Salisbury, MD – The Brewers Association of Maryland announced today that craft beer in the state continues to grow – employing more people, paying more taxes, while making plenty of fresh, local Maryland beer. However, the industry needs the General Assembly to support two pieces of legislation for the growth to continue.
At the announcement, Executive Director J.T. Smith discussed the recent unprecedented growth of Maryland beer that directly supports small business jobs and strengthens the stateʼs economy.
“Marylandʼs small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs. And they are important to the communities they serve,” Smith said. “Craft beer has grown nearly 20 percent every year for 15 years straight. That incredible growth in a value added manufacturing industry results in hiring local workers and investments in the community. Weʼre proud to raise a glass here in Annapolis with Maryland brewers and ask the General Assembly to join us in the fight to support small business.”
The Brewers Association of Marylandʻs comments were warmly received, yet still need additional support in Committee for SB 445/HB 774, a bill to raise the cap on annual production for micro breweries---these bills being of particular interest to Evolution Craft Brewing Company, the largest Class 7 brewery in the State as they plan their expansion through sales concentration growth of current markets and selling beer into new markets. Then SB 226 is a bill to allow Maryland brewers to sample and sell their wares at Marylandʼs farmers markets.
Both bills have strong support from across the state – ranging from the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland Farmerʼs Markets Association to the Montgomery and Frederick County Fairs – yet remain threatened in Committee due to opposition from special interest lobbyists.
The Brewers Association of Maryland and Evolution Craft Brewing Company requests that supporters of Maryland Beer contact their state representatives this week and request support for both bills as they are presented in Committee.
ABOUT EVOLUTION CRAFT BREWING COMPANY:
Evolution has grown incredibly in its first five years of operations with exciting growth potential ahead both in current and new markets on the East Coast. Founded in 2009 by brothers Tom Knorr and John Knorr, Evolution Craft Brewing Company started brewing in Delmar, Delaware and in April 2013 relocated to Salisbury, Maryland in new modern 30,000 square foot brewery with an attached restaurant, Evolution Public House. The brewery has established itself as in the world of craft brewing and the leading volume Class 7 brewer in the State of Maryland.
ABOUT THE BREWERS ASSOCIATION OF MARYLAND (BAM):
The Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM) is the non-profit trade association of Maryland brewing companies, founded in 1996. The mission of BAM is to promote and protect Maryland beer.
Not a big "coffee beer" or Ale fan, but I do love their "Lucky 7"! I think I'll get a couple of growlers today...
ReplyDelete"Both bills have strong support from across the state – ranging from the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland Farmerʼs Markets Association to the Montgomery and Frederick County Fairs – yet remain threatened in Committee due to opposition from special interest lobbyists."
ReplyDelete"special interest lobbyists" in other words lobbyists hired by the Big Gun Breweries such as InBev who don't want these companies to expand and cut into their sales.
Still think Dogfish is better.
ReplyDeleteCome here's with family money that exploit the from heres.
ReplyDelete9:30 exploit? you have the choice where you spend your money.
ReplyDeleteEvo needs Government Assistance give me a break...Lower your prices?
ReplyDelete