Fenn Valley Winery’s Vice President of Operations has drawn a three-year term on the newly reformed Michigan Craft Beverage Council by appointment of the Governor where he will be the representative of Wine Makers on the nine member panel effective immediately.
Brian Lesperance of Fennville earned that distinction today when Gov. Rick Snyder today announced his initial appointments to the newly restructured Council.
Pursuant to Public Acts 154 and 155 of 2018, the Michigan Craft Beverage Council will handle several issues including:
- The awarding of grants for research into winemaking, hops, barley, beer and spirits
- Conduct market surveys and analysis
- Offer other programs that encourage the agricultural elements related to Michigan’s craft beverage industries
The Michigan Craft Beverage Council’s activities are funded exclusively by non-retail, non-wholesale liquor license fees.
In making these inaugural appointments, Gov. Snyder says, “Craft beverage is a growing and well-loved industry in Michigan that is a positive impact on our economy,” and adds, “This council will ensure the continuation and growth of this industry all across the state.”
Here are the appointments announced today along with Lesperance’s new role:
Drawing terms expiring Sept. 30, 2019 are:
- Rosalind Mayberry of Grand Haven who is the wine buyer and consultant/educator for D&W Fresh Market. Mayberry has been studying wine for more than 50 years and has judged wine in France and the United States. She also is a judge at the Michigan Wine Competition and an adjunct faculty member of the Culinary Institute of Baker College in Muskegon where she developed and taught the wine program in Food and Beverage Management. Mayberry holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. She will serve as the representative of retail food establishments that hold a specifically designated merchant license and sell Michigan wines or beer.
- Dustin Stabile of Boyne Falls who is the vice president and head winemaker for Mackinaw Trail Winery & Vineyard. Stabile attended Michigan State University and will represent wine makers.
- Zachary Owen of Temperance who is the vice president of Temperance Distilling. Owen holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo. He will serve as the representative of distillers that manufacture more than 60,000 gallons of spirits per year.
Drawing terms expiring Sept. 30, 2020 are:
- Jim Holton of Mount Pleasant who is the owner of Mountain Town Brewing Company & Steakhouse, Camille’s on the River, and Alma Brewing Co. and was one of the first to hold a micro brewer license in the state of Michigan. He is a former mayor of Mount Pleasant, was a city commissioner for the city of Mount Pleasant and is currently the chair of the Michigan Restaurant Association. Holton holds a bachelor’s degree in science economics and business administration from Central Michigan University and will serve as a representative of restaurants that hold a Class C license and serve Michigan wines, beer or sprits.
- Scott Graham of Lansing who is the executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. He was previously a sales manager at Miller Brewing Company and the corporate brewmaster for Big Buck Brewery. He is a current member of the Master Brewers Association of America and a past board member for the Michigan Brewers Guild. Graham attended Kalamazoo College and will serve as the representative of micro brewers or brewpub license holders.
- Bradley Stevenson of Grand Rapids who is the chief production officer for Founders Brewing Company and was the vice president of operations at Founders from 2011-2014. He is active in the brewing industry nationally and locally. He is a member of the Beer City Brewers Guild and is a past board member of the Michigan Brewers Guild. Stevenson attended Michigan State University and will serve as the representative of large brewers.
Drawing terms expiring Sept. 30, 2021 are:
- Brian Lesperance of Fennville is the vice president of Fenn Valley Vineyards where he is responsible for running all daily operations. Prior to entering the wine industry, he was the marketing director of TechSmith Corp. Lesperance holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business and will serve as the representative of wine makers.
- Michael Beck of St. Johns is the president of Uncle John’s Cider Mill, Inc. He is the founder and current president of the Michigan Wine Producers Association and is the founder and current chair of CiderCon, the industry’s educational and trade show opportunity. Beck holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Ferris State University and will serve as the representative of wine makers that primarily manufacture cider.
- Richard Anderson of Thompsonville is the owner and spirits operations officer for Iron Fish Distillery. Previously, he was an independent consultant on strategy, community change and business development and technology commercialization. Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from Northern Michigan University. He will serve as the representative of small distillers.
After initial appointments, members will serve three-year terms.
