{"id":32913,"date":"2018-02-13T08:00:39","date_gmt":"2018-02-13T13:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/?p=32913"},"modified":"2018-02-13T12:26:11","modified_gmt":"2018-02-13T17:26:11","slug":"rma-taps-new-beer-trends-to-combat-urban-blight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/rma-taps-new-beer-trends-to-combat-urban-blight\/","title":{"rendered":"RMA Taps New Beer Trends to Combat Urban Blight"},"content":{"rendered":"

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., Feb. 13, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As the craft brewery trend matures, RMA (www.rma.us.com<\/a>) is advising city leaders on the smartest ways to continue tapping into the beer industry as a tool for revitalization. In states such as Florida, the full-service economic redevelopment firm, still sees growth potential for craft breweries. In other areas, the firm is guiding cities to develop attraction plans for distilleries, co-op breweries and brewpubs.<\/p>\n

\"RMA
\n\u201cFlorida still offers tremendous potential for beer-industry growth,\u201d said Farrell Tiller, RMA\u2019s Economic Development Coordinator. \u201cRecently, The North Miami Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (NMBCRA) announced the state\u2019s first \u2018Brewery District\u2019 and craft brewery incentive program. The NMBCRA recognized a market gap in this area, and RMA guided the CRA through the process.\u201d<\/p>\n

Breweries can improve slum and blight in a community by creating an adaptive reuse for derelict\/vacant buildings such as old department stores, warehouses, churches, fire stations and train stations. Once the buildings are retrofitted as craft breweries, they have the potential to become a major catalyst for revitalization within a city, attracting additional visitors, job creation and investment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith North Miami Beach, RMA analyzed the market potential and developed the framework for a targeted industry incentive program to attract craft breweries,\u201d continued Farrell. But he also warns cities not to jump on the craft beer bandwagon just because it worked in other towns.<\/p>\n

The cities who have successfully engaged breweries as part of their revitalization plan, did so after careful analysis and as part of an overall redevelopment strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Back in 2011, RMA launched the revitalization of Oakland Park, Florida with the creation of a culinary arts district. That city\u2019s growth was ignited when Funky Buddha brewery relocated to the area. That success story led to craft breweries popping up in many cities including Pompano Beach, Wynwood and more.<\/p>\n

\u201cCurrently, the craft beer market represents about 12% of market share in the United States, while other beverage markets like coffee and high-end drinks can command up to 40%,\u201d he explained. \u201cSo, there is room for smart growth, but we also see related emerging trends in the market.\u201d<\/p>\n

Farrell notes that Millennials, who have grown accustomed to drinking craft beer, are now seeking to socialize in brewpubs, where they can enjoy their favorite beers accompanied by housemade foods.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe demand exists for family-friendly restaurants where guests can enjoy great beer and food while experiencing the good feeling of supporting a local business versus a chain. Brewpubs fit this model and will be the next phase of development.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a giant leap beyond simple community gathering spots, co-op brewery models are on Tiller\u2019s radar as he tracks states like Montana, New Mexico and Texas, where groups or cooperatives are investing in breweries as a means to stimulate revitalization. Cooperatives are organizations owned collectively by members who share in profits or benefits. While currently there are only a handful of these co-ops in in the United States, Canadian co-ops are touting increased employment and neighborhood unity.<\/p>\n

For cities wanting to capitalize on the economic engine of the beer industry, Tiller advises city leaders seek experts to analyze 3 key areas:<\/p>\n