Governor Tony Evers, Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, and state and local officials to visit craft breweries statewide

MADISON, WI. SEPT. 18, 2019 – Governor Tony Evers announced today that he, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Deputy Secretary Tricia Braun, and other state, county, city and community officials will visit eight craft breweries across the state on Thursday, Sept. 26 to celebrate Wisconsin Craft Brewery Day.

“Brewing is a defining industry for Wisconsin, with a long and rich history,” said Governor Evers. “I’m thrilled to see the progress craft brewers have made throughout the state, embracing craft beer trends, providing an alternative gathering space for the public and allowing Wisconsin to maintain its reputation of creating quality beer for all.”

Governor Evers and other officials will be highlighting the economic contributions craft breweries provide to Wisconsin’s local communities, especially in rural areas, as well as the important role clean water plays in making craft beer.

“I’m excited to be recognizing these business owners who not only create quality craft beer, but also grow our Wisconsin communities,” said WEDC’s Braun. “WEDC is proud to have supported several of these locations in starting and expanding their businesses while simultaneously making their communities better places to live, work and play.”

Craft breweries provide significant opportunities for community development. New and expanded breweries attract visitors as well as private commercial investments, such as new stores that will also be of interest to brewery patrons.

Not only do these breweries add value and bring in more taxes to their communities, but they also create a meeting place for informal social gatherings as well as events like art shows or live music. Additionally, many Wisconsin breweries continue to purchase and renovate underutilized and vacant historical buildings, acting as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in communities with underutilized properties.

Stops along the craft brewery tour include Octopi Brewing in Waunakee, The Brewing Projekt in Eau Claire, Mosinee Brewing Company in Mosinee, Potosi Brewing Company’s Breweriana Museum in Potosi, Titletown Brewing Co. in Green Bay, East Troy Brewing Co. in East Troy, Thirsty Pagan Brewing in Superior and a final stop at the Oktoberfest celebration in La Crosse.

To end the day, all officials, local residents and other craft beer fans are encouraged to participate in a “Statewide Cheers” around the state at 4:30 p.m. on social media. Using the hashtag #WICraftBeer, participants in Craft Brewery Day, regional economic development organizations and all fans of craft beer are encouraged to head to their local craft brewery and post a picture hoisting a Wisconsin craft beer. A number of local economic development partners will be hosting events to celebrate.

Brewing is a staple industry in Wisconsin with a long and rich history, creating increased economic activity across the state. While the state is home to a number of large-scale breweries, in recent years, it has become a leader in craft beer production and consumption.

Independent craft brewers across the state continue to spring up and meet the growing demand for unique and innovative craft beer. According to the Brewers Association, a national trade association for craft beer-related businesses, Wisconsin had 160 craft breweries in 2017, and these businesses generated more than $2.25 billion in total economic impact.