Distilleries in Michigan have become such a large industry, ranking # 4 in the nation, that a statewide association has been formed to help unify their interests. The Michigan Craft Distillers Association will give the distilleries in Michigan a voice. "It's no longer just a business," says Kris Berglund, Treasurer of the association and owner of Red Cedar Spirits, "it's an industry."
That industry is so heavily regulated by the government and yet until now, was always left out of important, legislative conversations. This association guarantees their needs and issues are heard by those that matter. It will also help give the industry the marketing and promotion that the beer and wine industries already receive.
Even before it was formed as an official organization, the association had a hand in making sure distilleries were considered in a "Farm to Glass" bill that did not originally include them. It has opened up communication between distilleries and other associations, and is helping to bring focus to the rapidly growing industry.
According to Berglund, membership is expected to grow, and not only membership, but the distilling industry in Michigan. The industry itself has created a lot of jobs and will continue to do so as it expands and matures.
Source: Kris Berglund, Treasurer Michigan Craft Distillers Association
Writer: Allison Monroe, Innovations News Editor
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