The new program is intended to engage and organize the network of state distillers guilds across the country and alert them to public policy issues affecting the industry at every level of government.
“Over the past decade, the number of small distilleries in the United States has grown from a couple hundred to more than 2,300 representing a significant grassroots base for advocating for policies that benefit spirits consumers and distillers small and large,” said DISCUS President/CEO Chris Swonger. “By partnering with distillers guilds through this new State Guild Supporter Program, we can identify shared advocacy goals and support each other in educating legislative leaders about the economic contributions of our spirits industry and the jobs we create in communities across the country.”
State guilds that join the program will receive numerous benefits, including invitations for guild leadership to participate in DISCUS’ Annual State Summit, monthly policy chats and semi-annual updates; reduced rates on the DISCUS Annual Conference and DISCUS Academy; access to the Spirited Advocate weekly e-newsletter; and promotion of the guild on the DISCUS website.