Brewers of Pennsylvania and Old Forge Brewing Host Pa. District 107 Legislator
HARRISBURG, PA (10/3/16) – The Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), the state’s official beer guild, has launched its second 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.
State Representative, Kurt Masser, who represents Columbia, Montour and Northumberland Counties, visited Old Forge Brewing Company in Danville on Thursday, September 29 for an up-close brewing experience where he weighed hops, analyzed malts, visited the Old Forge Brewpub, and learned of the brewing system that helps the eight-year-old business produce some of Pennsylvania’s finest craft beers.
“Representative Masser has been a long-time friend of Old Forge Brewing Company, and we were thrilled he could join us as the BOP’s next Brewer for a Day,” said Damien Malfara, owner of Old Forge Brewing Company. “Not only were we able to show Representative Masser 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.”
Rep. Masser represents Pennsylvania District 107.
“It was a great opportunity for me to visit the Old Forge Brewing Company on Thursday, to gain a better understanding and knowledge of its well-known craft beer production,” Masser said. “Our small businesses are an asset in our communities, as they add jobs while responding to consumer demand. Craft beer has really become a popular commodity, and it’s convenient for people of our area to not have to drive to a big city to get on board the trend; instead locals can support a business right here in Danville. I was inspired listening to Damien’s ideas of ways to expand and grow the industry. Thank you to the Brewers of Pennsylvania and the Old Forge Brewing Company for this opportunity to learn more about this popular business in the 107th District.”
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.
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 Old Forge Brewing Company – Old Forge Brewing Company was established in 2008 as a small brewpub in Danville, PA by Damien and Maria Malfara. In 2012, Old Forge opened the production brewery to share their creations with a wider audience. Old Forge packages 11 different beers in 16-ounce cans for wholesale distribution, and brews over 50 different rotating beers on 16 taps at the pub. To learn more about Old Forge beer please visit www.oldforgebrewingcompany.com Forged by Hand. Crafted with Pride.
