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Here we are! Back from the beauty of La Quinta! Back from a real taste of summer! And back from a very successful ASBC meeting! John Engel and his Program Committee in collaboration with Scientific Societies did a wonderful job of building, organizing, and executing a very strong technical program. We had great attendance (a total of 320!), and we appreciate everyone’s contributions to this effort: oral and poster presenters, moderators, workshop presenters, scribes, short course instructors, and exhibitors. A special thanks to all of the companies who supported the meeting with monetary contributions and beer donations. Overall, there were 26 different malt beverages to enjoy. Hot weather and beer—what more could you ask for?

On the first evening of the meeting, Greg Casey very eloquently explained the structure of the ASBC to students and first timers, defining the various Board positions and committee roles. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those who completed their terms on the Board at the annual meeting.

Tim Kostelecky has now officially joined the distinguished team of past presidents. Tim’s participation on the Board, first as secretary and then as vice-president, president-elect, and president, warrants a hearty thank you. As the ASBC continues to identify ways to enhance our value to the membership, we certainly intend to (and would be foolish not to) tap into the knowledge, expertise, and leadership skills that are found in this group of past presidents. So, Tim, thank you for everything you’ve done—but don’t put away that ASBC shirt because you’re not off the hook yet!

Another point that Greg made in his discussion at the First-Timers Reception was that, while we are called the American Society of Brewing Chemists, we are anything but an American-only society. Just reviewing the program for our annual meeting shows what a strong contribution we have (not just this year, but every year!) from our international companions. Since we are a global organization supporting a global industry, keeping a pulse on the international brewing science scene is extremely important to us. For the past three years Silja Home has served on the Board as the International Director. She has done an exceptional job in this role. As her term comes to a close, I would like to thank Silja for her diligence in keeping us informed and for the valuable contributions she has made over the years.

Another Board member who has finished his tenure, at least as secretary, is Xiang Yin. The reason that I qualify my statement is that while Xiang rotates out of his role as secretary, he will continue on the Board as our new vice-president. The membership’s desire to have Xiang continue on the Board, I believe, is a direct reflection of the impressive job he has done over the last two years. Thank you, Xiang, for your attention to detail, timeliness, professionalism, and well-thought-out and knowledgeable ideas. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the upcoming years.

Joyce Carr has joined the Board as our new secretary. There was a time when the Board met on a quarterly basis to discuss various business items. However, for the past few years, in addition to the quarterly meetings, we have been holding monthly conference calls. While we feel that this has enhanced our overall effectiveness, allowing us to discuss items and make decisions in a more timely manner, it has also, without a doubt, added to the responsibilities of the secretary. I know, for a fact, that the Board relies heavily upon and greatly appreciates the minutes that are generated for each and every meeting. Welcome, Joyce! I hope that you enjoy your time with the Board as much as I have.

Speaking of enjoying my time with the Board, there are good reasons for this. What a great group of people! Professional, knowledgeable, dedicated, enthusiastic, results-driven, and fun. Those are just a few descriptors that come to mind when I think of this group.

Starting with Greg (Karaoke King) Casey, who throughout the year led the ASBC with his strong, yet casual, leadership style. Mike (Hot Rod Lincoln) Joyce not only contributed in his role as vice-president, but gave substantial support to his old stomping ground, the Publications Committee. Our treasurer, Rebecca (“It’s all about the money”) Newman, does a great job of digging into the numbers and making sound recommendations to the Board as we are faced with financial challenges.

Cindy-Lou (anything but) Dull has taken the Publications Committee to new heights as she and her committee make exceptional progress on a very aggressive publications schedule. (By the way, check out Charlie Bamforth’s new book Scientific Principles of Malting and Brewing, as well as the Compendium of Brewing Science—Yeast and the Craft Brewers E-Community on our website!)

John (Power Garments) Engel continues to impress everyone with the outstanding programs that he develops and organizes for our annual meetings. Never one to rest, John has already started planning for the 2007 meeting in Victoria, BC, and there is no doubt that it, too, will be terrific!

Dave (Casino Dave) Maradyn has kept the Technical Committee strong, as evidenced by the 13 subcommittees that were active in 2005–2006 and the three new methods that will be added to MOA. Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge our Executive Officer, Steve (Chiller) Nelson, who has been instrumental in helping us develop a strategic plan by reinforcing the need for it and by offering us guidance along the way.

In the business meeting at La Quinta, Greg outlined the current state of affairs for the ASBC and discussed the challenges that we have ahead of us. In future columns, I will continue to communicate to the membership what steps we’re taking to ensure membership growth, financial health, and added value for our members, our companies, and our industry. As you read and hear about the various activities that the ASBC is involved in, please consider joining in. The more people that we have who are willing to share their ideas and commit some time, the stronger the Society will be. In the end, the benefit is realized not only by the Society or the industry it serves, but by the individual volunteers themselves. Getting involved in the ASBC is a wonderful opportunity to develop both technical and leadership skills. Ask anyone who has served as a subcommittee chair, a member of the Program Committee, a member of the Board, or in any other role. They’ll tell you what a truly great experience it is!

In closing, I would like to thank you, the membership, for giving me the opportunity to serve as president of the ASBC. It is a great privilege and I look forward to a year filled with exciting challenges, learning opportunities, and rewarding experiences!

—Karen DeVries
President

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