Catalysts of Change: How NA Advocates Foster Inclusive Dialogue
Elevated Choices at Bauhaus Brew Labs
At Bauhaus Brew Labs, ZPC members enjoyed their exceptional NA Beer offerings, Nah Helles and Nah Sour. With elevated NA options, our midday event allowed for indulging without the worry of unwelcome after-effects.
Matt Schwandt's Brewing Journey
Matt Schwandt shared his journey, tracing back to Nashville where he and his wife shared aspirations of a musical career. At the same time, Schwandt worked at a brewpub, Boscos, where his love of craft beer began. His passion for craft beer persisted through a move back to Minnesota and his career in law. Together with his wife and family members, Matt founded Bauhaus Brew Labs, uniting a collective of artists, scientists, and beer enthusiasts in a quest to reinvent family brewing tradition with a twist on classic German beer styles. Matt’s personal shift away from alcohol for health reasons led Bauhaus to innovate and produce an NA beer, now making up 6% of their sales, a significant increase from years past.
Innovating with ABV Technology
Ben Jordan, of ABV Technology, contributed his narrative about Matt being his first client, adopting their dealcoholization technology in 2019, which delicately strips the alcohol while maintaining the beer's essence. This method has enabled Bauhaus to offer NA beers remarkably akin to their alcoholic versions.
Community Insights and Perspectives
Attendees including Whitney Nelson, Dawn and Dave Kelb, Deb Bach, Ryan Good, Sara Phelps, Aimee Berg, Andy Botterman, Derek Gruber, Mel Bozzo, Erica Austrums, Vince LaPelusa, Jeff Cerise, Ben Jordan, Meg Dayton, Katie Walter, and Craig Knighton all gave wonderful insights and perspectives about the need for NA in their businesses and communities.
The Negative Impact of Alcohol in the Hospitality Industry
Once again, we were reminded that many of our members, who hail from the hospitality sector, express strong support for NA options, highlighting a critical issue: a significant portion of the hospitality workforce grapples with challenges related to addiction and dependency. By integrating NA options into beverage menus, businesses not only cater to a wider range of customer preferences but also champion a more inclusive and supportive work environment. This strategic move is seen as a step forward in mitigating the risks associated with alcohol in the industry, promoting a healthier lifestyle for both employees and patrons alike.
Bolstering the NA Movement
Our gathering highlighted the value of these meetings to exchange stories and bolster community cohesion within the NA Movement's growth. The meeting was not only informative but also an opportunity for networking, as seen in the photos, reinforcing the sense of community among the attendees.
An Open Invitation
If you are interested in attending one of these ZPC Connect meetings, please reach out to us at hello@zeroproofcollective.com. We'd love to have you join us!