News from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
Niagara, Ontario, May 15th, 2014 – With the approach of the annual Victoria Day long weekend kicking off the unofficial start of summer, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce received support for a policy aimed at supporting Niagara’s quickly-expanding craft beer sector.
Regional brewed craft beer stocks retail shelves right across the border in Buffalo, New York.
At the recently concluded Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Annual General Meeting and Policy Convention in Sault Ste. Marie, the Greater Niagara Chamber submitted a policy calling for the OCC to work with the Ontario government to reduce barriers and challenges for Ontario’s craft brewers. The policy was enthusiastically endorsed by the more than 120 Chamber representatives from across the province.
“With the passing of this resolution we look forward to continuing our advocacy for the formal inclusion of craft breweries in Ontario’s Tourism Investment Strategy and Implementation Plan,” explains Kithio Mwanzia, Director of Policy and Government Relations for the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. “Doing so will help strengthen Niagara’s unique tourism offerings and encourage new and repeat visitors by way of the province’s fast-growing craft beer industry.”
Ontario has experienced exponential growth in its craft beer industry in recent years, with sales of craft beer reaching approximately $190 million in 2010 – representing a five per cent share of the province’s beer market. However, while the government has taken active steps to support tourism product development, there is still a need to overcome major obstacles preventing Ontario’s craft brewers from fully-realizing their ability to create economic value and contribute to Ontario’s tourism marketplace.
“As one of the fastest-growing industries that is generating new tourist visitors and diversifying Ontario’s tourism offerings, all signs point to future growth for Niagara’s craft beer industry,” adds Ian Kowalchuk, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Greater Niagara Chamber Commerce.
“In order to ensure that the industry is able to reach its full potential, there is a need to overcome a variety of challenges associated with supply chain management, distribution and access to retail opportunities. The goal with this resolution is to remove industry barriers, modernize regulation and secure key investments through the province’s tourism plan.”
Moving forward, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce will continue to work closely with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce – Ontario’s largest and most influential business organization – to bring attention to this issue, and others, that are critical to the future strength and prosperity of the Niagara region.
To read the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce’s craft beer resolution in full, including specific recommendations, please click here.
The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce encourages you to support Ontario’s craft breweries, including Chamber members like: Brimstone Brewing Company, Niagara Oast House Brewers, Niagara College Teaching Brewery, Silversmith Brewing Co., Steam Whistle Brewing, Taps Brewing Company Inc. and The Merchant Ale House.
The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is the champion for the Niagara business community. With over 1,500 members representing more than 45,000 employees, it is the largest business organization in Niagara and the third largest Chamber in Ontario.
Representing the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce in Sault Ste. Marie were Ian Kowalchuk, Partner, Business Development at Merit Contractors Niagara and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, and Walter Sendzik, CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.
(Now Niagara At Large invites you to share your views on this issue. Should the next Ontario government break up the ‘Beer Store’ monopoly in this province and allow beer and other alcoholic beverages to be sold in grocery and convenience stores, as they are in New York State and other jurisdications across the continent? Are there other solutions that allow craft beer makers to compete with the big-three breweries that have a virtual lock on those Beer Stores?
Wiegh in with your views, remembering that Niagara At Large only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.)
Niagara At Large 