Legislators in Lansing have recently declared July as “Michigan Beer Month” with the introduction of House Resolution No. 289 and Senate Resolution No. 131, noting the brewing industry’s long-standing history, impact on both the tourism and agricultural interests and the ongoing contributions to the overall economy of the state.
According to Scott Graham, Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers Guild:
- Michigan breweries are a vibrant affirmation and expression of Michigan’s entrepreneurial traditions, operating as community-based small businesses and providing more than 21,000 full time jobs;
- Our state has breweries in every region of the state with more than 400 statewide;
- Michigan ranks sixth in the nation for the overall number of breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs;
- The Michigan Brewers Guild celebrates locally-made beer by hosting its Summer Beer Festival in July – one of five annual events held around the state;
- The Guild is looking for creative ways to celebrate Michigan Beer Month with its breweries and the community this year, given the unfortunate cancellation due to COVID-19 concerns;
- Brewers in Michigan support state agriculture by purchasing hops, malted barley, wheat, beet sugar, cherries, apples, and numerous other fruits, herbs, spices, and vegetables grown in Michigan, along with water sourced from the Great Lakes Region;
- Michigan brewers promote a spirit of independence through a renaissance in locally produced beers like those first brought to the state by European settlers and produced here by our forefathers, including Bernhard Stroh, for the enjoyment of the citizenry;
- Striving to educate legal drinking age residents, Michigan brewers convey awareness about the differences in beer flavor, aroma, color, alcohol content, body, and other complex variables, beer history, and gastronomic qualities of beer;
- Michigan brewers champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking;
- Breweries in Michigan produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beers, the quality and diversity of which have made Michigan the envy of many states, contributing to the balanced trade with increased Michigan exports and promoting Michigan tourism;
- the brewing industry in Michigan has seen great growth and success, and contribute more than $872 million in labor income with a total economic contribution of more than $2.5 billion, thriving and expanding to further their economic importance to the state;
- Michigan brewers are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities as employers providing a diverse array of quality local jobs. They are contributors to the local tax base and are committed partners for a broad range of local, regional, and state non-profit organizations and other philanthropic causes;
- The Michigan Brewers Guild is a passionate beer community that believes in quality artisanship, bold character, fun, responsibility and pushing the boundaries while promoting and protecting the Michigan beer industry with an overarching goal to help locally brewed beer attain 20 percent of all beer sales in the state by 2020.
“We recognize the contributions that Michigan craft brewers and breweries have made to the state’s communities, economy, and history,” states the proclamations, “and be it further resolved that we commend Michigan breweries for providing jobs, improving the balance of trade, supporting Michigan agriculture, and educating residents about the history and culture of beer while promoting the responsible consumption of beer as a beverage of moderation.”
Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild held its first festival in July 1998. Today, it hosts five festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its nearly 300 member breweries (a number that increases on a monthly basis). Within the state, and beyond, Michigan is referred to as “The Great Beer State.”