Here is further evidence that while it still has a long way to go, the long-beleaguered city of Detroit is indeed turning around. The Collective Tap , a new craft beer store and tasting room, will be soon be opening its doors as the first craft beer retailer in the city. Focused on "enjoyment, education, and engagement", The Collective Tap will be much more than a beer store. With their main focus centering on Belgian and English beers, they will have a first class tasting bar where customers can sample products prior to purchasing them. Also, various classes and events will be held on different styles of beers and how, for new craft beer drinkers, to find one they like. In addition, the store's owner, Emily Miller, is Detroit's first female Cicerone Certified Beer Server.

The Collective Tap is also in the running for first prize in the Hatch Detroit contest, which is $50,000 to go towards getting a new business up and running in Detroit. This contest was started by a group of Detroiters committed to bringing a more diverse, robust urban-retail presence to the rebounding city. With the help of Comerica Bank who will provide the prize money this year, this contest is great way for Emily and other potential business owners in Detroit access to the working capital they need to get their projects off the ground. Check out their website and vote for Emily and The Collective Tap here ! The winner will be announced on September 27th.

Once open, Emily and her shop will be spearhead their very own non-profit, community outreach program called, "Tapped in Detroit". This program will sponsor volunteer work throughout the city, and The Collective Tap will hold monthly fundrainsing events for the program and donate a percentage of its profits to help grow and fund it.

This is a tremendous development both for the city of Detroit and the growing craft beer culture within it. We are excited to help promote its launch and look forward to working with Emily down the road. Let's all get Detroit howling again with new jobs, growth, and Michigan Beer!