EEL RIVER BREWING CO. EXPANDING
Eureka Reporter / January 23, 2007

By March, a new business will literally be brewing in the small lumber town of Scotia.  America’s first organic brewery, Eel River Brewing Co., will begin construction on a

new 20,000 square-foot brewery and bottling facility on Jan. 18 following a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception at the Scotia Inn.  Eel River Brewing Co. will be the first large tenant in the Scotia Regional Business Park, formerly Pacific Lumber Co.’s Mill A, and Scotia’s first outside business to open in the company town.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our award-winning local business into Scotia,” said Eel River Brewing Company co-owner Margaret Vivatson.  “We believe this will quadruple beer production and provide needed jobs in our community.”

Based in nearby Fortuna, Eel River Brewing Co. last year won 26 state and national awards for its various products.  Through the move and expansion, Eel River Brewery plans to create approximately 20 new local jobs.

“PALCO has been looking for an opportunity to bring in an outside business to Scotia and the Eel River Brewing Co. will be a great fit for the town,” said George O’Brien, CEO of PALCO.  “The new brewery will increase our local job base and help diversify the economy within the Scotia and Rio Dell communities.  We are very excited to have them here.”

The new business park is part of PALCO’s plan to offer opportunities to other businesses by providing space for smaller enterprises to relocate or expand their operations in Scotia.  Additional businesses have inquired about leasing space and are being actively pursued.  PALCO plans to attract more businesses to fully utilize the once-vacant Mill A and diversify the services the town now offers.