UPDATE: Meeting discusses breweries in Brunswick County

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County Economic Development Commission has something brewing to create jobs.

The commission hired a consultant to determine if craft beer brewing is an industry that would thrive in the county. The consultant determined that Shallotte would be a good place for a brewery. Some of the things that need to be addressed include the lack of a beer scene and outdoor activities that go along with a beer crowd.

Assistant Director Kelly Stuart said these breweries could also bring in more jobs.

“To be able to create jobs is very important that the kids here have opportunities to stay here, and be productive and be successful in Brunswick County without having to leave,” Stuart said.

Stuart added that with the county being one of the fastest growing counties in the state, there’s a market for the craft beer business.

DSG Principal Consultant Don Schjeldahl says you need more than just a growing population to support the industry.

“The craft brew industry needs a good property, good quality of water, but there’s also craft beer brewers are typically about developing their brand, and so they are going to look for a place where they can sell product to new customers and to help to grow their market,” Schjeldahl said.

Schjeldahl said that Brunswick County is just the place to attract craft breweries. He says the population would support craft beer breweries.

In April, Stuart said the commission plans to attend a craft beer brewery convention in Portland, Oregon, to vie for some craft breweries.