HWS News
15 January 2025 • Faculty • Research Talmage Explores Breweries and Community Development
Associate Professor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship Craig Talmage discusses his research regarding the impact breweries can have on community development in The Academic.
Craft breweries are more than just places to enjoy a drink; they’re vibrant community hubs that promote social connections, celebrate local culture, and contribute to economic growth, says Associate Professor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship Craig Talmage in a recent article on his research published in The Academic.
Titled “Local breweries fuel community connection and vitality,” the article explores the profound impact breweries have on fostering social and economic vitality. The piece is based on research conducted by Talmage in collaboration with Caitlin Bletscher of Washington State University, Joshua Newton of University of California San Diego and Matthew Mars of the University of Arizona and published in the Community Development in September, where Talmage has served as an editor.
“Breweries are not just businesses; they are catalysts for community transformation,” Talmage says.
Talmage’s research reveals that breweries have become a place where people gather outside of home and work, fostering connections among diverse groups. Many breweries are situated in historical or repurposed spaces, helping preserve local history while revitalizing neighborhoods. Additionally, they often source ingredients locally, collaborating with nearby businesses, and attract tourists, all of which contribute to strengthening local economies.
Beyond economic benefits, Talmage explored the social capital breweries provide through activities like hosting fundraisers, art shows, and environmental cleanups. “Breweries can breathe new life into the communities they serve, making them integral to neighborhoods identity and daily life,” he says.
At HWS, Talmage teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on economics principles, quantitative tools, social innovation, the history of entrepreneurship theory, and the senior capstone experience. Talmage’s research, which focuses on teaching social entrepreneurship and assessing community health and well-being has been published in other journals such as Adult Education Quarterly, Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy, Social Enterprise Journal, Sustainable Development, and the International Journal of Community Well-Being.
Talmage holds a Ph.D. from Arizona State University, an M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Minnesota State University and a B.S. in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona.
Top: Associate Professor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship Craig Talmage leads a discussion in the Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship.
