CCA welcomes Great Western Brewing Company

The Canadian Curling Association (CCA) today announced that Saskatchewan-based Great Western Brewing Company has signed an agreement to be the official brewer for four 2011-2012 Season of Champions events in Western Canada. “It is with great pleasure that the Canadian Curling Association announces that we have come to an agreement with Great Western Brewing Company to be our newest national supplier, and we are excited to have the opportunity to work closely with one of the most respected regional breweries in Canada,” explained Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association. “Great Western Brewing Company is one of the 50 Best Managed Companies in Canada and has an exceptional pedigree of awards within the beer industry, both nationally and internationally. This partnership makes a lot of sense for both organizations, especially as we host the largest curling event in the world, the Tim Hortons Brier, in Great Western Brewing’s backyard – Saskatoon.” Great Western Brewing will also receive naming rights to the Patch, the entertainment centre at the World Financial Group Continental Cup, Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Tim Hortons Brier and Ford World Women’s Curling Championship. At the Continental Cup in Langley, BC (January 12-15), the Brier in Saskatoon (March 3-11) and the World Women’s in Lethbridge (March 17-25), it will be called the Original 16 Patch. At the Scotties in Red Deer (February 18-26), it will continue to be known as the Heartstop Lounge, presented by Original 16. Original 16 Canadian Pale Ale is the brewery’s signature beer named in honour of the original 16 founders of the company. The Original 16 Patch will feature Original 16 Canadian Pale Ale, along with other popular brews such as Great Western Lager and Great Western Light. “Being the official beer of the Season of Champions is a huge coup for us,” states Michael Micovcin, CEO, Great Western Brewing Company. “Curling is a strong sport in Western Canada, and the Brier in Saskatchewan in 2012 will see Saskatoon host tens of thousands of Canadians from across the country. It’s a great partnership for Great Western Brewing and we’re proud to be the exclusive beer partner.” The Brewery was built in Saskatoon in 1927 and initially operated under the name of Hub City Brewing Company, before becoming the Western Canada Brewing Company in 1930, then Drewery’s Limited in 1932. The Brewery was acquired in 1956 and operated as O’Keefe Brewing until 1989, when Carling O’Keefe amalgamated with Molson. The plant was subsequently intended for closure, but instead the employees pooled their resources and formed Great Western Brewing Company. It has since grown to become one of Canada’s most successful regional brewers and an internationally recognized producer of world-class beer. About the CCA: The Canadian Curling Association (CCA) is the national sport governing body responsible for the development, promotion and organization of curling in Canada. In cooperation with its Provincial and Territorial Member Associations from across Canada, the CCA provides programs and services to curlers ranging from the youngest ‘little rocker’ (age 7 and up), to those participating at ages 70 and over – and from aspiring Olympians to Canadians with special needs, coaches, curling facility operators, ice makers and officials. The CCA also oversees and provides the comprehensive management of the Season of Champions event portfolio; develops and administers the Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS) for Olympic qualification and organizes and operates the championship system for juniors (20 and under), Seniors 50 and over), Mixed, Women, Men, University and Wheelchair. About Great Western Brewing Company: Great Western Brewing Company brews premium beer with the finest prairie barley for a taste that is uniquely Western and truly great. Great Western produces three brand families of beer: Original 16, Great Western Brands and Brewhouse Brands. Employee founded and proudly independent, the Great Western Brewing Company has become recognized as one of Canada’s most successful regional brewers, producing a range of international award-winning beers. Brand sites: www.greatwesternbeer.com www.original16.com www.brewhousebeer.com