Philly Loves Beer. Yes, that’s obvious, but it’s also the new name for the nonprofit that runs Philly Beer Week.
Now approaching its 10th anniversary, Philly Beer Week was the first of its kind in the nation, and has inspired hundreds of copycats in cities around the US. But the organization founded in 2007 by Tom Peters, Don Russell and Bruce Nichols to put on the one-week festival has grown way beyond that single happening.
There’s a website that lists member events throughout the seasons, the monthly newsletter that promotes member news across the calendar and the robust social media presence (24k Twitter, 12.4k Instagram, 22k Facebook) that’s a source for beer and brewing news 365 days a year.
Philly Beer Week, with its 16-member board and hundred-strong membership, has become much more than just a “week” — it’s about making good on its trademarked tagline, “America’s Best Beer-Drinking City.”
Hence, a new name, and with it, a new mission.
Philly Loves Beer is “a year-round entity devoted to raising Philadelphia’s global profile as a destination city for beer tourism,” according to a statement from the PBW board, which will also make up the leadership of the newly-titled organization.
How will it do that? First, it will continue to produce Philly Beer Week as its flagship event. (Mark your calendars for June 2-11, 2017.) Additionally, it promises educational seminars, networking events, fundraisers and other beer festivals.
For example, a Feb. 19 fundraiser dubbed Flannel Animal, a flannel fashion show (come on out, hipsters) held at Heritage in Northern Liberties at which an all-female beer celebrity panel will judge.
There’s more to come. An official announcement will happen on Tuesday at the annual Philly Beer Week planning meeting (held each year for interested potential participants). If you want to know how to keep up with Philly Loves Beer news, chances are you already are — the @phillybeerweek Twitter account has already been switched to @phillylovesbeer, and the other social channels will follow.
Or, ask your favorite brewer, beer-savvy bartender, bar owner or beer professional.
Here’s the Philly Loves Beer team: Executive Director Kristine Kennedy; Board of Directors: William Reed (Standard Tap, Johnny Brenda’s), Casey Wayne Parker (Jose Pistola’s, Sancho Pistola’s), Curt Decker (Nodding Head), Andy Dickerson (Teresa’s Next Door), Matt Satten (Terrapin Beer Co.), Sheila Ballen (communications professional), Christina Dowd (Rolling Barrel Events), Terrance Leach (Heritage, Time, etc.), Mike Scotese (Grey Lodge Pub, etc.), Erin Wallace (Devil’s Den), Alex Bokulich (Bru, Cinder, etc.), Adrienne Renzelli (Muller), Ed Friedland (Origlio), Tom Kehoe (Yards), John Stemler (Free Will), Aaron Peskin (attorney) and Tim Patton (St. Benjamin Brewing).
