We are committed to cultivating a collaborative workplace that is safe, healthy, and fulfilling for all of us. One where employees are positively empowered in their roles and take pride in working here each day. In addition to fostering these values within the brewery, it's our goal to promote diversity and inclusion in our community as well as within the craft beer industry.
We know this work will take time. But we are dedicated to seeing it through. Actions speak louder than words and this page highlights our ongoing commitment to being better and doing better. We encourage you to check back often for updates.
Ideas? Questions? We want to hear from you, because this isn't just about us; it's about our community. Shoot us a note at progress@boulevard.com.
For all media and press inquiries, please contact media@boulevard.com.
August 2, 2023
For the month of August, Boulevard is excited to partner with Lead to Read KC and will donate a portion of the proceeds from all crowler sales in the Beer Hall to the organization. Lead to Read KC is an organization whose mission is to support the social, emotional, and reading skills that are foundational for student success by advancing its literacy platform and mobilizing community volunteers.
“Lead to Read KC is an organization near and dear to many Boulevardians’ hearts,” said Amber Ayres, director of consumer experience at Boulevard Brewing Company. “As volunteers, we know that engaging with young people in our community to foster enthusiasm for reading and enhance their skills is such a fulfilling way to spend your lunch hour, and we’re thrilled to be highlighting the work of this wonderful non-profit as the new school year approaches.”
On August 9, Boulevard will host a Back-to-School Bingo night benefiting Lead to Read, where guests are invited to participate in a book swap and a free game of bingo while supporting the local organization. Boulevard will donate $1 from every full pour sold during the event from 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Lead to Read KC helps young students build a foundation of literacy for future success through direct support, including one-on-one mentoring and tutoring,” said Pauly Hart, executive director of Lead to Read KC. “Our services have been requested in more schools than ever to help combat the reading crisis, so we’re excited to partner with Boulevard to get students off waitlists and into our impact-driven programs.”
July 17, 2023
To celebrate the 21st Kansas City Irish Fest, Boulevard Brewing Company is honoring the festival with a limited-edition beer, Sure Look. The dark lager, named after a colloquial phrase commonly used to impart familiarity to the beginning, middle or end of any good conversation, is now available in six-packs of 12-oz. bottles and on draft throughout the Kansas City area.
“The Kansas City Irish Fest has been a part of Boulevard’s local DNA since the festival was founded 21 years ago,” said Julie Weeks, Boulevard’s vice president of communications. “It allows us to pour a variety of Boulevard beverages for its patrons, and ah, Sure Look, gifted us friendships and collaboration with the festival’s board and planners throughout the years. We raise a pint to their efforts in remaining Kansas City’s largest annual festival. Slainte!”
At 5.5% ABV, Sure Look, is a dark lager with a spicy, floral hop aroma. The beer is now available for a limited time as the Kansas City community looks forward to the 21st annual event at Crown Center on Labor Day weekend. Kansas City Irish Fest will feature over 30 local, regional, national and international musical groups performing traditional Irish, Irish American Folk and Celtic Rock September 1-3.
More information about Sure LookBuy tickets to Irish Fest
June 1, 2023
In honor of Pride Month, Boulevard Brewing Company is pleased to offer a variety of promotions and events to support the LGBTQ+ community throughout the month of June. A portion of the proceeds from each initiative will benefit the Kansas City Pride Community Alliance, a local organization whose mission is to provide educational opportunities, support, social activities, and advocacy to enrich the lives of LGBTQ+ people in an inclusive environment for all.
Boulevard’s plans for Pride month are included below.
Community Crowler
Found in the Boulevard Beer Hall at the Tours & Rec Center, the newest Community Crowler will support Kansas City Pride Community Alliance with $5 from every crowler sold being donated to the organization.
Pints for Pride Bingo – June 28th
Enjoy some free-to-play bingo while you learn about the incredible work this organization is doing for the Kansas City LGBTQ+ community. One dollar from every full pour sold during the event will benefit the organization, so get ready to think, drink, and hear some bingo balls go ‘plink.’ Starts at 5:30 pm.
Pride T-Shirt
Throughout June, $5 from every rainbow logo shirt sold in the Tours & Rec Center gift shop will benefit Kansas City Pride Community Alliance, so you can feel good while you look good.
Gift Shop
The Boulevard gift shop carries products from dozens of local makers throughout the year and is excited to showcase some of the items from local LGBTQ+ business owners all month long. Candles from Untamed Supply, bath bombs from Bear Soap Co., and prints from Kevin Garrison will all be for sale in the gift shop in June.
April 13, 2023
As a part of Boulevard Brewing Co.’s commitment to sustainability, the brewery announced a new partnership with Bridging The Gap, a local non-profit whose mission is to make the greater Kansas City region a more sustainable place by connecting the environment, economy and community. Through this partnership, Boulevard has committed to donating $5,000 to enhance the amazing work the organization is doing in the community.
“With Earth Day quickly approaching, we are excited to share that we are partnering with Bridging The Gap throughout this entire year,” said Ali Bush, brand director. “In addition to a financial donation, we will be highlighting the simple actions we can all take to protect our planet on the packaging for our seasonal Space Camper double IPAs throughout the year.”
Bridging The Gap engages more than 1,400 volunteers annually in hands-on, planet-saving action, making it the perfect partner for Boulevard and its Space Camper IPA whose mission is to “Save the Earth, it’s the only planet with beer”. A series of Space Camper limited releases in 2023, including Cybersonic C-Hops and the upcoming Terror From the Deep double IPAs, will include messaging supporting the different sustainability initiatives that Bridging The Gap is focused on throughout the year.
April 4, 2023
Boulevard Brewing Co. is excited to announce the next charitable partner for its Community Crowler program: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City (RMHC). Throughout the month of April, a portion of proceeds from all crowler sales in the Beer Hall will be donated to RMHC as a part of its ongoing initiative to support local organizations. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City’s mission is to reduce the burden of childhood illness on children and their families. The organization provides comfortable lodging in a caring and uplifting environment that is conveniently located near local health care facilities. To celebrate this partnership, the brewery will also be hosting a special RMHC Bingo night on April 12.
Learn more about the outstanding work RMHC does here.
March 1, 2023
Boulevard Brewing Co. is excited to announce the next charitable partner for its Community Crowler program: United Way of Greater Kansas City. The brewery launched the ongoing initiative last year as a way to support local organizations by helping spread awareness of their causes and donating a portion of the proceeds from all crowler sales in the Beer Hall.
For the month of March, a portion of the proceeds from crowler sales will be donated to United Way, an organization that brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. Through United Way, communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic solutions and health resources.
United Way also supports 211, the 24/7 go-to resource that helps people across the U.S. and Canada find the local resources they need. It is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country. The 211 network assists people who are looking for help meeting the most basic needs like housing, food, transportation and health care.
Learn more about the how United Way unites with Kansas City here.
October 18, 2022
Boulevard Brewing Co. is excited to announce the official launch of its newest brew in collaboration with Vine Street Brewing Co.: the Buck O’Neil Barrel-Aged Saison. The ale is a chardonnay barrel-aged saison with a crisp, light flavor featuring notes of fruit and accentuated by hops. It is a beer to be savored with an ABV of 9 percent. In line with Vine Street Brewing’s dedication to Kansas City’s rich cultural heritage, this beer will serve to honor the late first baseman and manager of the Kansas City Monarchs, Buck O’Neil.
A Negro Leagues Baseball legend and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Buck O’Neil was the first African American coach in Major League Baseball and an integral part of Kansas City history. In honor of this rich history, Boulevard and Vine Street will donate 100% of all Buck O’Neil Ale proceeds to the Negro League Baseball Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America, which O’Neil helped establish.
The limited-release beer will be available in bottles beginning the first week of November 2022. It is a one-time drop, and once retailers are out, there will not be additional deliveries (get it while you can!). It will be available for purchase throughout the Greater Kansas City Area, in retail stores where Boulevard is sold.
Learn more here.
September 12, 2022
Boulevard Brewing Company is excited to announce that is it bringing back Veterans Community Project as its next charitable partner for its KC Pils Partner Series. Beginning in September and continuing through the end of the year, a portion of proceeds of all Boulevard KC Pils sales will be donated to the organization.
Veterans Community Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving homeless and at-risk veterans with tiny homes, wrap-around support services and emergency assistance. VCP was founded by a group of combat veterans in Kansas City, Missouri, who resolved to stand in the gaps of a broken system that left too many of their brothers and sisters behind.
Events will take place in bars and restaurants around the city later this fall, and the partnership will once again feature a co-branded KC Pils package arriving on shelves this month. Those interested in supporting Veterans Community Project through the KC Pils Partner Series can purchase KC Pils at bars, restaurants, grocery stores and liquor stores throughout the greater Kansas City area.
August 1, 2022
To commemorate the Kansas City Irish Fest’s 20th anniversary, $5 from every crowler sold at the Boulevard Beer Hall will be donated to this iconic Kansas City festival. Donations will benefit the Kansas City Irish Fest Grant Fund, which fosters our city’s rich heritage by promoting Irish music, dance, arts, sports, and cuisine.
“We’re grateful to have been a partner of the Kansas City Irish Fest since its inception,” said Julie Weeks, vice president of communications and consumer experience at Boulevard. “To be able to celebrate the festival's mission by supporting it in this way is an honor.”
Learn more about the festival, its epic music lineup, and other activities you won’t want to miss here.
May 4, 2022
Organizers of Boulevardia and Boulevard Brewing Co., the festival’s title sponsor, are excited to announce that throughout the month of May, $5 from every crowler sold at the Boulevard Beer Hall will be donated to Boulevardia’s non-profit partners participating in the bar program at the festival in June. Boulevard recently launched its Community Crowler program where it gives back a portion of all crowler sales to local charities each month.
“We are thrilled to be able to donate a portion of our crowler sales from the Tours & Rec building to Boulevardia throughout the month of May,” said Julie Weeks, vice president of communications and consumer experience at Boulevard. “Giving back to several local charities through its bar program each year is one of the many reasons we admire Boulevardia’s mission.”
Every year, each of the bars at the festival are managed by volunteers from different non-profit organizations. In exchange for their time, the organizations are compensated by receiving all tips made at their designated bar throughout the weekend. In 2019, the most recent year the festival took place, the program raised a total of $55,838.39 for eleven different charities. The confirmed charities for the 2022 program include The Animal Rescue Alliance, Cultivate KC, Head for the Cure, KCOI Boulevard Bike Team, KC Pet Project, Midwest Music Foundation, Missouri Pit Bull Rescue, Social Heart, and WIN for KC. The festival is currently accepting applications for up to two additional charities to participate.
“As a non-profit 501(c)3 event, giving back to our local community is extremely important to us,” said Trever Frickey, Boulevardia president. “Our event would not be able to happen without the volunteers from each charitable organization running our bars, so we encourage attendees to tip their bartenders generously knowing they’re giving back to great causes in Kansas City.”
Additional details about the Boulevardia bar program and other volunteer opportunities are available online at boulevardia.com/get-involved.
March 23, 2022
Boulevard Brewing Company is excited to announce its fourth charitable partner for its KC Pils Partner Series: KC Pet Project. A portion of proceeds of all Boulevard KC Pils sales will be donated to the local animal shelter from March to August.
KC Pet Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization with 14 successful locations across Kansas and Missouri. Caring for over 14,000 animals per year, KC Pet Project is the largest animal shelter in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
“Over the past 10 years, KC Pet Project has been working to save lives in Kansas City, and it’s because of the support of our community that we can help the number of pets that we do each year,” said Tori Fugate, chief communications officer at KC Pet Project. “Boulevard Brewing Company has been a tremendous supporter of our organization and our pets for many years, and we are thrilled and honored to be a part of this wonderful program that supports nonprofits in our community.”
Co-branded KC Pils packages can be found in bottles starting in March and cans beginning in April. Those interested in supporting KC Pet Project can purchase KC Pils at bars, restaurants, grocery stores and liquor stores throughout the greater Kansas City area.
“KC Pet Project has become a force of inspiration for us animal lovers here at Boulevard,” said Adam Hall, Boulevard brand manager. “We are honored to partner with such a progressive organization that continues to support and protect both animals and people in the greater Kansas City area.”
The KC Pils Partners program began in the spring of 2020, kicking off with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art followed by partnerships with Ronald McDonald House Charities and Veterans Community Project. Boulevard has donated more than $30,000 to local charities since the program’s inception. Additional information about the program and this partnership is available at boulevard.com/kcpp.
March 9, 2022
This week Boulevard became the home to one of the 154 one-of-a-kind heARTS created by artists for the Parade of Hearts. The Parade of Hearts is a public arts experience located in the Heartland of America. Original artwork based around the historical and iconic KC Heart is being placed throughout the Kansas City region as an example of unification and strengthening our communities.
We “heart” this project so much that today through April 3rd, Boulevard will donate $5 from every crowler purchased at our Beer Hall and $1 from each exclusive Parade of Hearts pint glass sold in our Gift Shop to beneficiaries of this campaign. We will also host a special bingo edition on Wednesday, March 16th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. A $1 from every full-size beverage sold during this event will also be donated. Funds raised by Parade of Hearts will provide grants to organizations greatly affected by the events of the last few years and today. These include The University of Kansas Health System (health and wellness), MARC (education), AltCap (small/minority-owned businesses), and Visit KC (hospitality & tourism).
So stop by, enjoy our beautiful heart created by Matt Phillips, and enjoy a beverage knowing you are helping Kansas City's hearts.
JOIN US FOR BINGO
March 7, 2022
Boulevard Brewing Co. is excited to announce the official launch of Teal Rising in celebration of Kansas City’s National Women’s Soccer League team, the Kansas City Current. Teal Rising is a “Proud Pilsner” featuring a crisp body, unwavering balance between hops and malt, and a swift finish. The beer originally launched exclusively at Boulevard’s Tours & Rec Center but will now be available in six-packs of 12-oz. bottles and on draft throughout the Midwest region.
“We are ecstatic to partner with the KC Current once again for the official release of Teal Rising.” said Ali Bush, Boulevard brand director. “The KC Current and WIN for KC are both a huge inspiration to all of us here at Boulevard and we couldn’t be happier to support them in all that they’re doing for athletes, for fans, for women and for Kansas City.”
In line with the KC Current’s commitment to the community, investing 10% of all partnership revenue back into programs that strengthen Kansas City, Boulevard will donate 10% of all Teal Rising proceeds to The Women's Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC). Its mission is to empower the lives of girls and women through advocating and promoting the lifetime value of sports and fitness, while providing opportunities for participation and leadership development.
“We are thrilled that even more fans will get the chance to celebrate the Kansas City Current and try Teal Rising,” said Amber Cox, Chief Operating Officer for the Current. “The Boulevard team has created a product that embodies our team, from the taste to the beautiful label design. We can’t wait to see some Teal Rising at the tailgate ahead of our Challenge Cup home opener on April 2!”
To celebrate this partnership and International Women’s Day, Boulevard will host a launch event on Tuesday, March 8, from 5-7 p.m. featuring midfielders Desiree Scott and Victoria Pickett from the KC Current as well as a debut of Teal Rising.
More information about Teal Rising
February 25, 2022
To celebrate the 14-year career of Kansas City Royals perennial star Alex Gordon, Boulevard Brewing Company is honoring the legendary left fielder with a limited-edition beer, Gordo’s Golden Ale. The beer originally launched on draft at Kauffman Stadium last summer but will now be available in six-packs of 12-oz. cans and on draft throughout the Midwest region.
“As the official craft beer of the Kansas City Royals, we felt it was only right to honor and celebrate Alex with his own beer,” said Bobby Dykstra, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Boulevard parent company Duvel Moortgat USA. “A beer that is classic, balanced and refreshing is something we felt was a beer not only baseball fans would enjoy, but Alex himself.”
A portion of the proceeds from the beer will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for and awareness of childhood cancer causes, treatments and cures. Royals Charities will match Boulevard’s donation in support of the cause that has been a large charitable focus of Gordon’s throughout his career.
“It is a real joy to have the Royals and Boulevard Brewing Company come together to create this beer for baseball fans to enjoy this season," said Alex Gordon. "The fact that we can use this partnership to help raise money and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a charity that is near and dear to my heart, makes it even more special. I can’t wait to crack one open and cheer on my former teammates this season.”
At 4.6% ABV, Gordo’s Golden Ale delivers a honey-like malt sweetness that gives way to a crisp clean finish with a touch of herbal hop flavor. The beer will be available on tap and in cans March through July 2022.
More information about Gordo’s Golden Ale
February 4th, 2022
Boulevard is thrilled to partner with WIN for KC to create a new women-focused 6K race – the BLVD Revel Run. The inaugural race hopes to inspire women to lace up their shoes and join in the fun. The BLVD Revel Run will take place throughout midtown on Saturday, October 1, 2022, starting and finishing at Boulevard Brewing Co. The goal of the race is to create a new, approachable athletic event for women to engage in an empowering and supportive environment.
“Whether you’re an experienced runner or simply want to join in on the celebration, the BLVD Revel Run will offer something for all women,” says Jessica Blubaugh, Director of WIN for KC. “Having a community partner like Boulevard Brewing Company makes a huge impact in how we fulfill our mission, and we cannot wait to enjoy the revelry this October.”
The 6K race will begin at the brewery at 8 a.m. with a course running throughout the midtown area. Immediately following the race, participants will have the opportunity to celebrate post-race back at the brewery with a Finisher Fest featuring tasty beverages, good eats, and experiences provided by local women-owned businesses.
Registration for the race is now open and women of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels are welcome to participate.
Register Online Here!
Tuesday, January 25th, 2022
With financials now wrapped up for 2021, we are happy to announce a gift of $8,600 will go to G.I.F.T, our community partner in the month of December. Money was raised through a portion of proceeds from our $5 cover charge to enjoy the Rec Deck the Halls pop-up holiday experience as well as $2 from every 4-pack of our Brewhouse One Series Holiday Ale that was sold in our Gift Shop. In addition, we appreciated the talented local makers associated with the G.I.F.T. program who joined us for our annual holiday shopping event on December 19th.
G.I.F.T. is a Kansas City organization providing grants to Black-owned businesses in our city, with a specific interest in businesses operating in low-income areas. They aim to assist in creating generational wealth while reducing instances of poverty-related crime and violence in our communities.
Learn more about G.I.F.T. KC
November 18th, 2021
In honor of the Negro Leagues Centennial Celebration in 2020, Boulevard Brewing Company teamed up with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum this past April to launch a beer together. Tip Your Cap, which was available from May through August, celebrated the Negro League's 100th anniversary and brought more recognition to the museum's mission of preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its role in the social advancement of our nation.
This week, Boulevard will present the Negro Leagues Museum with a check for $10,000. Thanks to the customers who supported the project and bought the beer in cans and on draft. We are grateful for the partnership and look forward to finding other ways to continue to work with the museum in the future.
Learn more about the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
November 9th, 2021
In 2020, Boulevard launched KC Pils Partners to shine a light on our favorite parts of Kansas City, raising awareness and giving back to the community. We are pleased to announce this entry in the series shines a light on Veterans Community Project and their ongoing mission to prevent veteran homelessness and to provide support for everyone who took the oath to serve our country. The packaging for KC Pils features images created specifically to highlight the Veterans Community Project and bring attention to the organization.
As a part of this new partnership, Boulevard will make a donation for every package of KC Pils bottles, cans and pints on draft sold beginning in November and continuing into early spring.
Learn more about KC Pils Partners
November 4th, 2021
Today we partnered with the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department to plant 27 trees at Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park. This is a part of Boulevard’s sustainability commitment and Space Camper’s mission, “Save the Earth! It’s the only planet with beer!” About a dozen brewery employees spent their afternoon digging holes and placing the trees in their new home. We look forward to visiting the park and seeing the trees grow for years to come.
November 1st, 2021
To celebrate Kansas City’s National Women’s Soccer League team, The Kansas City Current, Boulevard Brewing Co. is pleased to announce it has brewed Teal Rising, a 4% ABV Proud Pilsner. The beer was part of the team unveiling its new name and crest, and its plans to build the first women’s soccer stadium in the country in Downtown Kansas City.
KC Current is committed to investing 10 percent of sponsorship revenues in community programs to support education, equality, and endeavors to keep kids playing supports. In alignment with this mission, Boulevard will donate 10 percent of all Teal Rising proceeds to The Women's Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC), whose mission is to empower the lives of girls and women through advocating and promoting the lifetime value of sports and fitness, while providing opportunities for participation and leadership development.
Learn about Teal RisingMeet the Kansas City Current
October 26th, 2021
Today the leadership team of our Tours & Rec department, which runs our Tours & Recreation Center and guest experiences, sat down with MOCSA, the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault organization in Kansas City. The goal was to ensure we provide our guests with the support they might need should they find themselves in a situation they need assistance with while visiting Boulevard Brewing Co. MOCSA guided our team on how to best stay alert with guest interactions and how to be an active bystander should a customer need help.
MOCSA is an organization we’ve supported and leaned on for training at various times since we’ve opened our doors to guests seven days a week, and we are grateful for their sessions with our employees.
Additional training opportunities for all employees who interact with guests at the visitor center and hospitality events will be available as schedules permit in the coming months.
September 27, 2021
Right in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month, Boulevard Brewing Company joined the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Kansas City this week. It is an organization that the brewery has supported in the past; however, we felt it was time to become an official member.
What most intrigued us about the joining is the number of resources and events they have for their members, including consistently providing educational sessions. It is also an excellent outlet for us to post job openings to reach members of the Hispanic community in Kansas City differently. The Chamber represents businesses of all sizes across eight counties in both Kansas and Missouri.
A little-known fact (at least to us) that was intriguing is that the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City is the birthplace of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC. How cool is that?
We look forward to this membership, how we can support their initiatives, and utilizing the educational opportunities for our employees as well.
Learn more about HCCGKC
JULY 6, 2021
Last week Boulevard wrapped up Pride month festivities at the Tours & Rec Building. Click below to read an email sent out to employees from colleague Jon Larance, who was a great leader in our efforts and events throughout the month, noting some of the important accomplishments and highlights from the month. Thank you, Jon, for the dedication you gave to ensure Boulevard celebrated the month in a variety of ways!
Read the letter
JUNE 8, 2021
Duvel USA, Boulevard Brewing Company, and Brewery Ommegang today announced Seraf De Smedt will take over as president of the U.S. organization effective immediately. De Smedt has served as the chief finance and administration officer for Duvel Moortgat since December 2013. With the transition to his new role, he will work closely with the U.S.-based leadership team while continuing to oversee the global finance team for Duvel Moortgat. John McDonald, founder of Boulevard Brewing Company, who stepped in as interim president for Duvel USA late January, will return to retirement with this transition.
De Smedt will split his time between Belgium and the United States. The U.S. leadership team will oversee daily operations for the U.S. breweries and national sales team. Leading those duties are company veterans Bobby Dykstra, executive vice president of sales and marketing; Rick DeBar, general manager of Brewery Ommegang; Steven Pauwels, brewmaster of Boulevard; Dali Grabar, director of engineering for Boulevard; Julie Weeks, vice president of communications and culture; and newcomer Stephanie Walker, director of human resources.
READ MORE
JUNE 1, 2021
For the first time at Boulevard, many of our employees created an entire program surrounding Pride Month. From merchandise to unique crowler labels and events, we are taking the opportunity to support a few local charities. It is another opportunity for us to engage with the community at large.
After the month, we look forward to providing checks to Kansas City Center for Inclusion (KCCI) and SAVE, Inc. after the month concludes based on our revenue generated throughout June. Both organizations are creating a more cohesive LGBTQIA+ community in the community.
VIEW PRIDE MONTH EVENTS
MAY 11, 2021
As of yesterday, all employees at Boulevard Brewing Company, Brewery Ommegang, and Duvel USA have now had the opportunity to participate in the mandatory harassment prevention training. The company hosted seven different sessions, ensuring employees based geographic areas that require specific training guidelines to meet state requirements. The interactive training allowed employees to participate in asking questions as well as providing opinions on real-life examples. FineLine HR Consulting, the third-party firm engaged in the HR investigation, executed all training sessions with the support of company leadership.
Moving forward, harassment prevention training will be part of the onboarding process for all new employees, and additional training will occur on an annual basis for all company employees.
We appreciate all of the time, personalization, and energy FineLine HR Consulting put behind this effort. They've been a valued partner throughout the past several months.
APRIL 23, 2021
This past Wednesday, Stephanie Walker joined the leadership team as the company’s new HR Director. She will spend her first few weeks getting to know employees in Kansas City, where she will office, and at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY. She will also meet the sales team who reside across the country virtually.
Stephanie brings more than 20 years of experience in the Human Resources field to Duvel USA. For the past three years, Stephanie led HR efforts at the University of Saint Mary. She served as the senior human resources leader to the organization, implementing HR programs influencing the university’s overall mission, vision, and strategic goals. Her many responsibilities included training plans; implementation of programs consistent with diversity and inclusion initiatives; health, wellness, and leave plan administrations; and overseeing the organization’s compensation plan. Before that role, she spent nine years as a Human Resources Manager for FUJIFILM. In addition, Stephanie spent the first eight years of her career as an Area Manager of Human Resources for Apria Healthcare, Inc., leading the department for the Central Division, which included 3000 employees and 180 offices, call centers, pharmacies, and distribution centers.
Stephanie has already brought great energy and expertise to the brewery in her first few days. We welcome her to our team.
MARCH 29, 2021
Today FineLine HR Consulting began the rollout of harassment prevention training for company employees. A variety of managers across the company attended the two-hour session. A wide range of topics were covered including types of discrimination and harassment, examples of prohibited behaviors, and real-life scenarios in the workplace. In the coming weeks, FineLine HR will hold additional trainings to ensure all employees have the same educational experience.
Also, the company's top candidate for the Director of Human Resources role accepted the position today. She starts in mid-April and brings more than 20 years of expertise in the human resources field and is ready to get started. We look forward to introducing her on this page once she has settled in.
MARCH 10, 2021
Earlier today FineLine HR Consulting shared their non-confidential insights with company employees. Brewery leaders also shared their immediate next steps as the company commits to ensuring a safe, healthy, and fulfilling work environment for all.
As an immediate next step, the company has parted ways with three additional employees. An outside HR consultant is currently working with Boulevard leadership to hire a new HR Director for the brewery. Additionally, trainings and new standards will be implemented in the near future to establish clear definitions of proper conduct and re-establish company culture.
VIEW FULL STATEMENT
MARCH 5, 2021
This week, FineLine HR Consulting held additional, final interviews and communicated their insights to brewery leadership based on their findings as a result of the investigation that has taken place over the past few weeks. Broad, non-confidential learnings and immediate next steps the brewery will take to begin employee education, training, and an improved company work environment will be shared with all employees next week. We will also communicate key information here.
FEBRUARY 15, 2021
The brewery is in its third week of a month-long independent external investigation with FineLine HR Consulting. This week they are wrapping up confidential interviews with dozens of current and past employees. After these are complete, a detailed assessment and recommended next steps will be provided to our management team. John McDonald, founder and president of the company, has informed employees they will have insight into those results in the coming weeks.
LEARN ABOUT FINELINE
FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Boulevard Brewing Company founder John McDonald has returned to the brewery in a leadership role to help implement and oversee the actions outlined in our prior statement, and ensure the return to a brewery culture where all employees feel happy, safe, healthy and heard.
WATCH VIDEO MESSAGE
JANUARY 26, 2021
Boulevard has issued a statement reflecting on the past, acknowledging mistakes, and noting immediate steps that will be taken on our journey forward. Those initial actions include hiring an independent third party human resources firm to undertake an independent investigation of all issues that have been raised, instituting new procedures for reporting workplace concerns, and instituting enhanced and mandatory harassment, bias and discrimination training.
VIEW FULL STATEMENT
