Brewers Association Event Takes Place April 7-10 in Chicago
Boulder, CO • April 2, 2010

Congressman Richard Neal (D-Massachusetts) will take the stage with previously confirmed speaker Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) to deliver the keynote address at the Brewers Association’s (BA) Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Chicago, Ill. on April 8, 2010.

More than 3,400 of the world’s leading brewers, brewery owners and brewing supply professionals are expected at this year’s CBC. Congressman Neal introduced H.R. 4278 in December 2009, to create a graduated beer excise tax rate for America’s small brewers. Congressman Neal introduced the legislation along with fellow House Ways & Means Committee member Congressman Kevin Brady. The bill would help create jobs for America’s 1,500+ small breweries, which employ nearly 100,000 people in communities throughout the country. Rep. Peter DeFazio is one of the co-sponsors of the bill.

Congressman DeFazio
As a long-time homebrewer and craft beer enthusiast, Congressman DeFazio brings real beer and brewing credentials to the annual gathering of brewers. As a legislator, he also understands the importance of ensuring that the voice of small brewers is heard on Capitol Hill.

This awareness lead Congressman DeFazio to co-found and co-chair the House Small Brewers Caucus in Washington, D.C. Bringing together 67 U.S. Representatives, the Caucus serves to educate Congress about the unique issues and challenges faced by America’s small brewery businesses.

Congressman DeFazio has also championed the cause of small brewers through his early and influential support of H.R. 4278, the graduated excise tax reduction legislation now under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“American small brewers are true craftsmen, producing some of the finest beers in the world. As a homebrewer myself, I have a deep appreciation for the quality of their work. But, perhaps more important than their fine beers, is their place in local communities. These small business men and women create jobs and economic activity, and are an integral part of local community culture. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to this growing group of innovative business leaders,” Congressman DeFazio said.

“Congressmen Neal and DeFazio are true advocates for small brewers, and we’re extremely fortunate to have each of them join us in Chicago,” said Charlie Papazian, president of the Brewers Association. “They truly understand the unique issues of our industry, and introducing them to the 3,400+ brewers attending CBC will be a real pleasure.”

Congressman Neal
“I am pleased to be a champion of our nation’s small brewers. As small business owners, they exhibit the important American values of hard work and ingenuity on a daily basis. These entrepreneurs have followed their passion in life to start their own companies despite the many obstacles small brewers face when competing against huge multinational companies. Since many of these success stories come from the New England region, it is one of my priorities to help foster and preserve America’s craft brewing community. I look forward to continuing my work on this issue in a bipartisan manner in the United States Congress,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal, Chairman, Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures.

About the Craft Brewers Conference
The Craft Brewers Conference is known for attracting renowned brewing industry professionals and supporters, such as Congressmen Neal and DeFazio, as keynote speakers. The CBC is the nation’s largest annual gathering of the professional brewing industry. This year’s event takes place April 7-10 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.

Conference presentations cover more than 30 topics ranging from brewery management and marketing to technical brewing. A complete list of speakers and selected seminar topics is available at CraftBrewersConference.com.

Also at CBC this year is the BA’s World Beer Cup, a biannual international beer competition. Awards for this competition will be presented on Saturday evening, April 10 at the World Beer Cup gala awards ceremony and dinner.

An additional component of the Craft Brewers Conference is BrewExpo America, the nation’s largest trade show for the craft brewing industry, featuring nearly 190 of the top vendors in the industry. Attendees will also enjoy numerous social opportunities to sample the diversity of beers available in the Chicago area.

The Craft Brewers Conference is open to brewing industry professionals only. Learn more about the event at CraftBrewersConference.com.

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