Ozark Zymurgists February 2026 Chapter Meeting Minutes

Recorded by: Darin Dickson, Secretary

Recorded on: Tuesday 2/3/26 @ New Province Brewing

Membership Attendance: 5 of 8 Present (Quorum)

Darin Dickson, Randy Germann, Justin Hart, William Lalum, Steve Offutt, Rusty Cramer, Ken Gill, Dave Kapple, Mike Lewis, Kevin Richter, Andy Langston

Guest Attendance:

None

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mike Lewis

• Beer introductions commenced after the toast from Mike Lewis.  10 beers were introduced from 7 brewers/teams.
• Motion was made by Mike Lewis and seconded by David Johnson to approve the minutes from the January 2026 Chapter Meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.
• Justin Hart presented a financial report stating the club had available funds in the amount of $3,637.80.  At the time of the report he had 8 paid members for the club year.  Dues are due so pay yours now.  Randy Germann requested that the club officers look into possible investment of some of our available funds.  Please double-check that Ozark Zymurgists is listed as your primary club for the AHA.
• Old Business
  • Ratification of Officers
    • A motion was made by Mike Lewis and seconded by David Johnson that the membership ratify the slate of officers elected in the January meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.
    • Officers for 2026 Club Year are as follows:
      • President: Mike Lewis
      • Vice President: Rusty Cramer
      • Treasurer: Andy Langston
      • Secretary: Darin Dickson
      • Social Chair: Steve Offutt
  • Bylaw Change 1 which would change language to allow proration of membership fees for new members was considered by the membership.  Darin Dickson made a motion to approve the change as posted in the December 2025 minutes.  Justin Hart seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.  New bylaws posted below and will be updated on the site this month.
  • Bylaw Change 2 which would stagger officer elections over two years was considered by the membership.  Mike Lewis made a motion to approve the change as posted in the December 2025 minutes.  Justin Hart seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.  New bylaws posted below and will be updated on the site this month.
  • Oz Monthly Social will be at Natural State Beer Company on Feb 28th from 12pm – 3pm (also Chili Cookoff!)
  • Iron Brewer Q4 has not been judged yet – no results.  Next quarter is Vienna Lager to be turned in April 16th at FLOPS meeting.  Bring ideas for 2027 styles to the next meeting.  
  • King for a Day: John gave details to the membership.  Pickup is Sat Feb 14th from 8am – Noon.  Up to 10 gallons per brewer, cold unhopped wort.  He needs an entry form filled out from each brewer that takes wort and a commitment to show for the event/judging on March 21st.  Portion of the proceeds comes back to the club!
• New Business (7:40pm)
  • Membership discussed the calendar of sanctioned events.  Darin Dickson made a motion to accept the calendar with the addition of King for a Day on March 21st.  Jason Kanak seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.
    • February 7, 2026 – Frost Fest (Fayetteville)
    • March 21, 2026 – King for a Day (Rogers)
    • ?? – Women’s Shelter Fundraiser (Rogers)
    • May – Art of Homebrew Showcase (Siloam Springs)
    • July – HAM Hop Off (Little Rock)
    • October – Little Rocktoberfest (Little Rock)
    • October – Arkansas State Fair (Little Rock)
    • October – NWA Oktoberfest (Rogers)
    • November – Germannfest
    • December – Holiday Party
  • Darin Dickson presented the top three point earners for Brewer of the Year for 2025 and delivered an engraved mash paddle to the winner.
    • First Place (BotY): Steve Offutt (61 pts)
    • Second Place: Doc Farmer (55 pts)
    • Third Place: Randy Germann (35 pts)
• Education Session
  • Steve Offutt gave a presentation about Packaging Beer for Competition
• Brewer of the Month
  • Detailed in BOTY Tracker on ozarkzymurgists.com
• Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm by Mike Lewis (President)

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APPROVED: Refresh the Brewer of the Year Scoring System Starting Calendar Year 2026

Brewer of the Year

1. Brewer of the Year is an honor bestowed by the club to the eligible member(s) with the highest point total accumulated between February of the fiscal year and January of the following fiscal year.  

Brewer of the Month Voting

1. Each eligible member as defined by Article 3.4.1 of the Bylaws is allowed to cast one vote for Brewer of the Month, limited to the beer/brewer combinations presented on the night of the regularly scheduled monthly business meeting that have not won points in the prior three meetings. 
2. The beer/brewer combination with the most votes by eligible members will be awarded the status of “Brewer of the Month” and three points toward Brewer of the Year.
3. The beer/brewer combination with the second most votes by eligible members will be awarded two points toward Brewer of the Year, regardless of prior points awarded.
4. The beer/brewer combination with the third most votes by eligible members will be awarded one point toward Brewer of the Year, regardless of prior points awarded.
5. Ties are permitted and all members of the tie will be awarded points as described above.

Club Sanctioned Events

1. The membership will vote on a calendar of homebrewing serving events eligible for BotY points during the January meeting each year (Sanctioned Serving Events).
2. Additions may be made to the Sanctioned Serving Event Calendar with a vote of the membership at a regularly scheduled club meeting before the event date.  
3. The membership may also sanction competition only events for BotY competition points if they are not AHA sanctioned (Sanctioned Competition Events).  These votes must take place at a regularly scheduled club meeting before the turn-in date of the event.

Other Points

1. New Member Point: 1 point for the first time a new member (defined as a current member who was not a paid member the previous year) brings at least one homebrew to a regularly scheduled business meeting.
2. Event Donation Points: 2 points for each unique finished beer served at a Sanctioned Serving Event measuring at least the event minimum or at least 3 gallons if an event minimum is not required.  Packaged homebrew will count as long as the total unique beverage volume measures at least 3 gallons.  
3. Event Placement Points: 1 point for each unique honor awarded at a Sanctioned Serving Event.
4. Event Participation Point: 1 point for each Sanctioned Serving Event where the eligible member did not donate a beverage, but volunteers at least 4 hours or the length of the event, whichever is shorter. 
5. Competition Participation Point: 1 point for each beverage entered in any AHA sanctioned competition or Sanctioned Competition Event.
6. Competition Placement Points:  1 point for each top 3 placement and/or Best of Show won in any AHA sanctioned competition or Sanctioned Competition Event.
7. Point exceptions can be granted by approval of the club Officers.

Determining Ties

1. Tie scores for Brewer of the Year are allowed and all members of the tie will be co-awarded the honor for that year.  

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APPROVED: Ozark Zymurgists Bylaws

Article One – Name of Organization

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The name of this organization shall be Ozark Zymurgists. It shall be hereinafter referred to as OZ in all instances both public and private.

​Article Two – Purpose and Goals

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The mission of OZ is established as a not-for-profit entity adhering to applicable state and federal laws. Its mission is to educate and enhance awareness of the science and craft of home brewing of beers, ciders, wines, other fermented beverages, and fermented food in the Ozark region.

The objectives of OZ are as follows:

• To offer educational knowledge on brewing and fermenting techniques that blend professional expertise, scientific principles, and practical experience, aiming to enhance understanding and skills in these traditional practices.

• To advance the practice of home fermentation as a recreational activity, encouraging community engagement and the sharing of knowledge within this craft.

• To establish and nurture scholarship funds aimed at providing educational opportunities in the field of fermentation, thereby fostering academic growth and innovation within this specialized area of study

• To engage in and support social initiatives that resonate with OZ’s mission, within the confines of legal boundaries, through the collection of memberships, fees, donations, and bequests, as well as the lawful management of property, in accordance with Arkansas corporate law.

• To contribute positively to the local community by organizing events, hosting competitions, and making donations, thereby fostering a sense of unity and support within the community.

• To promote the responsible consumption of alcohol, aiming to foster a culture of moderation and safety.

Article Three – Membership

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Standard Membership is open to all interested persons over 21 years of age, without discrimination. Membership is required to participate in any OZ activities. The Board of Officers will determine the dollar amount of dues which may be a requisite of membership. Dues are payable when a person joins OZ, and after that, yearly, at the membership meeting in February. The fiscal year for OZ begins January 1st and ends December 31st of the same year. Dues will be considered to have been paid when the Treasurer, a Board member, or a duly appointed representative of the Board has received them.

Dues for a Standard Membership will be prorated by 50% if the Member joins in Q3 of the club Fiscal Year.  A Member joining in Q4 of the club Fiscal Year will pay the full amount but be considered a paid Member until December 31st of the following year.  

Voting members of OZ shall have the right to vote upon issues pertaining to the organization. See Article Seven.

No member shall receive compensation for services rendered to the club except as otherwise approved by the Board of Officers of the club. A club member may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred on behalf of the association, if approved by the Board of Officers.

The memberships available within OZ are as follows:

• Memberships with voting rights and ability to hold office:

• Standard Membership – any eligible person(s) as stated above.

• Honorary Membership – appointed to a person(s) by the Board of Officers for the time of one (1) year. This membership is awarded to a person(s) who has been nominated by an existing OZ member for specific reasons or services in relation to OZ. There is no limit of honorary memberships that can be awarded and is at the discretion of the Board of Officers.

• Lifetime Achievement Membership – awarded to an individual who has been nominated to the board by an existing OZ voting member, and voted in by past OZ presidents. Nominees will be chosen based on merit and contributions to OZ.

• Memberships without voting rights or ability to hold office:

• Sponsor Membership – appointed by the board to any person(s) that has contributed value to the club. This membership is valid for one (1) year and is renewable at the Board of Officer’s discretion. There is no limit to the number of sponsor memberships that can be awarded, and is also at the discretion of the Board of Officers.

Article Four – Meetings

The regular meeting of OZ shall be held on the first Tuesday of each month, or on another day if approved by the Board of Officers depending on the schedule of the venue OZ will be using that month or the activity scheduled by OZ.

The agenda for the monthly meeting immediately preceding that for the installment of new officers will include a year-end review. While at the discretion of the Board of Officers, the review should include an update on the club goals, membership, and treasury report.

The presence of a majority (more than half) of the voting membership shall constitute a quorum and shall be necessary to conduct the business of OZ; however, a lesser number may adjourn the meeting.

Special meetings of OZ may be called by the President when it is deemed necessary for the best interest of OZ. Notice of such meetings shall be sent to all members at least five (5) days before the scheduled date set for such special meeting. Such notice shall state the reasons that such meeting has been called, the business to be transacted at such meeting and by whom called.

At the request of two (2) members of the Board of Officers or ten (10) members of the organization, the President shall cause a special meeting to be called but such request must be made in writing at least ten (10) days before the requested scheduled date.

No business but that specified in the notice may be transacted at special meetings without the unanimous consent of all the members present at the meeting.

All notices may be sent by mail, email, in the club newsletter, on the club website or other media that will reach the membership as determined by the Board of Officers.

The business part of the meeting shall be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order. This should include a discussion of old business, new business, reports of committees, and reports of officers. All discussions held and decisions made during the meeting shall be recorded by one of the officers present or a member delegated to do so by an officer.

No set of Bylaws can cover all circumstances. In the event of an issue arising, which is not covered in these Bylaws, the issue will be decided upon on the basis of fairness, the good of Ozark Zymurgists, and common sense.

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Article Five – Officers

OZ shall be governed by a Board of Officers consisting of the following elected positions:

• President

• Vice President

• Social Chair

• Secretary

• Treasurer

A Past President, if one is available, shall serve as an advisor to the Board of Officers. The position of the Past President will be filled by the person who has most recently served as President of OZ. If the most recent person is unable to fulfill the role, it will pass along to the most recent past President prior. If no prior President is available, the role will remain unfilled for the current term. This will not prohibit the Board of Officers from seeking advice from another source.

The Board of Officers is responsible for the overall policy and direction of the organization. The board receives no compensation other than reasonable expenses. The Board of Officers shall be exempt from the payment of dues during their tenure. The Board of Officers shall meet at least monthly, at an agreed upon time and place. Meetings will be held in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

Officers will be elected by a majority of club members present during the January meeting. If a quorum does not exist in the January meeting, the presiding officers will continue in their current roles until the next monthly club meeting where a quorum of voting members is present.

Officers will serve two-year terms beginning February 1 following the election and ending January 31 two years later. To ensure leadership continuity, the President and Secretary will serve terms that begin in odd-numbered years, while the Vice President, Treasurer, and Social Chair will serve terms that begin in even-numbered years.

Officers will operate the club from February 1st to the following January 31st.

The responsibilities of the officers shall be:

• The President is the face and voice of the club to both the membership and the community. The President shall preside over all meetings but is free to delegate this responsibility to others, depending on the situation. While he/she may gain feedback and advice from others, the President has the final say on policy matters. The President will ensure that all books, reports and certificates as required by law are properly kept or filed and have such powers as may be reasonably construed as belonging to the Chief Executive of any organization. Along with the Treasurer, the President shall be on the signature list of the club bank account.

• The role of the Vice President is to be the second in charge behind the President. Whenever the President cannot fulfill his/her role, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the President. The main role of the Vice President shall be to promote the club’s goals and vision to the membership. The Vice President shall oversee education regarding home brewing to the membership. This includes coordinating with others,both internal and external to the club, to present educational opportunities to the membership. In a nutshell, the Vice President is the lead driver of the club’s goals.

• The Social Chair is mainly an externally facing role. This person shall be responsible for interacting with other social organizations and projects to promote the club goals. The Social Chair is responsible for organizing and coordinating home brew events and other social events as deemed necessary by the club goals. While the Social Chair may work with a group of members on such projects, it is the responsibility of the Social Chair to lead and coordinate the effort.

• The role of the Secretary is to be the club scribe. In addition to taking minutes of meetings, the Secretary shall be responsible for publishing the meeting minutes as well as any other topic related to club business, this includes sending notifications to members as directed by the Board of Officers. The Secretary shall also be the official custodian of the records of OZ and shall be responsible for maintaining the membership list. The Secretary is responsible for setting up club meetings with whatever items will be necessary to conduct business. The Secretary shall be responsible for the creation and distribution of a monthly or quarterly club newsletter.

• The office of Treasurer has a fiduciary responsibility to the club and shall act as a trustee of the club’s assets. The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of all monies belonging to OZ and be solely responsible for such monies or securities of the organization. The Treasurer shall be listed on the signature list of OZ bank account along with the President. All expenditures of OZ shall be paid using a check or an official method of payment that is traceable by the bank. The Treasurer shall render to the Board of Officers a written account of the finances of the organization at each monthly Board of Officers meeting. A high-level expenditure report will be given at each monthly membership meeting. Such an account shall also be available to any club member upon request. The Treasurer shall exercise all duties incident to the office of Treasures as deemed necessary by the Board of Officers.

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Article Six – Nomination of Officers

Nominations for officers will be made at the beginning of the meeting to elect officers. The nominating process will be presided over by the chairman of the meeting and will follow Robert’s Rules of Order.

Any voting member may nominate a candidate for a particular office, including the nominee. A nomination does not require a second; however, only eligible candidates may be nominated.

To be eligible for office, a candidate must be a voting member whose dues are up to date. A candidate must understand and be able to accept the duties and level of commitment required for the office.

If an eligible member has been nominated for multiple offices, he/she will be free to choose which of the nominations they will accept.

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Article Seven – Voting

Election of Officers:

Officers shall be elected once per year during the January monthly meeting.

Ballots will be provided for the election of officers. Voting members will write the name of their choice for a given office and then fold the ballot in half to keep their choice concealed from view.

The chairperson of such a meeting shall immediately prior to the commencement of balloting appoint at least one person, the “Inspector of Elections”, to collect and count the votes. The results will be relayed back to the chairperson, who will announce the results to the membership.

No “Inspector of Election” shall be a candidate for office.

Voting at Meetings:

The Board of Officers shall propose to the members the issues and topics to be voted on by the membership. Any member may petition to any officer for issues to be brought to a vote.

Officers must vote on expenditures of $100 or more. Expenditures of $500 or more require membership approval. This excludes board approved expenses for large events.

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Article Eight – Removal and Resignation

Any officer or member of the club may be removed by one of the following methods:

A unanimous vote of the other officers.

A vote of a majority of the members in attendance at a regular monthly meeting. A request for vote must be recommended by a club officer or by ten (10) members of OZ. A petition with the member signatures shall be presented to the Board of Officers at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Officers with the explanation of the reason for the request of removal. Notification to the membership that an election will be conducted on the removal of an officer must be sent to the membership to less than five days prior to the monthly meeting.

On the resignation of an officer, other than the President, the remaining officers shall select a person to take the responsibility of the officer who has resigned. This person shall serve out the remainder of the resigned officer’s term.

In the event the President is unable to complete their term of office, the Vice President shall assume responsibilities of the office of President for the remainder of the term. In so doing, the Vice President will resign from his current office, leaving to the Board of Officers to choose a replacement.

Article Nine – Committees

Committees may be formed as deemed necessary by the Board of Officers or as recommended by the members at a regularly scheduled meeting.

Article 10 – Amendments

Any voting member may petition for a change in the bylaws. When changes are suggested, the petition must be presented in writing and introduced at a regular meeting of the organization. The proposed changes shall be published on the club website and will be voted on at the next regular club meeting provided a 30-day waiting period has been met. A vote of the majority of a quorum of the club’s current members who are present at the meeting must approve a bylaw change.

Article 11 – Liability

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Members and supporting organizations of OZ shall not be liable for the debts or obligations of OZ.

Article 12 – Dissolution

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OZ may be dissolved only with authorization by its Board of Officers given at a special meeting called for that purpose and with subsequent approval by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Voting Members. Upon dissolution or other termination of OZ, all remaining assets of OZ, after payment in full of all its debts, obligations, and necessary final expenses, or after the making of adequate provision therefore, shall be distributed to such tax-exempt organizations (with purposes similar to those of OZ) as shall be chosen by the then existing Board of Officers of OZ.