WHEREAS, craft breweries are flourishing across North Carolina with over 365 independent breweries and brewpubs in every corner of the state, the Tar Heel State ranks as a top 10 craft beer state in the nation; and
WHEREAS, the annual economic impact of North Carolina craft beer is over $2.8 billion and supports more than 18,000 jobs in the state; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina beer distribution companies and their 4,000+ employees partner with dozens of North Carolina craft brewers to help build brands and provide market access; and
WHEREAS, breweries, craft beer festivals and related events in North Carolina have demonstrated the ability to attract visitors from across the state and country, thereby making craft beer an important element of tourism in North Carolina; 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 produced ingredients including; barley, sweet potatoes, oysters, persimmons and others, as well as the inclusion of the NC Public House at the North Carolina State Fair; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina craft beer industry has been and continues to be a leader in working with the public to minimize the impact of COVID-19, by having pledged to meet and exceed all safety protocols developed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service and the National Center for Disease Control; and
WHEREAS, within those safety protocols, a month-long celebration of North Carolina’s beer craftsmanship, and those destinations where it thrives, will raise the state’s profile to its rightful place in a highly competitive landscape;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2021, as “NORTH CAROLINA BEER MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.