Press Release: Marty Shutter Selected for B.A. National PR & Marketing Committee

9/25/19

**Arkansas Marketing Director Marty Shutter Selected for Brewers Association 

National PR & Marketing Committee**

Marty Shutter, Marketing Director of Rogers based Ozark Beer Co. has been selected to join the National PR and Marketing Committee for the Brewers Association. Shutter was nominated to join the committee by the association's President, Bob Pease and recently accepted the position with the trade association representing America's booming craft beer industry.

Shutter, an accomplished artist, musician, writer and photographer has worked in marketing for nearly a decade and began working for OBC months after the company opened its doors. In his work for Ozark, Shutter has created the company's visual content through videos and photographs, created lasting community partnerships with some of the state's best-known organizations, created events and programming across the state and designed the marketing strategies for the brewery ranked 2nd in production in Arkansas.  

"Marty joined Ozark Beer early in the life of the business, and has frankly been a huge catalyst for the growth, exposure, and success of the company," Ozark Founder and Headbrewer Andy Coates says, "Without his creativity and expertise, chances are that we would have joined the crowds and noise that has become social media and branding. He has given this business a voice and tone that resonates with many and does not rely on flashy gimmicks or worn out stereotypes to engage our consumers.  We are incredibly proud of all that Marty has done and are excited to see his contributions to the Brewers Association board."

The 14-member committee Shutter joins is responsible for creating national campaigns, strategies and content for its 5k+ member breweries representing a $79.1 billion impact (0.4% of US GDP) on the US economy.  Shutter joins a list of highly respected pioneers of craft beer and will be working alongside industry icons and familiar American businesspeople such as Sam Adam's founder Jim Koch and Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione.

For the last 2 years, Shutter has been a leader on the board of the Arkansas Brewers Guild and represents the Northwest corner of the state in Arkansas' rapidly growing craft beer business.  In 2018, the Brewer's Association estimated Arkansas' brewing industry to have a $838 million-dollar impact on the state.  Ozark, which was honored with Best Economic Impact Project by Mainstreet Arkansas in 2018, will produce over 5k barrels of beer this year, up from less than 500 bbls produced in the company's first year.

I can't think of a better person for this appointment to the BA National PR and Marketing Committee," says Sylvia Blain, Executive Director of the Arkansas Brewers Guild. "Marty is an original thinker with a genuine skill for creating excitement around ideas. His thoughtful leadership on the Arkansas Brewers Guild board of directors is something I have come to value. I am excited for Marty and for the Brewers Association and I believe having a member of the AR Brewers Guild executive team on this influential committee will be a benefit to our state organization as well."

Marty's work with the Arkansas Brewers Guild through its legislative outreach and local marketing initiatives caught the eye of national directors and alongside his work with Ozark made him an attractive candidate. "I've also been known to submit - unasked - my feedback on several of the association's initiatives, as well as pitching a few national campaigns earlier this summer. Craft beer and the myriad of success stories it tells from art, to science, American inventiveness and ingenuity is something I have been passionate about since my father began homebrewing in the early 80's."

For a brewery of our size (small in the grand scheme of breweries) to have our marketing director on the committee is really incredible," says Ozark Founder and Business Manager, Lacie Bray. "I think it speaks volumes to the quality of work that Marty has been quietly doing for years. Marty is a big picture person, but he also never loses sight of the details, and what he has done for Ozark has been invaluable. So, it is really wonderful to see his achievements and value recognized on such a large scale. I have no doubt he will be an asset to the Board."

Shutter heads to Denver next week for his first meeting with the committee during GABF, the world's largest annual beer festival hosted by the Brewers Association.

Tap Time Radio May 21st, 2018

Here's our Tap Time show from last night, when were live from Edward's Food Giant with Marty from Ozark Beer Co. and Eric from Lost Forty Brewing as guests.   

Bryce getting things on track.

Mike making sure everyone is fed well.

Ozark Beer Co's Marty Shutter in the house.

Tap Time Radio May 14th, 2018

Check out last night's Tap Time on 103.7 The Buzz with our guest Steve Shuler from Rock City Eats as we discuss the Arkansas beer scene plus his visit to Prestonrose Farm and Brewery and Ozark Beer Company for the release of BDCS 2018 plus more...

 

Beers To Cheer: February 2017

 

Here's we go with another month's picks for our "Beers To Cheer" from the Arkansas brewing scene! And we've got a little treat for you this month... not only are Michael, Brian and I telling you what pair of brews we got giddy over this month, but we've also got our first GUEST PICKER, one Mr. Steve Shuler from Rock City Eats *insert applause*.

So check out a whopping 8 total choices from these 4 Arkansas beer lovers for you to get out and discover for yourself! And if you missed last month's edition, by all means check it out right here: Beers To Cheer: January 2017.


Steve Shuler (@Steve_Shuler):

Rebel Kettle Barrel-Aged Wake'n'Flake - Wake ‘n’ Flake is one of the brews that put Rebel Kettle on the map. Before there was the best taproom/patio in Little Rock, John Lee and his companions brewed this excellent coffee and coconut cream stout ale for festivals around the state, quickly earning a reputation for Rebel Kettle as an adventurous and fearless beer maker. February’s barrel-aged version pushes the envelope again in two important ways. First, it’s everything a barrel beer should be; full, robust, but letting the original brew shine through instead of submitting it. Second, it embraces the lower ABV that few barrel-aged brews enjoy. The flavor is as big as a 10-percent brew, but at less than 6 percent ABV, it’s a beer that lets you enjoy the big taste without making you stop drinking sooner than you’d like. This one is off tap now, but you’ll be able to taste it again at the brewery’s one-year anniversary on April 1st. It’s a beer that will be worth the April Fool’s trip all by itself.

Moody Brews Katchiri's Bier 2017 - Even though he’s departed Little Rock for Northwest Arkansas and Bike Rack Brewing Company, it’s safe to say we’re fortunate to have a brewer in our state like Josiah Moody. Very few brewers anywhere (and I mean anywhere) have his knack for creating perfectly balanced brews with both technical and artistic expertise. His latest iteration of Katchiri’s Bier is no exception. Originally envisioned as a nuanced farmhouse saison, Moody has developed it into this gorgeous monster of an ale. Eclipsing 9 percent ABV, this year’s Katchiri’s Bier is still mellow and smooth, with an unmistakably buttery finish. Moody decided to age this one in gin barrels from Rock Town Distillery, and my goodness, what a choice that turned out to be. The leftover floral notes are the perfect accompaniment in Moody’s final Little Rock symphony. This beer is almost gone (Legacy Wine and Spirits still has it for growler fill-up), but the impact Moody made on our beer scene won’t fade anytime soon.

Scott (@WooPigBrewey):

Stone's Throw Biere de Gras - This is one that was requested by the Cajun/Creole restaurants in town for release leading up to Fat Tuesday. It's based on their biere de garde recipe but made to a more "sessionable strength." It has a wonderful toasted aroma and the flavor is a super easy-to-drink sweet malt and toasty caramel with warrior and saaz hops dancing around in the mix. A great beer to drink during Mardi Gras celebrations or paired with crawfish and spicy gumbo dishes. It definitely made my Fat Tuesday a little (a lot?) fatter.

Flyway Lord God Imperial Chocolate Stout -This big 11% imperial chocolate stout was a lot easier to find than the elusive Ivory-Billed Woodpecker for which it's named, but it disappeared (from my glass) pretty quickly. Dangerously drinkable for a huge beer, only slightly boozy, it's a full-bodied chocolate stout aged on a copious amount of fresh roasted Izard Chocolate cacao nibs. Why yes, I'll have a glass of liquefied, chocolate alcohol please.

Brian (@EBSorensen):

Ozark Beer Co. Onyx Coffee Stout - Lost amidst the hype of bigger, bolder beers from Ozark – such as the Rogers brewery’s Double IPA and the forthcoming BDCS 2017 – are smaller, more sessionable beers that have been there since day one. My personal favorite, and one I filled a growler with in mid-February, is Onyx Coffee Stout. The cream stout base is superbly complimented by cold brewed coffee provided by on-the-rise roaster Onyx Coffee Lab. Some coffee beers are nuanced, but this one screams java in every way possible. A velvety backdrop of chocolate and dark fruit is punctuated by roasted coffee notes. I could literally drink this one all day long, starting alongside my bacon and eggs in the morning.

Flyway Bluewing Berry Wheat - Back on February 4th I attended Frost Fest 2017 in Fayetteville, a gloriously freezing beer festival hosted by Fossil Cove Brewing Co. I could name any number of double IPAs, sours, or barrel-aged brews that I sampled on that day, but cutting through the haze and standing out with its pure simplicity was the flagship beer from North Little Rock’s Flyway Brewing Co. – Bluewing Berry Wheat. This easy drinker provided the necessary balance to a boozy, high-consumption day. A crisp body and tart blueberry effervescence scrubbed the tongue. Witbier is a much-maligned style that gets no respect, particularly when laced with fruit. However, Flyway pulls it off in such a way that even the manliest of men can drink Bluewing without fear of embarrassment. It is – quite simply – a well-made beer.

Michael (@fayettebrew):

Apple Blossom Bloodhound English Barleywine - This barleywine from Apple Blossom’s Brian Youngblood was one of the first beers I had in February and it made an impression that has stayed fresh in my mind all month. The English style elements keep Bloodhound strong but malty and smooth - smoother than most American style barleywines - which is appreciable regardless of whether the February weather is frigid or friendly. For a style that does not always get a lot of play in our state, this is a welcomed sight on the Apple Blossom chalk board. [Still on tap at ABBC as of this post.]

Fossil Cove Saturday Series #3: Shiny Green Bullet - Fossil Cove’s Saturday Series brings the staff who typically handle the non-brewing responsibilities of the business into the Brewdizzle (the name for Fossil Cove’s brewing space) to incorporate their style and flavor into the lineup in the form of a small batch release. The third in this series features the New Zealand Green Bullet hop in a way that lends a refreshing lime flavor to an overall easy drinking beer.  Seemingly readymade for the hotter months ahead, Shiny Green Bullet is also an excellent beer for introducing someone to the less bitter and dank side of hops.



Check back next month's for our March picks!

Eating and Drinking Sustainably at the Homegrown Music Festival

This certified training video is your guide to zero-waste eating and drinking at Homegrown, Arkansas' first sustainable music festival, July 21st - 23rd, 2016 at Byrd's Adventure Center in Ozark, AR.

Each ticket holder will receive a bag upon entry to help with the mission of being a zero-waste festival.

Brought to you by Fossil Cove Brewing Co. & Ozark Beer Co.

"Please rewind all tapes and be good to one another."

 

http://homegrownfestival-ar.com/

 

Press Release: Ozark Beer Company Purchases New Location

Ozark Beer Company Purchases New Location in Downtown Rogers

New location is more than 50% larger than current space and reflects 

rapid growth in the beer segment of AR’s economy.

Photo Credit: Marty Shutter

After two and a half years of brewing beer at its 1700 S. 1^st St. location, Ozark Beer Co. has purchased a new location.  The current brewery has already reached the capacity owners Lacie Bray, Andy Coates and Jefferson Baldwin envisioned in year five of the young brewery.  “We have quickly outgrown this space,” says Bray. “It was never going to be our permanent home though,” says Andy Coates.   Year one saw Ozark canning its first beer, their American Pale Ale.  Year two saw the the addition of an all-American canning line and a 200% increase in tank capacity from 3 to 9 tanks and canning two other beers; the Cream Stout and Belgian Golden.

“Most breweries start out like this,” says Coates, referring to an initial focus on getting beer into the market and then, “putting more into the retail space and tasting room.”

The purchase of the property reflects the rapid growth in the beer segment of Arkansas economy.  On track to outpace last years estimated $324 million in economic impact, beer in Arkansas is big business and growing. 

“We really want to be part of the growing downtown community,” owner Lacie Bray says.“The purchase of a property in downtown Rogers was a conscious decision to further integrate Ozark Beer Co. into the Northwest Arkansas community, specifically downtown Rogers,” says chief of Marketing and Parties, Marty Shutter.  “This was our only shot at being downtown,” Coates says of the building that was not even for sale when Ozark approached the former owner. “We could have bought a larger, newer facility for 2/3rds of the price,” says Coates, “but it would have been on the edge of town.” 

“We had a map and looked at every building of a certain size,” says Bray. “This building was made to be a brewery.” 

“If this building was in the middle of nowhere it would still be perfect for a brewery,” says Coates.

By relocating the business to downtown Rogers, the young brewery that has already gained impressive national attention from outlets such as Beer Advocate, Men’s Journal, Martha Stewart Living, USA Today, Southern Living, Paste Magazine, Food & Wine and a host of others is assuming a direct role in the future of its community.  

The larger facility also reflects larger demand, so the 10,000 sq./ft. warehouse space means more beer.   Currently Ozark Beer Co.’s demand has meant limited distribution.  The brewery’s beer is currently only available in Benton and Washington counties in NWA and Pulaski and Saline in central Arkansas.  Higher ceilings allow for larger tanks which will in turn allow for larger batches and a greater distribution.

For now, the OBC team will continue to brew at 1700 S. 1^st Street in Rogers pending City approval of their plans.  Once approved and a modest buildout is complete, OBC plans to begin brewing in the new space as early as the end of Summer.

Photo Credit: Marty Shutter

***

The new location, 109 N. Arkansas Street in Rogers was built around 1886 as a flour mill and was opened as Rogers Flour Milling.  Newspaper clippings from the era point to a business that was built and paid for by some of the most influential Northwest Arkansans of the day. 

The lumber that comprises the original structure, long-leaf pine, was milled at the former Van Winkle Mill on what is now Hobbs State Park.  The mill and lumber was responsible for many of the early buildings of our era including The University of Arkansas’ Old Main and the Benton County Courthouse.   

A fire on April, 30^th of 1914 destroyed much of the building and it was subsequently rebuilt.   Over the years the facility has only had a few owners.  It has served as Rogers Transfer Co., a public scales facility and most recently a storage facility for eco-friendly building supplies.

A grand opening and public viewing is being planned for sometime in the coming months and the OBC team plans to be brewing in the new space by the end of Summer.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OzarkBeerCompany/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ozarkbeer