Beer Institute Names Senators Baldwin and Portman, Representatives Buck and Peters the 2018 Beer Champions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Beer Institute is honoring U.S. 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), as the Beer Institute’s “2018 Beer Champions.” They were selected 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.

“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,” said Jim McGreevy, President and CEO of the Beer Institute. “I look forward to continuing to work with Congress on issues that will allow brewers and beer importers of all sizes to create even more good-paying jobs in America.”

“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,” said Senator Baldwin. “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.”

“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,” said Senator Portman. “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.”

“The beer industry plays an important role in Colorado’s economy, creating jobs and adding value to our communities,” said Representative Buck. “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.”

“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,” said Representative Peters. “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.”

The beer industry is generating more than 2.2 million good-paying, American jobs in a wide range of industries, including farming, manufacturing, construction, transportation and the service industry in every community in the United States. The beer industry helps create 69,000 jobs in Wisconsin, 81,000 jobs in Ohio, 68,000 jobs in Colorado and 267,000 jobs California.

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The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing brewers of all sizes, as well as beer importers and industry suppliers. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to the development of sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility. For additional updates from the Beer Institute, visit our website, follow @BeerInstitute on Twitter, like the Beer Institute on Facebook, and follow the Beer Institute on Instagram.