Pause to Save Lives, Weatherization Grants, Spotted Lanternfly & More

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INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER

November 2020

MDHHS issues three-week epidemic order to save lives, protect frontline heroes during fall COVID-19 surge

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a new epidemic order today that enacts a three-week pause targeting indoor social gatherings and other group activities in an effort to curb rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates.

The order, which takes effect Wednesday, Nov. 18, is not a blanket stay-home action like in the spring. The order leaves open work that is cannot be performed from home, including for manufacturing, construction and health occupations. Outdoor gatherings, outdoor dining and parks remain open. Individualized activities with distancing and face masks are still allowed: retail shopping; public transit; restaurant takeout; personal-care services such as haircuts, by appointment; and individualized exercise at a gym, with extra spacing between machines. 

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus

Social Gatherings Guidance

Pause to Save Lives Infographic

Safe Social Pods Guidance


Appointments to the Michigan Craft Beverage Council

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced three appointments to the Michigan Craft Beverage Council.

Larry J. Bell, of Kalamazoo, is the founder and president of Bell’s Brewery and a member of the Master Brewers Association. Bell was reappointed to represent large brewers for a term commencing October 1, 2020, and expiring September 30, 2023.

Michael Chetcuti, of Northport, is a partner with Farm + Ferment, Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina, Arbor Brewing Co., Baia Estate Winery, and the Michigan Hop Alliance. He is the principal owner of American Expedition Vehicles and Streetcar USA. Chetcuti is appointed to represent restaurants that hold a class C license and serve Michigan wines, beer, or spirits, and he will serve for a term commencing October 1, 2020, and expiring September 30, 2023. He succeeds Jim Holton whose term expired September 30, 2020.

Scott Graham, of Gaylord, is the executive director of Michigan Brewers Guild, Inc. Graham is reappointed to represent micro brewers or brewpub license holders for a term commencing October 1, 2020, and expiring September 30, 2023.

The Council would like to thank Jim Holton, owner of Mountain Town Brewing Company & Steakhouse, Camille’s on the River, and Alma Brewing Co. for his service to the Michigan Craft Beverage Council and the Council’s Promotion Committee.

View information about the Council members at michigancraftbeverage.com/about/council.


Weatherization Grants Now Available

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is providing federal CARES Act funds to help qualifying small businesses expand their capacity by adding weatherized, temporary outdoor facilities.

Grants will be awarded to eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis with special consideration given to awarding at least 10 grants in each of Michigan’s prosperity regions.

Weatherization grants are intended to add temporary capacity in colder months. Here are some projects that would qualify for this grant:

  • Temporary structures, such as canopies, igloos, and tents to cover outdoor seating
  • Portable heaters
  • Outdoor furniture and tableware
  • Outdoor cooking equipment
  • Fencing; dividers such as planters, hangings, or Plexiglas panels
  • Sanitizing supplies and equipment
  • Security devices
  • Electronic menu access
  • Upgrades necessary to increase capacity for carryout and delivery service
  • Delivery charges and labor for installation.

All funds must be used in support of weatherization of outdoor capacity expansions. Construction of permanent structures is not an allowable use. The deadline for application is November 18, 2020. Find more information about this opportunity at www.sbam.org/weatherization-grants/


MCBC Research Grant Update

Michigan barley

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council accepted proposals for its 2021 research grant cycle through October 19, 2020. A Joint Evaluation Committee will meet in December to review proposals and produce recommendations for the full Council. Recommendations will be reviewed at the regularly scheduled Council meeting on January 20, 2021, and awards will be announced shortly after.

Thank you to all who submitted proposals and those who are serving to evaluate them. Learn more about MCBC’s research grant program.


MDARD urges continued vigilance after dead Spotted Lanternfly cases identified in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is asking freight carriers, warehouse workers and delivery drivers to be on the lookout for invasive spotted lanternfly after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed dead spotted lanternfly insects were found in Michigan in recent weeks. While the specimens found were dead, these cases demonstrate one of the many ways this insect could find its way into the state. There is no evidence of established populations of spotted lanternfly in Michigan.

If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or call MDARD’s Customer Service Center, 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.

For additional information on identifying or reporting spotted lanternfly, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Read the full press release here.


Grains for Brewing and Distilling Virtual Happy Hour

MSU Grains for Brewing and Distilling

The Barley Research Team at Michigan State University hosts a Grains for Brewing and Distilling Virtual Happy Hour each Thursday at 3:30 p.m. The last session in the eight-session series will take place on November 19. Each session has featured speakers and topics relevant to craft beverage producers, grain growers, maltsters, and other businesses vital to the supply chain.

Topics include alternative uses for barley, disease management for barley and other small grains, determining malting grade post-harvest, and other relevant topics.

Join the event using your computer or mobile device (audio and visual) following the Zoom link: https://msu.zoom.us/j/99103668916 (Password: barley), or call from your phone (audio only) by dialing 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID#: 991 0366 8916.

For more information, contact Ryan Hamilton 616-914-0238.


Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced the Michigan recipients of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The program offers federal funding to state departments of agriculture to support the specialty crop industry. Grants focus on marketing, training, certifications, food safety, pest control, and plant health for specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, plants and/or flowers.

This year there were a handful of proposals with ties to Michigan’s craft beverage industry. Grantees include Hop Growers of Michigan, Michigan Grape Society, Michigan State Horticultural Society, National Grape Cooperative, and Southwest Michigan Wine Trail.

Congratulations to all recipients of this important grant program.

Learn more about grants administered through MDARD. 


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Michigan Craft Beverage Council
PO Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909

517-284-5742

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