Beer Institute Names Senators Gardner and Shaheen, Representatives Kelly and Lawson the 2019 Beer Champions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Beer Institute is honoring U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), as well as U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Al Lawson (D-FL), as the Beer Institute’s “2019 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 Gardner and Shaheen as well as Representatives Kelly and Lawson. Their tireless efforts to build support for policies enable our nation’s breweries and beer importers to continue to innovate, hire more employees and contribute $328 billion to our nation’s economy,” 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 brew America’s favorite alcohol beverage – beer.”

“Colorado’s beer industry provides 73,000 jobs, $3.8 billion in wages, and $13.6 billion in economic output to our state’s economy and is part of our state’s identity and culture,” said Sen. Gardner. “It’s important that Washington doesn’t stand in the way of its continued success. I’m proud to fight for policies to help brewers grow, create jobs, and boost communities across the four corners of Colorado and throughout our country.”

“Brewers have had a longstanding role in New Hampshire’s economy and hold a special place in our state’s culture. We are very proud of the quality beers being produced in our state and the hardworking Granite Staters employed in this industry,” said Sen. Shaheen. “That’s why I’ve opposed combative trade policies that drive up costs for brewers and put jobs at risk, and why I’ve prioritized legislation that would reform our tax code to help them grow their businesses and expand their workforce. I’ll continue to work across the aisle on common-sense measures that support our brewing industry in New Hampshire and across the country.”

“Pennsylvania has a rich history with brewing that dates back to the 1600s. Today, with hundreds of brewers across the commonwealth, these businesses have an incredible story to tell as they carry on America’s beer-making tradition,” Rep. Kelly said. “While brewing some of America’s best beer, Pennsylvania producers are creating jobs and revitalizing entire communities. Brewers across our nation exemplify the American dream and our country’s spirit of entrepreneurship. I am proud to support policies that foster our beer-making heritage.”

“Brewers play an incredibly important role in our agricultural economy,” Rep. Lawson said. “They help build and grow American jobs which bolster local economies, including communities throughout Florida’s 5th District. I am proud to receive the ‘2019 Beer Champion Award’ and will continue working in Congress to support brewers across the nation and in Florida.”

The beer industry is generating more than 2.1 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 73,000 jobs in Colorado, 13,000 jobs in New Hampshire, 77,000 jobs in Pennsylvania and 153,000 jobs Florida.

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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.