Brewers of Pennsylvania and Lavery Brewing Co. Host Pa. District 49 Legislator

HARRISBURG, PA (10.6.16) – The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), the state’s official beer guild, has launched its third Brewer for a Day program, an initiative designed to give state legislators a hands-on insider’s perspective on the brewing process, as well as further educate Pennsylvania Senators and Representatives on the direct economic impact craft brewers have on communities throughout the state.

Senator Sean D. Wiley (D-Erie) visited Lavery Brewing Co. in Erie on Wednesday, October 5 for an up-close brewing experience where he weighed hops, analyzed malts, toured Lavery’s pub, and learned of the brewing system that helps the seven-year-old business produce some of Pennsylvania’s finest craft beers.

“Senator Wiley has been a long-time friend of Lavery Brewing Company, and we were thrilled he could join us as a BOP Brewer for a Day,” said Jason Lavery, President of Lavery Brewing Company. “Not only were we able to show Senator Wiley about the brewing process, we were also able to share our thoughts on how the local craft beer industry could further expand, and produce more jobs. He was definitely engaged and interested, which further solidified that he has a strong interest in solutions that lead to beneficial outcomes.”

Senator Wiley serves the 49th Senatorial District encompassing most of Erie County.

“Small business is the life-blood of our communities and start-ups are the fastest growing industry sector,” said Wiley. “Lavery Brewing Co. is the quintessential story of an idea becoming an incredible success through hard work, dedication and more hard work. My hat is off to Jason, Nicole and the Lavery team.”

Throughout the remainder of 2016 and into 2017, the BOP will invite state legislators from throughout the Commonwealth to visit BOP-member breweries to participate in the Brewer for a Day program. Senator Rafferty, Pa. District 44, was the first legislator to take part in this fun and informative program. Senator Rafferty visited Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown on Monday, August 15. Representative Masser, Pa. District 107, was the second legislator to serve as Brewer for a Day. Rep. Masser visited Old Forge Brewing Company in Danville on Thursday, September 29.

In July, 2016, Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Wolf, signed a $1.3 billion revenue package. Part of that package included a Malt Beverage Tax Credit not to exceed $5 million annually. The tax credit, matching equipment and facilities investments made by applicant breweries, has been one of the BOP’s top legislative goals since 2013. The BOP fully supports this tax credit measure, and considers it a major victory for all craft breweries in the Commonwealth, particularly smaller breweries as the benefits of the measure is capped at $200,000 per year, per brewery.

About the Brewers of Pennsylvania – The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a 501c6 trade association that brings together leaders of Pa.-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. The Brewers of Pennsylvania, a strong and influential organization, serves the consuming public of Pa. by encouraging brand diversity in the market. BOP members employ an estimated 10,000 employees earning $296 million in wages and generating $1.1 billion in direct economic benefits to communities throughout the state. Its signature annual event is the popular Meeting of the Malts.

About Lavery Brewing Company – Lavery Brewing Company was founded in Erie in 2009 by Jason and Nicole Lavery. The brewery started off by renting space at a local brewpub, but quickly grew and moved into their current location in March 2011. A brew pub was built on site in 2013, and distribution now covers five states. Lavery hand-crafts multiple award-winning beers in small batches, and tends to focus on hoppy ales, traditional lagers, and Belgian saisons.