Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Cortes.
Hi Joseph , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have spent my career working at the intersection of advocacy, policy, and politics. From leading advocacy efforts across the country and in the Southeast, to working for candidates for elected office, or helping nonprofits achieve their mission, I have always had a passion for helping people and movements succeed and tell their story. As a senior in high school, I met a candidate for State Representative as a senior in high school, and asked to help his campaign. He immediately took me up on the offer, and I became “grassroots coordinator” at 17. I had been bit by the political bug. As a college student I became engaged with student government, which led to a role as a student lobbyist at the State Capitol in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I would always carry that foundational experience with me as I learned how to successfully advocate for legislation – and moved through different roles as a communicator, strategist, and organizational leader.
That background led to the opportunity to serve the independent and small brewing industry as the Executive Director of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has most certainly not been always been smooth road. I faced losses, increasing political polarization, and funding challenges with non-profits I have worked with.
We’ve been impressed with Georgia Craft Brewers Guild , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the Executive Director of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, the nonprofit trade association that represents independent and and small brewers across the state. I serve as the chief lobbyist and spokesman for the craft brewing industry and specialize in organizational leadership, movement building, storytelling, and advocacy. I am known as a passionate communicator and advocate, and as a coalition builder. I enjoy telling the story of our amazing community of brewers and how local breweries make cities and towns great places to live, work, and visit across Georgia. As much progress as we have seen for craft brewers in Georgia, we still have a long way to go to give our small businesses the freedom and flexibility they need to succeed. We are working hard to change the legislative and regulatory climate to be more favorable for craft brewers. I am proud to have led a rebrand of our organization, including a new beautiful logo. I am really proud of an annual community building event called Georgia Beer Day that celebrates our brewers across the state, bring customers and supporters together, and as the centerpiece has a beautiful, commemorative pint glass designed by a Georgia artist each year. It is also a great opportunity to support our organization and local brewery taprooms. Tens of thousands of people line up at breweries each March to celebrate Georgia Beer and get their hands on a glass!
I want readers to know how special our community. How vital breweries are to local communities as gathering spaces. What an amazing product they offer. Not just amazing beer, but an opportunity to connect with others in a physical space – which is more important than ever in our digital age. Our breweries need your support – both as a customer and an advocate for much needed change to state law.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
There has been seismic shifts in the beer industry recently. The market has shifted, and we have matured as an industry. Growth will be more challenging, especially with continued regulatory challenges in Georgia, but there are great opportunities. The craft brewing industry will be much more hospitality focused. Creating spaces and experiences that draw consumers in and bring them back. Beer will still be the heart and central, but business models and offerings will diversify. Cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be increasingly in the mix. Beer brings people together, and is still the number one alcoholic beverage of choice for Americans. I believe it will remain that way. Local, independent craft beer isn’t going anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.georgiacraftbrewersguild.org
- Instagram: @gacraftbrewersguild
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgiacraftbrewersguild
