The Portland Business Journal recently recognized Irene Firmat, Full Sail‘s Founder and CEO, for her contributions to the business community. In addition to receiving an Orchid Award, Firmat was named Woman Executive of the Year for Small and Medium Business. In the awards presentation Firmat was commended for her leadership, vision, solid values and continued growth. “I am very grateful for this award because it acknowledges all the passion and commitment that our team at Full Sail puts in every day. It is a team that I am very proud to be a part of. It is also exciting to see an Oregon brewery being recognized as it highlights the importance of the Oregon Craft Beer industry to the Oregon economy,” said Firmat.

About Full Sail Brewing Company:
The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, Session and Session Black Premium lager. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 22 years. Committed to brewing great beer and sustainable practices their award winning brews are now available in twenty states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view. http://www.fullsailbrewing.com

To view the complete story and the award winners’ profiles visit the Portland Business Journal: http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2010/04/05/daily41.html

For more information the Oregon Craft Beer industry visit the Oregon Brewer’s Guild: http://oregonbeer.org/facts/