Dogfish Head founders to keynote state chamber dinner Jan. 6

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce will hold its 183rd Annual Dinner Monday, Jan. 6.

This year’s distinguished keynote speakers will be Sam and Mariah Calagione, founders of Dogfish Head Brewery. The Calagiones will take this opportunity to share Dogfish Head’s story with the business community as its enters its 25th year of business.

“Sam and I are excited to share our story with Delaware’s amazing business community,” said Mariah Calagione, Dogfish Head co-founder and communitarian. “From starting as the smallest brewery in the U.S., through continual production and hospitality expansion, adding a distillery, right through merging with one of the most dynamic companies in the beverage industry, we are having a blast, and we look forward to a fun evening with many of Delaware’s leaders and entrepreneurs.”

Dogfish Head found its start back in 1995 as Delaware’s first brewpub in Rehoboth Beach. Nearly 25 years later, it has grown into the 12th largest brewery in the country, employing nearly 400 people; opened a full production brewery in Milton; started its own hotel in Lewes, the Dogfish Inn; and opened a seafood restaurant in Rehoboth Beach called Chesapeake & Maine.

On May 9, Dogfish Head announced an agreement to merge with the Boston Beer Company, best known for its diverse lineup of alcoholic beverage brands including Samuel Adams, Truly, Angry Orchard and Twisted Tea. The Calagiones look forward to continuous growth and opportunities to continue crafting new beers, spirits and off-centered experiences for fans throughout the country.

The annual dinner is the largest of the state chamber’s annual events, drawing more than 1,000 business leaders, dignitaries and elected officials at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. The evening’s program will include the presentation of the Josiah Marvel Cup Award in honor and memory of Josiah Marvel, who reorganized and was the first president of the modern-day state chamber.

A complimentary roundtrip shuttle will also be open for guests traveling from Kent and Sussex counties.

For more information, contact Cheryl Corn at 302-576-6572 or ccorn@dscc.com.