WHEREAS, craft breweries are flourishing across North Carolina with over 400 independent breweries and brewpubs in every corner of the state, ranking the Tar Heel State as a top ten craft beer state in the nation; and
WHEREAS, the annual economic impact of North Carolina craft beer is over $2.26 billion and supports more than 14,941 jobs in the state; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina beer distribution companies and their more than 3,900 employees partner with North Carolina craft brewers to help build brands and provide market access; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina’s craft beer industry reflects the state’s rich agricultural heritage, demonstrated by national recognition for beers using a wide range of North Carolina farmed and foraged products, including barley, sweet potatoes, oysters, persimmons, and more; and
WHEREAS, craft beer from over 40 North Carolina breweries are served to visitors at the NC Public House attraction at the North Carolina State Fair, further demonstrating our industry’s commitment to and partnership with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture; and
WHEREAS, the safe and welcoming nature of North Carolina’s brewery taprooms provide community gathering spaces that make a positive difference in our cities, towns, and communities, while driving economic development; and
WHEREAS, a month-long celebration of North Carolina’s exceptional beer craftsmanship, and those destinations where it thrives, will raise the state’s profile to its rightful place as a wonderful place to enjoy craft beer;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2023, as “NORTH CAROLINA BEER MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.