Meeting explores possibility of co-op brewery opening in Ronan

If initial enthusiasm gives any indication, there could be strong support behind the creation of a cooperative brewery in Ronan.

A crowd of 50-plus local beer enthusiasts filled the Main Street Gallery last Thursday for a public presentation discussing the possibility of Ronan hosting its very own taproom.

Sponsored by the Lake County Community Development Corporation, the meeting promoted the various benefits associated with community-based breweries, including economic stimulation, public engagement and, perhaps most importantly, providing consumers with quality craft beer.

Gypsy Ray, executive director of the non-profit organization, said that a recent state survey identified a brewery as the number one way to boost development in downtown Ronan.

“This main street has been dying for awhile,” Ray said. “We feel it’s our obligation to do something about that.”

The presentation focused on adopting a cooperative business model – a new approach to brewery ownership that is sprouting up in cities across the country.

Featured speaker Craig Koontz, who helped found Lakeside’s Tamarack Brewing in addition to a host of other operations from Arizona to Alaska, said co-ops often utilize local goods and services, creating a symbiotic relationship with other businesses.

“This concept could stimulate economic growth in way more ways than just beer,” he said.

While cooperative businesses can take various forms, Brianna Ewert of Lake County Community Development said the most common structure for breweries is a consumer-owned model.

Under this scheme, Ewert said shareholders vote on bylaws and elect a board of directors, which in turn votes on major decisions regarding brewery operations.

Although those in attendance were courted with complementary beer and refreshments, their enthusiasm appeared genuine. Questions from the audience involved possible locations and how to proceed.

Speakers noted that one asset Ronan has at its disposal is the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center, which could provide industrial space for brewing beer.

Another option included taking over the Main Street Gallery building, which Ray said currently is on the market for about $325,000.

“One of the reasons we had this meeting is to explore this space for a tap room,” Ray said.

Koontz added that purchasing the necessary equipment could cost an additional $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the dedication to quality.

Business details aside, Koontz said that when it comes to brewing good beer, with the right equipment and recipe, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong.

“It’s not a guessing game,” he said. “It’s engineered and scientifically proven on all levels.”