Selected by the Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP) President, the President’s Award is given to a person(s) or organization “in recognition of and appreciation for outstanding achievement and extraordinary contributions to the Pennsylvania Craft Beer Industry.”
The 2019 recipient was Dave Casinelli, the Chief Operating Officer of D.G. Yuengling. The award was presented to Casinelli by BOP President Chris Lampe at the 2019 Meeting of the Malts in Hershey, PA on April 25.
Read Full Coverage of Meeting of the Malts 2019
Dick Yuengling hired Casinelli in 1990 as the first Director of Sales and Marketing. According to Yuengling’s website, together, Dick and David revamped the marketing, redesigned the labels, switched to more aggressive and committed distributors, and focused on a “back-to-basics” sales approach.
Dave Casinelli (right) accepting the President’s Award from Chris Lampe (left)
Casinelli went on to become Chief Operating Officer and has been a valuable BOP board member. He currently holds the role of Treasurer for the BOP.
“We are proud that our COO, Dave Casinelli, was recognized with the Brewers of PA President’s Award. He’s been a long-standing BOP board member and vocal ambassador for both Yuengling and the Pennsylvania breweries,” Wendy Yuengling proudly stated.
Yuengling has been celebrating all year long, with its 190th anniversary. After the panel at the Meeting of the Malts, Wendy Yuengling talked about how D.G. Yuengling has thrived for so long.
“We’ve been very disciplined in our approach to the business,” she said. “We’ve stayed focused on our core brands. We feel like if we continue to do that and continue to innovate where it’s relevant to our consumers, like with our Golden Pilsner, we will have longevity into future generations, and that’s what’s most important to us.”
Yuengling Golden Pilsner is the newest beer from D.G. Yuengling. This highly sessionable beer is their interpretation of an outstanding, modern pilsner, born from six generations of brewing expertise.
Wendy Yuengling (left) and Steph Heffner (right)
Yuengling has also experimented in other areas, including their Bourbon Barrel Reserve releases.
“What’s important and powerful is that we are a family business,” Wendy, who is one of four sisters who make up the Yuengling family’s sixth generation, said. “We are still 5th and 6th generation, and as it transitions from my dad… it’s the first time our company will be led by four women. To me, that’s the exciting story. If we can help pave the way for other women in the industry, that’s exciting.”
The daughters work for the brewery while their father, Dick Yuengling, maintains his role as President and CEO.
Hear Our Interview with Jennifer Yuengling in Podcast Episode 149
To further celebrate the anniversary, Yuengling brought on Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola as a brand ambassador.
“We’re really excited about that,” said Wendy. “We have a connection with Aaron… We have shared values. He’s a family guy and we’re a family company. He just seemed like the perfect spokesperson for our company. We’re excited about doing more in Philadelphia because that’s an important market for us.”
Additionally, Yuengling will host a free concert in downtown Pottsville on July 13, 2019 with Better Than Ezra. There will be food, live music, fireworks and great beer from 1 to 10 PM. Proceeds of the event will benefit Pottsville’s economic revitalization
“It’s exciting for us because it’s not just about bringing people to experience America’s Oldest Brewery, it’s bringing people to our town, our community which has supported us for so long,” Wendy said of the event.
While Yuengling is proud to celebrate 190 years, Wendy says the brewery is equally focused on the future.
“Our business has survived through some very challenging times whether it be world wars, prohibition, civil war, and I think that as long as we stay focused on we do well, making quality beers, we can survive. As long as we continue to stay relevant with consumers, which is important to us, then we can ride the wave.”
“We will continue to do what we do well, make quality products, and listen to our consumers.”
Celebrating its 190th anniversary, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery®, is family-owned and operated since 1829. Yuengling is available in 22 states. Production is supported by three breweries, two in Pottsville, PA, and a third in Tampa, FL, which has been operating since 1999.
For more information about Yuengling, find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit www.Yuengling.com.
