Soapbox Speaker Series: Nine Giant, Rhinegeist, Wiedemann's on Craft Beer As Community Development

Greater Cincinnati has seen a recent explosion in craft breweries, many of which are locating in urban neighborhoods to help drive economic development there. The beer entrepreneurs are looking to create jobs in their communities and introduce taprooms and other entertainment offerings to produce spin-off economic benefits.

Given Cincinnati's rich heritage as a brewing center, it's not surprising that we've embraced the dozens of new IPAs, ales, pilsners, Belgians and crazy seasonal brews that have flooded the market recently. But it is ironic that, in the midst of a boom in high-tech startups and innovation here, the old-fashioned craft of making beer is emerging as an economic engine for our neighborhoods.

[Listen to Michael Albarella from Nine Giant Brewing, Doug Newberry from Wiedemann Brewing and Soapbox Managing Editor John Fox discuss Cincinnati's embrace of craft beer as community development on WVXU's March 5 "Cincinnati Edition" program.]

Soapbox is partnering again with the University of Cincinnati's Niehoff Urban Studio to host a forum on urban development trends, this time centering on neighborhood beer entrepreneurs, who will be bringing samples of their newest products.

Tastes Great, Boosts the Economy!
Forum on Craft Beer as Community Development
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Niehoff Urban Studio, 2728 Vine St., Corryville
Discussion and beer sampling

Participating brewers: Nine Giant (Pleasant Ridge), Rhinegeist (Over-the-Rhine) and Wiedemann's (Newport)

The event is free and open to the public, but all attendees must be 21 and older. Registration and happy hour will start at 5:00 p.m., followed by a panel discussion about craft beer entrepreneurship as a community development tool for area neighborhoods.

Please RSVP here to join us.