Alaska Brewing Company - Leader. Leader. Leader.
http://www.globalfoodcollaborative.com/articles/141/1/Alaska-Brewing-Company---Leader-Leader-Leader-/Page1.html
Collaborative INSIGHTS
By Collaborative INSIGHTS
Published on 26 June 2008
Alaskans have always been proud of "their" Alaskan Brewing Company. They drink the beer, proudly wear the sweatshirts and t-shirts and brag everywhere they go about their own - Alaskan Brewing Company from Juneau, Alaska.
While the company boldly markets its brews throughout Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and now even Colorado - they are somewhat modest about the mounting accomplishments of the company, itself. This is a corporate citizen like no other. It has been rising in our midst without much fanfare - winning international recognitions, growing a healthy business and contributing oh so much to Alaska
Alaskans have always been proud of "their" Alaskan Brewing Company. They drink the beer, proudly wear the sweatshirts and t-shirts and brag everywhere they go about their own - Alaskan Brewing Company from Juneau, Alaska. While the company boldly markets its brews throughout Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and now even Colorado - they are somewhat modest about the mounting accomplishments of the company, itself. This is a corporate citizen like no other. It has been rising in our midst without much fanfare - winning international recognitions, growing a healthy business and contributing oh so much to Alaska
In A Class Of Their Own
Alaskan Brewing Company is not the only company producing beer in Alaska. In fact, by our unscientific survey - this is the fastest growing segment of Alaska's food, beverage and bio products businesses over the past 10 years. Just go to the annual Great Alaska Beer and Barelywine Festival and stroll down the aisles - it is like a geography of Alaska with micro-breweries from all over the state. Yet, Alaskan Brewing Company is definitely in a class of its own. Not only is it the largest and oldest brewing company in Alaska - it continually raises the bar on corporate leadership.
Summer Of 2008
Alaskan Brewing Company produces its 8+ brews at its only production plant located in Juneau, Alaska. Started in 1986 by Marcy and Geoff Larson with a considerable amount of help from family, friends and investors they have continued to operate the brewing company with a growing talent base of professionals. The photo on the front is of Geoff Larson, General Manager - Linda Thomas and Marcy Larson. Below you will see the entire team for a group photo on the beach in Juneau - now reaching 81 in number during the height of the summer season - and 62 year round. That has to be repeated. Sixty-two year round employees - 20+ years in business - Juneau, Alaska.
It's been an amazing Spring leading into an always busy summer.
A Spring Avalanche Take Out The Power Supply
Mid-April, a massive avalanche took out more than a mile of transmission line that severely crippled Juneau's power supply for two months. We asked Geoff Larson and Curtis Homes, Plant Manager to explain in their own words.
“When faced with the recent energy crisis, we made adjustments where we could in all aspects of our operation, but without decreasing our production output. Immediately following the Snettisham avalanche, we coordinated with our local energy provider, AEL&P (Alaska Electric Light & Power Company), as to the stability of the community energy supply over the coming months. With the knowledge that the Juneau community was not at risk of losing power, we moved forward with production as planned. Because we were the only brewery to face these elevated energy prices, we must take these high costs “on the chin” as we are unable to pass on those costs to consumers. We made commitments and were obligated to supply our longtime customers regardless of cost, to maintain the welfare of our staff and trade partnerships.
In the week following the avalanche, we were visited by Dr. Alan Meier, a senior scientist in the Energy Analysis Department at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Dr. Meier is an energy efficiency expert, specializing in how people and equipment use energy and opportunities to reduce energy consumption. His visit to Juneau was sponsored by the US Department of Energy upon request of the City and Borough of Juneau. Dr. Meier did a walk through of our facility to evaluate our energy use practices and to provide recommendations for efficiencies but was impressed with our power utilization programs already in place and commented that we were far ahead of what he expected or has seen in many other manufacturing applications.
We are also fortunate that we operate very conservatively at Alaskan Brewing, and do not stretch way out on a limb to increase our sales. It is for this reason that we were able to tighten our belt during this time period without suffering layoffs, or severe cutbacks. Instead we did what we could and are able to move forward with our continually improving processes.
We are currently installing a new piece of equipment we are adding that will bring even more control and efficiency to our company, eliminating waste and improving the ability of our brewers to use our base ingredient (malt) to its fullest.
Breweries in Alaska already face a higher cost of doing business, as compared other breweries outside, so we have always had to be a bit more attentive to efficiencies in order to be competitive. When one lives in bounty there tends to be some excesses, but here in Alaska we tend to live by the cliché that “necessity is the mother of invention.” This same idea applies to how we have always approached our electrical use. Over the years, we have instituted measures which maximize our plant’s efficiency of power use. We have made it a practice to purchase equipment with a turn-down capability so that they are using exactly the power required and not running an over-sized motor for a smaller operation. That said, we are always looking for improvement and the great costs of this avalanche are pushing us to further scrutinize where and how we can do better.
We also offered financial assistance to our employees in the hopes that it would help our crew and their families in a small way by providing a safety net for unplanned expenses that might arise because of this energy crisis.
We are concerned about the severe energy cost increases we are facing, but given the alternative of a major interruption in production, which would have a much greater impact for us long-term, we are appreciative of the power provided during the reconstruction. We are happy to be returning to the clean and economical hydroelectric power that has played a significant role in the history and livelihood of our city.
We have many opportunities to grow faster, but have always chosen the more methodical and conservative approach due to these types of challenges that are common to Alaska. Our state is definitely more of a “boom and bust” type frontier, and since we do not wish to bust we try to mitigate as much of the risk as possible. This year we have survived the energy crisis in Juneau, installed new equipment, released a new updated package for our Amber, and entered a new market. We are working hard to keep our company thriving and relevant in Alaska’s economy, through all the current challenges.”
Outside Magazine Recognizes Alaskan Brewing On "Best Places To Work" - May Issue
Outside Magazine’s inaugural “Best Places to Work” list was announced in April and Alaskan was ranked No. 5 in the medium companies group. Outside’s “Best Places to Work” list was compiled with the help of the
Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group. The magazine conducted extensive
surveys – based on benefits, compensation, job satisfaction,
environmental initiatives and community outreach programs – designed to
identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the country. "These 30 companies figured out that there is a way to have it all and
understand the growing need for work/quality of life balance," said
Chris Keyes, Editor of Outside. "These organizations have found a way
to bring company morale to a whole new level while at the same time
being responsible to their local communities and the environment. It's
a trend that we only see increasing in the years ahead."
Alaskan Brewing Expands Into Colorado
I couldn't help asking last year why Alaskan Brewing products were not yet in Colorado. It seemed like there would be a natural affinity from my novice opinion. Marcy Larson and Linda Thomas both responded with a resounding enthusiasm, but were clear that each new market required their ability to serve it at their very best - logistics and distribution and with their reputation for quality in tact. Colorado had been calling since the brewery first opened and now, Spring 2008 - they announced that the mecca of all micro-brews (Colorado) would also be joined by Alaskan brewing products. Starting Memorial week-end, Alaskan was available in Colorado retail and restaurants - their 10th state, including Alaska.
Oh yes, the beer.
Let's not forget that that Alaskan Brewing produces beer and although we have reported before on their awards, they only keep coming. In the midst of a challenging year of rising transportation costs and global hops shortages, Alaskan continued without missing a beat and won, yet more awards for world class brews. In April, Alaskan Brewing Company brought home four international medals for quality from the World Beer Cup® in San Diego, California. Alaskan Summer Ale and Alaskan Smoked Porter both took Gold medals in their respective categories with Alaskan Barley Wine and Alaskan Jalapeno IPA winning Bronze medals. “Brewers all over the world participate in order to win recognition for their creativity and brewing ability,” said Charlie Papazian, founder of the World Beer Cup® and President of the Brewer’s Association, “For a brewer, a World Beer Cup gold medal allows them to say that their winning beer represents the best example of that beer style in the world.”
This year, 644 breweries from 58 countries came together at the biannual event to vie for international recognition in the 91 beer style categories. Professional brewers and industry experts from 21 countries served as the judges in the competition. The 129 judges worked in teams to conduct “blind” tasting evaluations of the beers to determine the top awards. The World Beer Cup® has acquired the title of "the Olympics of Beer" because it is one of the very few international beer competitions awarding only one gold, silver and bronze in each category.
“It is an honor to come away with even one award from an international competition like the World Beer Cup,” said Alaskan’s Plant Manager, Curtis Holmes, who was on hand to receive the medals. “But for us to win four medals in a competition where we are judged against nearly 3000 other quality beers from all over the world is pretty amazing, and a testament to our crew’s commitment to creating a quality product.”
Several other breweries located in Alaska fared well at the World Beer Cup®, with Midnight Sun Brewing Co. from Anchorage taking Bronze in the Other Belgian-Style Ale Category for ‘Pride,’ and newcomer Kassik’s Kenai Brew Stop winning Bronze in the Strong Scotch Ale category for their ‘Caribou Kilt Strong Scotch’Ale.
Want to visit Alaskan?
Of course you should take a walk through their website and view their photo album, corporate time line and let's not forget their current contest "Are You Alaskan Enough?". If you're in Juneau - stop by the brewery on one of the tours offered by Princess and Holland America, one of the local cycle/brew tours or an independent tour offered by the brewery. (Summer Hours 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, 7 days a week)
Congratulations to each and every member of "the crew" - you make us all proud!
Alaskan Brewing Company
5429 Shaune Drive
Juneau AK 99801
(907) 780-5866
Summer Of 2008
Alaskan Brewing Company produces its 8+ brews at its only production plant located in Juneau, Alaska. Started in 1986 by Marcy and Geoff Larson with a considerable amount of help from family, friends and investors they have continued to operate the brewing company with a growing talent base of professionals. The photo on the front is of Geoff Larson, General Manager - Linda Thomas and Marcy Larson. Below you will see the entire team for a group photo on the beach in Juneau - now reaching 81 in number during the height of the summer season - and 62 year round. That has to be repeated. Sixty-two year round employees - 20+ years in business - Juneau, Alaska.
It's been an amazing Spring leading into an always busy summer.
A Spring Avalanche Take Out The Power Supply
Mid-April, a massive avalanche took out more than a mile of transmission line that severely crippled Juneau's power supply for two months. We asked Geoff Larson and Curtis Homes, Plant Manager to explain in their own words.
“When faced with the recent energy crisis, we made adjustments where we could in all aspects of our operation, but without decreasing our production output. Immediately following the Snettisham avalanche, we coordinated with our local energy provider, AEL&P (Alaska Electric Light & Power Company), as to the stability of the community energy supply over the coming months. With the knowledge that the Juneau community was not at risk of losing power, we moved forward with production as planned. Because we were the only brewery to face these elevated energy prices, we must take these high costs “on the chin” as we are unable to pass on those costs to consumers. We made commitments and were obligated to supply our longtime customers regardless of cost, to maintain the welfare of our staff and trade partnerships.
In the week following the avalanche, we were visited by Dr. Alan Meier, a senior scientist in the Energy Analysis Department at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Dr. Meier is an energy efficiency expert, specializing in how people and equipment use energy and opportunities to reduce energy consumption. His visit to Juneau was sponsored by the US Department of Energy upon request of the City and Borough of Juneau. Dr. Meier did a walk through of our facility to evaluate our energy use practices and to provide recommendations for efficiencies but was impressed with our power utilization programs already in place and commented that we were far ahead of what he expected or has seen in many other manufacturing applications.
We are also fortunate that we operate very conservatively at Alaskan Brewing, and do not stretch way out on a limb to increase our sales. It is for this reason that we were able to tighten our belt during this time period without suffering layoffs, or severe cutbacks. Instead we did what we could and are able to move forward with our continually improving processes.
We are currently installing a new piece of equipment we are adding that will bring even more control and efficiency to our company, eliminating waste and improving the ability of our brewers to use our base ingredient (malt) to its fullest.
Breweries in Alaska already face a higher cost of doing business, as compared other breweries outside, so we have always had to be a bit more attentive to efficiencies in order to be competitive. When one lives in bounty there tends to be some excesses, but here in Alaska we tend to live by the cliché that “necessity is the mother of invention.” This same idea applies to how we have always approached our electrical use. Over the years, we have instituted measures which maximize our plant’s efficiency of power use. We have made it a practice to purchase equipment with a turn-down capability so that they are using exactly the power required and not running an over-sized motor for a smaller operation. That said, we are always looking for improvement and the great costs of this avalanche are pushing us to further scrutinize where and how we can do better.
We also offered financial assistance to our employees in the hopes that it would help our crew and their families in a small way by providing a safety net for unplanned expenses that might arise because of this energy crisis.
We are concerned about the severe energy cost increases we are facing, but given the alternative of a major interruption in production, which would have a much greater impact for us long-term, we are appreciative of the power provided during the reconstruction. We are happy to be returning to the clean and economical hydroelectric power that has played a significant role in the history and livelihood of our city.
We have many opportunities to grow faster, but have always chosen the more methodical and conservative approach due to these types of challenges that are common to Alaska. Our state is definitely more of a “boom and bust” type frontier, and since we do not wish to bust we try to mitigate as much of the risk as possible. This year we have survived the energy crisis in Juneau, installed new equipment, released a new updated package for our Amber, and entered a new market. We are working hard to keep our company thriving and relevant in Alaska’s economy, through all the current challenges.”
Outside Magazine Recognizes Alaskan Brewing On "Best Places To Work" - May Issue
Outside Magazine’s inaugural “Best Places to Work” list was announced in April and Alaskan was ranked No. 5 in the medium companies group. Outside’s “Best Places to Work” list was compiled with the help of the
Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group. The magazine conducted extensive
surveys – based on benefits, compensation, job satisfaction,
environmental initiatives and community outreach programs – designed to
identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the country. "These 30 companies figured out that there is a way to have it all and
understand the growing need for work/quality of life balance," said
Chris Keyes, Editor of Outside. "These organizations have found a way
to bring company morale to a whole new level while at the same time
being responsible to their local communities and the environment. It's
a trend that we only see increasing in the years ahead." Alaskan Brewing Expands Into Colorado
I couldn't help asking last year why Alaskan Brewing products were not yet in Colorado. It seemed like there would be a natural affinity from my novice opinion. Marcy Larson and Linda Thomas both responded with a resounding enthusiasm, but were clear that each new market required their ability to serve it at their very best - logistics and distribution and with their reputation for quality in tact. Colorado had been calling since the brewery first opened and now, Spring 2008 - they announced that the mecca of all micro-brews (Colorado) would also be joined by Alaskan brewing products. Starting Memorial week-end, Alaskan was available in Colorado retail and restaurants - their 10th state, including Alaska.
Oh yes, the beer.
Let's not forget that that Alaskan Brewing produces beer and although we have reported before on their awards, they only keep coming. In the midst of a challenging year of rising transportation costs and global hops shortages, Alaskan continued without missing a beat and won, yet more awards for world class brews. In April, Alaskan Brewing Company brought home four international medals for quality from the World Beer Cup® in San Diego, California. Alaskan Summer Ale and Alaskan Smoked Porter both took Gold medals in their respective categories with Alaskan Barley Wine and Alaskan Jalapeno IPA winning Bronze medals. “Brewers all over the world participate in order to win recognition for their creativity and brewing ability,” said Charlie Papazian, founder of the World Beer Cup® and President of the Brewer’s Association, “For a brewer, a World Beer Cup gold medal allows them to say that their winning beer represents the best example of that beer style in the world.”
This year, 644 breweries from 58 countries came together at the biannual event to vie for international recognition in the 91 beer style categories. Professional brewers and industry experts from 21 countries served as the judges in the competition. The 129 judges worked in teams to conduct “blind” tasting evaluations of the beers to determine the top awards. The World Beer Cup® has acquired the title of "the Olympics of Beer" because it is one of the very few international beer competitions awarding only one gold, silver and bronze in each category.
“It is an honor to come away with even one award from an international competition like the World Beer Cup,” said Alaskan’s Plant Manager, Curtis Holmes, who was on hand to receive the medals. “But for us to win four medals in a competition where we are judged against nearly 3000 other quality beers from all over the world is pretty amazing, and a testament to our crew’s commitment to creating a quality product.”
Several other breweries located in Alaska fared well at the World Beer Cup®, with Midnight Sun Brewing Co. from Anchorage taking Bronze in the Other Belgian-Style Ale Category for ‘Pride,’ and newcomer Kassik’s Kenai Brew Stop winning Bronze in the Strong Scotch Ale category for their ‘Caribou Kilt Strong Scotch’Ale.
Want to visit Alaskan?
Of course you should take a walk through their website and view their photo album, corporate time line and let's not forget their current contest "Are You Alaskan Enough?". If you're in Juneau - stop by the brewery on one of the tours offered by Princess and Holland America, one of the local cycle/brew tours or an independent tour offered by the brewery. (Summer Hours 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, 7 days a week)
Congratulations to each and every member of "the crew" - you make us all proud!
Alaskan Brewing Company
5429 Shaune Drive
Juneau AK 99801
(907) 780-5866