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The Beer Institute, a Washington, DC–based trade group that represents brewers, beer importers and industry suppliers, has announced this year’s Beer Champions. And they’ve chosen well.
This year the association is honoring US Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rob Portman (R-OH), as well as U.S. Representatives Ken Buck (R-CO) and Scott Peters (D-CA) “for their leadership in championing policies that allow brewers and beer importers to reinvest in their businesses, hire new employees and continue to innovate and create America’s favorite beers.”
In the announcement Jim McGreevy, President and CEO of the Beer Institute praised the legislators’ accomplishments…
Senator Tammy Baldwin
“America’s brewers and importers are pleased to honor Senators Baldwin and Portman as well as Representatives Buck and Peters. Their tireless efforts to build support for policies that enable our nation’s breweries and beer importers to continue to innovate, ensuring they can quench the thirst for America’s most popular alcohol beverage.”
Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin remained gracious as ever in her acceptance…and smartly avoided calling out New Glarus Brewing in particular…
“In Wisconsin, we have a long and proud tradition of making iconic beers that are celebrated around the world. Our brewers are an important part of our made in Wisconsin economy and our heritage.”
“I’m honored to be named the Beer Institute’s 2018 Beer Champion, and I am committed to continuing my work to support America’s breweries so they continue moving our economy forward and keep making great beer.”
And Ohio’s Senator Rob Portman support of the beer industry in 2017 was equally deserving especially for his work with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act …
Senator Rob Portman
“I’m honored to be selected as one of the Beer Institute’s 2018 Beer Champions. Ohio is fifth in the nation in craft beer production, and the beer industry supports 81,000 Ohio jobs. I’ve visited many breweries across the state, heard about the needs and challenges facing this growing industry, and tasted some of the impressive products that come from local Ohio businesses.”
“I introduced a provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to help the brewing industry by lowering its excise tax burden, and I’m incredibly pleased with the results. Brewers throughout Ohio and across the country are reinvesting in their workers, businesses, and communities—the exact goal of my amendment and a strong justification for making these provisions permanent. I’ll continue working to represent the interests of the Ohioans I represent and the many breweries across the Buckeye State.”
In his acceptance, Representative Ken Buck was quick to acknowledge beer’s role in Colorado…
“The beer industry plays an important role in Colorado’s economy, creating jobs and adding value to our communities…I’m honored to receive this award and look forward to continue fighting for policies that empower the industry to grow and operate in a free market.”
As did San Diego, California’s Scott Peter who took the opportunity to position his city’s importance to the craft beer industry…
“San Diego is proud to be the Craft Beer Capital of America and home to more than 130 brewhouses. We certainly know our beer and our thriving brewing industry is helping to grow our economy by creating jobs here at home and going global to reach new markets,”
“Congress should take San Diego’s lead and eliminate barriers to competition in international markets so that brewers across the country can continue to compete and thrive.”
Thanks, at least in part, to their legislative support beer industry helped to create 69,000 jobs in Wisconsin, 81,000 jobs in Ohio, 68,000 jobs in Colorado and 267,000 jobs California.
