Reporting Indicates that Allentown, Bethlehem Expressed Interest for Possible Facility / Move Would Bring Jobs, Economic Growth to Lehigh Valley / In Letter to Company’s CEO Casey Cites Region’s Strong Workforce
Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey sent a letter to Greg Koch, CEO and Co-Founder of Stone Brewing Company, urging Stone Brewing to choose Pennsylvania for a new facility in the eastern U.S. Reports have indicated that both Allentown and Bethlehem have expressed interest in housing the facility. Bringing a Stone Brewery location to the Lehigh Valley would add jobs to the region and bolster economic growth. Senator Casey is a cosponsor of legislation, the Small Brew Act, which would reduce excise taxes on small brewers. In a letter to the company’s CEO Casey cited the strength of the region’s workforce in making the case for the Lehigh Valley.
“The Lehigh Valley is an attractive location for employers and I’m hopeful Stone Brewing will choose Pennsylvania for its new eastern U.S. location,” Senator Casey said. “Our region’s workforce is highly skilled and I’m confident any company would benefit from locating in the state. Companies like Stone Brewing represent a growing industry that could boost economic growth and job creation in Pennsylvania for years to come.”
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below:
Mr. Greg Koch, CEO and Co-Founder
Stone Brewing Company
2120 Harmony Grove Drive
Escondido, California 92029
Dear Mr. Koch and Mr. Wagner:
It is my understanding that Stone Brewing Company recently published a Request For Proposal to open a location in the eastern half of the United States. As you begin to evaluate the applications that have been submitted, I strongly urge you to consider the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the site for this facility.
I understand that Stone Brewing Company produces outstanding, unique beers while maintaining an unwavering commitment to sustainability, business ethics, and the art of brewing. I am further informed that Stone Brewing has been rated as one of the top breweries in the country by several publications. Opening a facility in Pennsylvania would provide an economic boost to the Commonwealth and further strengthen our growing craft beer industry.
Pennsylvania is home to a diverse and skilled workforce, as well as countless institutions of higher learning and workforce development centers. Further, its geographic location and comprehensive transportation network give entities in the Commonwealth critical access to some of the largest population corridors in the United States. Finally, Pennsylvania is home to a proud and rich brewing history that continues to expand. Given all of these factors, I believe that Pennsylvania would be an ideal choice for your new and exciting development.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Should you have any questions, or require further information from my office, I encourage you to contact me or my staff.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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