provides greater access and functionality. I hope you find it a pleasurable experience and will utilize it often.

Long-term strategic planning has become an increasingly critical part of the Board’s responsibilities. As part of our plans for the future, we have defined what we consider to be the mega-issues confronting ASBC, those that need to be addressed to ensure our continued success. They are:

The topic I’d like to emphasize from my bully pulpit is the importance and need for continuing volunteerism within ASBC, so consider this my recruitment spiel. ASBC operates primarily through the efforts of the Scientific Societies staff in St. Paul, Minnesota, and also of volunteers who devote their time and effort to ensure the success of the organization.

Not only does ASBC benefit from your involvement, it is also a great opportunity for your own personal and professional advancement. ASBC has been very fortunate through the years to have the support of breweries and allied industries worldwide that allow time and financial backing for their employees in their involvement with ASBC. For this, we owe a great deal of gratitude. Through ASBC, your efforts and achievements offer you exposure and rewards in our industry.

To help with the success of ASBC and your own professional development, it is not necessary to be involved on the national level. Our local sections serve as the grass roots for ASBC and include involvement from the major breweries, regional breweries, the smaller but all-important craft brewers, and of course, the brewing-allied industries. As you know, most of the local sections have quarterly meetings, many associated with the MBAA, and typically there are elections for officers yearly at that level. Take the opportunity to expand your involvement as secretary, treasurer, vice-chair, or chair of your local section and participate in developing and organizing the many great programs offered by these groups.

Most volunteerism with the ASBC on the national level starts with involvement as a collaborator on one of the many technical subcommittees. The work here results in opportunities to serve as technical subcommittee chair, with the potential for recruitment onto the ASBC Technical Committee itself. This group is vital to the current and future activities of ASBC. However, you don’t necessarily have to climb through the technical subcommittees to have an impact. There are numerous opportunities in the many, varied aspects of the organization, such as positions on the Publications Committee to help with the ASBC Newsletter, the ASBCnet, Methods of Analysis, and other publications. There is the Program Committee, where you can help develop various workshops, seminars, and of course, help with the planning and organizing of the ASBC annual meetings. Opportunities abound, and we need good people who are willing to make a commitment to be involved and make a difference in ASBC, in their careers, and in their lives. If you’re willing to make a difference and would like the opportunity to be an integral part of ASBC now and possibly many years into the future, ask any of our local or national officers, committee members, or board members about how you may become involved. You can drop me a line personally at tim.kostelecky@johnihaas.com.

It’s been through the efforts of our volunteers since 1934 that ASBC has developed into one of the premier brewing scientific societies in the world, and it’s through our volunteers that it will continue to do so well into the future. Be part of that effort and success.

In This Issue

Board of Directors meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1
New international calibration standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1
President's column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	2
Local sections news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	5
Q and A about the Methods CD-Rom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	6
Student travel grant information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	6
Second call for papers and posters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	6
Member Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7
Technical subcommittee reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	9
Submission requirements for presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
Editorial policy and instructions to Journal authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18
First call for nominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
Directory of members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
Members by company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
Brian Williams Scholarship awarded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48

In This Issue