USA, NY: Copper City Brewing Co.’s crowd funding effort raises $38,632

Copper City Brewing Co.’s crowd funding effort has raised $38,632 from 419 backers, and the company continues to seek low-interest loans and make massive building renovations in order to be open this fall, according to owner Lori Frieden, Rome Sentinel reported on July 9.

Frieden and her husband Danny have partnered with friends Eric and Erica Daniels to open the brewery at 1111 Oneida St.

They ran a campaign through Indiegogo with a goal of $40,000. Though it fell just short of its goal, the site allowed those who use it to access funds raised regardless, but with higher fees if the goal is not met.

The crowd funding was to generate buzz and allow supporters to buy goods and services in advance. The entire project will take $300,000, said Lori. To fund the costs, the four principals have saved money and are applying for small business loans. They are still pursuing lower rates, she said, but have loans lined up. They also plan to apply for the city’s Rome Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (REAP), a low-interest loan program that helps with start-up costs.

The commercial building across Panesi Ave. from the former OJ Gulla Pools building and just off E. Dominick St. still needs major work. There’s windows to replace and more to be added, new plumbing and rewiring, complete insulation installation as well as a new ventilation system going in. The company has also ordered its brewing equipment, which is being assembled before delivery.

The company is also applying for a New York State farm brewing license for the location. That takes about 150 days to complete, Lori Frieden said. If all goes well, Copper City could be approved by October, allowing it to meet its deadline to open in November.

Danny Frieden and Eric Daniels both have nearly a decade of brewing experience and will be responsible for Copper City’s brewing operation. Lori will head up the brewery’s marketing and business development duties. Erica will offer her networking skills and help at the brewery’s tap as well.

Once operational, they will be brewing weekly and there will always be a new beer on tap. The goal is to have 10 active taps at all times including IPAs, stouts, porters, Belgians and blondes, eventually adding specialty beers such as barley wine and imperial styles, cider and non-alcoholic root beer.

Lori noted that the Indiegogo campaign was still a success when compared to similar efforts by other breweries. And it’s contributing to the word of mouth marketing, helping to generate some of what is now 3,200 supporters on the company’s Facebook page. That’s for a company that isn’t even open yet, she noted. Rest assured, she said, Copper City is working feverishly. “There’s no lull,” Frieden promised.

10 July, 2016