How does a community create a dynamic and vibrant economic sector that enables local businesses to thrive, provide jobs and opportunities, and puts itself on the map as center of excellence, attracting visitors and customers from around the region and world? Create a unique business ecosystem to foster growth and innovation in a focused industry. The Thurston Craft Brewing and Distilling Innovation Partnership Zone (Craft Brewing IPZ) was created in 2015 to help this community do just that. A designation through the Washington State Department of Commerce, the IPZ helps the region… Read More

Great grains are the key to premium craft products. The Cascadia Grains Conference brings together farmers, processors and end‐users, as well as investors, researchers, brokers and local government officials to support rebuilding a grain economy west of the Cascade Mountains in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. The two-day conference will explore value-added enterprises, including brewing and distilling, baking, and other food uses, as well as animal feed. The 2017 Conference is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 6 and 7. Day 1: Friday, January 6, 2017 The afternoon field trips feature three tracks: brewing & distilling… Read More

Amazing things are happening in our community and across the State to advance the craft beer, cider, and spirits movement. Washington is poised to use this CRAFT movement to create a ripple effect that grows jobs, return on investments, and thriving communities. Together, we’re doing our part to support that growth by creating a Craft Brewing & Distilling Center. This hub builds on Tumwater’s legacy of brewing to benefit our Thurston County community and CRAFT. We’ve created a BLOG (and website)—that you can follow—to keep up with the exciting activities, investments, programs, and… Read More