WASHINGTON, D.C. — The creative minds in Maine's local beer industry, known as craft brewers, continue to build on what is an already thriving part of our state economy. Through their hard work and innovation, these businesses are creating jobs, driving economic development, and attracting beer enthusiasts from around the world to visit Maine. The recent New England Craft Brew Summit in Portland was a landmark moment in the growth of small breweries in our state and across New England, and I was lucky enough to be a part of it.

The brew summit was an all-day event on April 1 at the University of Southern Maine's Abromson Center, and it was a great program that highlighted the bright future of the industry. The summit, which was a joint effort between USM and the Maine Brewers' Guild, brought together experts, industry leaders, vendors, and brewmasters from around New England to discuss business and technical opportunities. It certainly didn't disappoint as New England's inaugural trade show and educational event for this growing industry.

What really struck me throughout the summit — as I walked around speaking with people on the event floor and as I gave a speech to the crowd — was the energy and excitement in the room. It is that same energy that our brewers have harnessed and used to create thriving small businesses across Maine.

From York to Aroostook, the beer industry has transformed from a niche market to a formidable part of our local economies. We now have over 70 licensed breweries here in the state, according to the Maine Brewers' Guild. Based on figures from the Brewers Association, the economic impact is more than $430 million in Maine. And that impact helps generate economic activity in related sectors, like local agriculture. Just look at Blue Ox Malthouse in Lisbon Falls or Maine Malt House in Mapleton, which both supply locally-grown ingredients to our brewers and is helping to grow the local agricultural economy in the process.

There is no doubt that the lion's share of the credit for Maine's success in the craft brew world rests with our creative brewers and their hardworking teams. But collaborative partnerships with research institutions and the public sector will also be important as we build on the positive momentum. USM and the Maine Brewers' Guild have already launched a promising public-private project, the Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Research Laboratory, which is aimed at helping the local beer industry with analysis, testing, and training. I toured the lab at USM during the summit, and the sort of innovation on display there is what we need to continue the growth we've seen.

Policy makers also have an important part to play, which is why I've hopped on the craft brew train and am working to support Maine brewers. I've joined with Senator Collins to introduce the Small BREW Act, which would reduce the federal excise tax on small brewers and change the definition of a small brewer to better reflect modern production levels. Senator Collins and I have also stood up for our brewers in the face of a potential merger between giant beer conglomerates, urging the Department of Justice to investigate whether it would crowd out competition and hamper the growth of small breweries.

In many ways, small brewers have become the toast of the town in Maine as they continue to generate economic growth and create jobs. That positive impact and energy were front and center at the New England Craft Brew Summit, and I commend everyone involved for their work to ensure an even brighter future for this newly important industry and the many communities it helps support.