Beer for Good: North Coast Brewing Company aAnnounces B Corp Certification and Incorporation as a Benefit Corporation

A pioneer in the Craft Beer movement, North Coast Brewing Company (www.northcoastbrewing.com) is blazing new trails once again with a recent shareholder vote confirming its status as a Benefit Corporation. This new corporate structure, coupled with their B Corp™ Certification, recognizes that the company's commitment to great beer is matched by its commitment to philanthropy, community, and environmental stewardship.

North Coast is proud to join leading B Corps such as Patagonia and Dr. Bronner's in meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

"Pursuing B Corp certification was a natural fit for North Coast," says Mark Ruedrich, NCBC Co-Founder and President. "We have always operated with the understanding that our business success depends on taking care of our employees, our community, and the environment. This certification and rigorous set of standards recognizes these values and challenges us to ask how we can do more. We hope that our participation will also help inspire other breweries to lead positive change."

The additional step of becoming a Benefit Corporation means that North Coast Brewing Co. is legally bound to pursue social and environmental goals as well as profitability based on its articles of incorporation. Stewardship is now official business, from agreements with shareholders to daily operations.

On-site sustainability initiatives include extensive water saving and waste reduction efforts, renewable energy, and an innovative carbon farming program with partner Fortunate Farm. The brewery has created a unique closed-loop system where spent brewery grain is composted to sequester carbon and produce vegetables for the brewery's Taproom. From soil to glass, beer lovers have the satisfaction of knowing that the beer they drink is a force for good in the world.