Farrell Distributing was proud to jump on as a sponsor and supporter of Vermont Girls Pint out a few years back when Bethany Baker started up the chapter. Under Bethany, VT GPO hit the market across Vermont building a solid network of women who loved craft beer and wanted to contribute to the scene and events. Together we put on dozen’s of events at legendary craft beer bars, bowling ally’s, comedy club’s, and week long celebrations. Recently Bethany hit the road and moved down to Boston to stir up trouble and check out the craft beer scene. With Bethany starting a new chapter, in coming president Michelle Russell is eager to get going. She is no stranger to this organization attending multiple ones in the past and supporting Bethany. We are excited to see what Michelle will do for this community, and recently Ryan Chaffin from Farrell Distributing sat down for a quick one on one to get the scoop.

Why don’t we start with a little background.

A little about Michelle

I’m a born and raised Vermonter from Chittenden County.  Currently a Champlain College student and I hold several degrees in business and digital marketing. I’m a mom of 2 boys and a wife and somehow also find the time to work a full time day job as a Global Sourcing Specialist for a nationwide beverage company.

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Your path to this role

I started out just enjoying local brews and having a blast travelling the state to complete my “passport”.  This is when I really developed a passion for beer. Over time I began to become more and more interested in understanding more about the beer itself and the stories of the people that were making it. This is when I knew I wanted to be more than just a consumer.

Bethany and I have a common friend that knew we would hit it off- 2 cool chicks who love beer – that was a no brainer!  A few months after we officially met she posted she was looking for help with VGPO …so I said pick me, pick me and she did. So here I am!

Why you wanted to take the chapter over?

  1. I really want to become more active in the craft beer community.
  2. I enjoy having beer discussions and meeting new people.  Enjoying a good craft beer has become such a social event. It’s part of the experience to strike up a conversation with the patron on the stool next to you about what they are drinking. The industry is carving out its own little space in society, it’s an exciting time to get involved.

What your plans are and what you are excited about?

My goal for Vermont GPO is simple. I really just want to build a community of woman that like to spend time enjoying craft beer.  Aside from your normal fun events that include drinking, I also plan to hold educational events and workshops for those that are interested in learning more about ingredients or home brewing or what not.  I want this to be a place that allows the group to explore all the industry has to offer.  And have fun doing it!

What I’m really excited about is planning events that everyone can enjoy that are centered around craft beer.  I’m also excited about all the beer I will get to try J

-Michelle Russell

 

 

 

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Check out Bethany Baker on It’s The Beer Talking Podcast http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2016/09/20/beer-talking-015-girls-pint-out/90728100/

 

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More about Girls Pint Out

“Girls Pint Out is a national craft beer organization for women. Our mission is to build a community of women who love craft beer and who are an active, contributing part of the greater craft beer community. Through social media, blog posts, and local events hosted by chapters, Girls Pint Out offers a forum for discussion, education, and fun. Events are educational, charitable, and/or social. The majority of events are women-only, but sometimes men are invited. There is no membership process – just join us for a pint! Girls Pint Out originated in Indianapolis, Indiana in early 2010. The Girls Pint Out movement quickly spread to Arizona and Texas. Today Girls Pint Out has more than 50 chapters in over 30 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico”