What’s next for Creature Comforts co-founder Chris Herron? He and Seth Herman have started a new consulting firm to lead the sales and marketing efforts of THC-infused sparkling water brand Climbing Kites, which just launched in Georgia. 

Brewbound Insiders can read why Herron is so bullish on intoxicating hemp, which he said has the potential to be its own category.

Insiders are also:

• Reading about new NBWA chair Rebecca Maisel’s fiery speech during the trade group’s annual convention;
• Seeing where Hero95 is launching next;
• Getting a fact check from the Brewers Association’s Bart Watson on just how much imported beer will be affected by the port strike;
• And taking a look at Travis Scott’s relaunched seltzer brand.

Insiders also have access to the Brewbound Newsletter Archive, including previous newsletter-exclusive Insider content.

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The next phase of Creature Comforts co-founder Chris Herron’s career is building an intoxicating hemp business in the South via a partnership with Climbing Kites, a Iowa-headquartered THC-infused sparkling water producer.  

Herron and long-time business partner Seth Herman have founded BevStrategy, LLC, a firm built to serve initially as the sales and marketing wing of Climbing Kites’ southern expansion. 

Speaking to Brewbound, Herron said his passion is in building early stage businesses. That led to him stepping down in May as CEO of the Athens, Georgia-based craft brewery that he helped found in 2014.

Insiders can read more from Herron on THC-infused beverages’ consumer base and how the industry can avoid becoming the next Blockbuster (as in the chain, not a hit movie).

Gulf Distributing SVP Rebecca Maisel made a rallying cry for beer distributors to get energized and invest in their businesses during her first speech as National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) chair on Tuesday at the trade group’s annual gathering.

About 1,700 industry members attended the 87th Annual Convention, with the Product Showcase housing 150 booths. Included in the three-day event’s activities was the transition of power from outgoing NBWA board chair and Fabiano Brothers CEO Jim Fabiano II, to Maisel. 

Maisel previously served as chair of the NBWA’s Next Generation Group and chair of the Alabama Wholesale Beer Association, and spent eight years on the NBWA’s Management Committee. She is also a part of the advisory board for Building Relationships and Empowering Women (BREW), the NBWA offshoot meant to help build “a more inclusive beer and beverage distribution industry,” according to its website.

Insiders can read more, including how wholesalers can help propel beer into future growth.

Brewbound’s annual "Best Of" Awards commend companies, brands, individuals, products, ideas and trends from across the ever-changing beer industry. Submit nominations for yourself or others through November 1st.

The No. 1 tap handle in the nation is “open,” meaning there are more empty draft lines than those with a brand of beer flowing through them.

Beverage-alcohol producers should view this as an opportunity to make a splash in bars and restaurants across the country. The Brewbound Live business conference will explore the opportunities in the on-premise channel with National Beer Wholesalers Association VP of analytics and chief economist Lester Jones and Draftline founder and president Jennifer Hauke.

The duo will discuss the opportunities in the challenged – and some say neglected – channel while presenting a reality check during a December 11 presentation as part of the two-day conference at the Marina del Rey Marriott in California.

Leaders from all three tiers will gather for business-focused conversations on driving the bev-alc industry forward, data presentations, networking and brand building.

The speaker roster includes:

• Natalie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing co-owner;
• Rebecca Maisel, Gulf Distributing SVP legal and government affairs;
• Lauren Doll-Sheeder, Doll Distributing managing partner;
• Jennifer Grant, Markstein Sales general manager and VP;
• Zech Francis, BeatBox Beverages SVP of global marketing;
• Rebecca Dye Yonushonis, New Belgium Brewing CMO;
• Lindsay Kunkle, Foresight Factory director, head of U.S. Consultancy;
• Arthur Moye, owner and CEO of Full Circle Brewing;
• Kaleigh Theriault, director of thought leadership, beverage alcohol vertical, NIQ;
• Brian “BK” Krueger, VP of business development and portfolio strategies, Bump Williams Consulting;
• Peter Skrbek, CEO, Deschutes Brewery.

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Interested in speaking? Follow this link to see our speaker guidelines.

In addition to the mainstage programming and networking parties, Brewbound Live will feature opportunities for one-to-one conversations between brewers and bev-alc brands and retail buyers from chains such as Whole Foods Market and ExtraMile Convenience Stores. Registered attendees will be considered for meetings with buyers, as space is limited. Find out more details here.

Register for Brewbound Live 2024 >>

Brewbound Live is sponsored by John I. Haas, NIQ, Crafted ERP, Strike Visuals, Fast Track Packaging and Abstrax Hops. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those seeking to elevate their presence beyond participation. Supplier and service companies interested in sponsoring the Pitch Slam and/or Brewbound Live should contact Brewbound’s ad sales team about opportunities.