Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Each Friday during the Fall and Spring academic semesters, a faculty volunteer gives a 30 minute lunchtime talk on her/his scholarship and/or teaching practices. Faculty members are invited to learn a little more about their colleagues, chat with others that attend the presentations, and enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch. Talks start at 12:30 p.m. and are usually over a little past 1 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Office of Academic and Faculty Affairs.

Spring 2025 Schedule

Jan 24   Craig Talmage (Business Management & Entrepreneurship)

Neolocalism and Craft Breweries: Navigating the Authenticity Dilemma

Craft breweries are more than just places to grab a drink—they’re community hubs where neolocalism shines, celebrating local identity for visitors and residents alike, creating third places that build social capital and democracy, and fueling economic growth through collaboration rather than cut-throat competition. But with rising property values and gentrification, how do they stay true to local roots without excluding longtime residents? From the Finger Lakes and beyond, across rural, suburban, and urban landscapes, we’ll explore real-world stories of how these enterprises balance authenticity, sustainability, and inclusivity, especially looking at tethers between marketing and reality. Whether you’re a fan of craft beer, a champion of local culture, a skeptic about development in general, or curious about local community economic development, this session will serve up fresh insights into how these "hoppy" spaces can bolster resilient, welcoming, and forward-thinking neighborhoods.