- Meets with Rep. Tom Reed to discuss key issues impacting hospitality industry -
Brian McKenzie of Finger Lakes Distilling was one of more than 50 large and small distilled spirits producers from around the country who gathered in Washington, D.C. June 8-10 for the Distilled Spirits Council's sixth annual Public Policy Conference.
The conference featured a series of legislative, regulatory and state breakout sessions on key federal and state issues impacting the distilling industry. As part of the conference, McKenzie participated in Congressional visits to urge support for new legislation to reduce the spirits federal excise tax, HR 2520, and Trade Promotion Authority, as well as to underscore the importance of Finger Lakes Distilling to the surrounding community.
"It was a great opportunity to meet with Rep. Reed to discuss all the exciting things going on with our industry and how his support can make a difference," said McKenzie.
Conference speakers included: Rep. Todd Young (R-IN) and Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY), who are the co-sponsors of HR 2520; Administrator of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau John Manfreda; and Charmer Sunbelt President and CEO Charlie Merinoff, one of the largest wine and spirits wholesalers.
"This conference brought together leaders in the distilling industry from across the country to discuss policy issues that affect them at both the federal and state levels," said Peter Cressy, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, the national trade association representing producers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. "These distillers came to Washington to deliver a unified message to legislative leaders that distilleries of all sizes play an important role in the nation's hospitality industry."
The conference concluded with an evening reception at the National Archives Museum where distillers toured the "Spirited Republic: Alcohol in American History" exhibit.
