From an Brewers Association news release:
As the craft brewing industry grows, the Brewers Association (BA) continues to build resources to assist its members. The BA recently added a new hire, economist Bart Watson, Ph.D., to help study the industry and develop new statistical tools for state guilds and members.
Watson, a graduate of Stanford and University of California, Berkeley, has an educational background in political economy and a Ph.D. in political science. He comes to the BA from a position at the University of Iowa as a visiting assistant professor.
Key Objectives of the New Economist Position
• Conduct a national impact study of craft beer including state by state details
• Act as a statistical spokesperson for the craft brewing industry
• Execute the collection, crunching, analysis, and compiling of the annual statistical issue of The New Brewer magazine
The craft brewing industry truly piqued Watson’s interest on a tour of Anchor Brewing. During his travels as an ultimate frisbee player he has had the opportunity to enjoy brews from across the country and around the world.