State lawmakers from other states tasted and heard how vital beer, wine, cider and spirits are to Oregon’s economy and identity.
PORTLAND, Ore. — In July, state lawmakers from across western states held their annual CSG West conference in Portland, giving local beer, wine, cider and spirit producers an opportunity to host the “Taste the Oregon Trail,” event, one of the most popular events.
Columbia Distributing hosted more than 100 lawmakers from Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Nevada, New Mexico among others. The lawmakers heard from local industry representatives about the economic importance of Oregon’s beer, wine, cider and spirits and also about unique challenges these businesses are facing right now.
Oregon’s breweries, wineries and cideries are facing major challenges. Between inflation on the cost of ingredients, supply chain issues, employee shortages, natural disasters and a pandemic, these local businesses need the support of lawmakers and the public to survive. The last thing any local business needs are tax increases. Despite these hardships, alcohol generates more than $17 billion in economic activity (beer $8.7 billion, wine $7.19 billion, cider $300 million, spirits $2 billion) and is still the third largest source of revenue for the state.
The state lawmakers also sampled some of Oregon’s most iconic brands and Columbia Distributing provided safe and responsible transportation with shuttles back to the conference.
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About the Oregon Beverage Alliance
The Oregon Beverage Alliance is made up of local brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, distillers and their supply and hospitality partners creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. Learn more: www.DontTaxMyDrink.org
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