Fermenta: An idea whose time has come

MIDLAND — The phrase “an idea whose time has come” gets used quite often, and just as often, it doesn’t really fit the situation. But once in awhile, the phrase fits perfectly — as with the women’s craft beverage trade group Fermenta.

Pauline Knighton (Short’s Brewing Company) and Stacey Roth (Griffin Claw) had discussed the idea of forming a trade group for women in the craft beverage industry. The idea fermented in their minds, and this past April, women met at Arbor Brewing Company to work out a vision.

The focus of the group? To encourage more women to get involved in the craft beverage industry, and to expand women’s collective knowledge about beer in Michigan.

The ultimate mission of Fermenta is simple: it is a non-profit initiated by Michigan women, committed to diversity, camaraderie, networking and education within the craft beverage industry.

“People take you much more seriously when they know that you are part of a trade group,” said Moragh Goyette, an assistant brewer at Gr

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