Harold Gulbransen

I have been a member of the AHA Governing Committee for three years. These past three years have flown by given all the exciting developments I’ve witnessed as a member of the Governing Committee. My focus has been with the Competition Subcommittee, which I chair. We have worked to keep the National Homebrew Competition interesting, exciting and relevant to the needs of the AHA membership. I’m proud of the work our subcommittee has done in helping Janis Gross organize and execute the largest Homebrew Competition in the world.

I have been homebrewing in San Diego, California for seventeen years and I’ve been an active participant in my local homebrew club, QUAFF since 1996. I have been the treasurer and president, and I continue to enjoy being a member of QUAFF’s board. I have enjoyed studying to become a BJCP National Judge, and I have helped run several large homebrew competitions, including the first round of the National Homebrew Competition and America's Finest City. I have also been involved in several commercial competitions, such as the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival for the last 8 years. Working with the Brewers Association at these commercial events has given me valuable insights into the workings of the BA.

I believe that homebrewing is seldom just about competitions. It is the camaraderie, sharing of knowledge and kindness of homebrewers that makes this such a fulfilling hobby. I believe that the AHA with its new website has created greater community involvement among all homebrewers. Witnessing the development and unveiling of the new website while a member of the governing committee has been most fulfilling. I would like to see more events involving educational experiences for the beginner, intermediate and advanced homebrewer. This is one of the main goals for the National Homebrewers Conference 2011, which will be in my home town of San Diego. I am also involved with the planning committee. I will be the organizer for the second round of the National Homebrew Competition 2011. I am also leading the subcommittee in charge of the commemorative beers that will be handed out to all attendees of the conference.

If re-elected to the governing committee, my focus will be on the best interests of the membership and the viability of the AHA. Thank you for considering me as a candidate.