Photo Courtesy/LABC
LABC News:
- With 118 new members, the Los Alamos Beer Co-op is on its way to realizing its goal: locally crafted beer in the Atomic City.
This month the Los Alamos Beer Cooperative (LABC) signed its 100th member, passing an important milestone in the campaign to bring craft beer to the Los Alamos community.
As of mid-May, just two months shy of the organization’s first anniversary, the LABC is 118 members strong, and ready to kick off a summer season of fundraising and fun — all in the name of bringing great local beer to the Atomic City.
Governed by the cooperative principal of “one member, one vote,” LABC members are actually part owners in the organization. As such, each member plays an important role in setting the long-term goals and policies of the co-op, and will eventually have a say in the operations of the brewery and taproom. Though member-owned, the LABC plans to hire a professional brew master to help craft a repertoire of beers unique to Los Alamos that reflect the spirit of the high desert landscape and the character of this distinctive community.
This cooperative structure allows for the development of the brewery and taproom as a collective entrepreneurial investment by community members and investors, as opposed to a single entity. LABC members are investing, not only in a business that will serve as a gathering place for the diverse and intellectually vibrant community of Los Alamos, but also in a resource that will lead to better recruitment and retention for the Laboratory and more tourist traffic for the town.
“Having been involved with co-ops and co-op start-ups for the past 12 years, I understand the importance of attaining (and surpassing) certain milestones,” LABC Vice President Steve Watts said. “One hundred, full equity share members is one of those important ones. I am very excited at the prospects for success of the Los Alamos Beer Cooperative as we move on to our next big goal — funding the outfitting of the brewery!”
In support of these efforts, the LABC has a full calendar of events “on tap” for this summer. “We’re building momentum and hope to continue growing interest and membership at our summer events,” LABC President Micheline Devaurs said .“We’re sponsoring an upcoming contest for local homebrewers, and will host a first anniversary bash at Pajarito Mountain July 20 — we hope to see everyone there!”
Until then, look for the LABC at Chamberfest downtown June 8, Summerfest at Pajarito Mountain June 15, or visit www.losalamosbeer.coop for more information or to purchase a membership.
About the LABC: The Los Alamos Beer Cooperative is a member-owned cooperative working to establish a brewery and a taproom in Los Alamos as a place for the community to gather and enjoy great, locally handcrafted beer. The LABC welcomes any and all new members over the age of 21. For more information visit, www.losalamosbeer.coop.
