PA State Senator David Argall (Schuylkill/Berks) flanked by State House colleagues, Representatives Tim Twardzik (Schuylkil) and Joe Kerwin (Schuylkill/Dauphin) and Explore Schuylkill Executive Director, Gina Gargano, stopped by Pilger Ruh Brewing in Pottsville on Thursday to celebrate state grant recipient, Explore Schuylkill.

The grant, totaling $26,403, was awarded by the PA Malt and Brewed Beverage Industry Promotion Board. Explore Schuylkill will utilize the funding to expand and promote its Craft Beverage Trail.

“Many tourists visit so many breweries, distilleries, and wineries across the county,” said Senator Argall. “This highly competitive grant will be a significant boost to Explore Schuylkill’s efforts to promote these local employers and help guide visitors to these attractions.”

Explore Schuylkill’s Craft Beverage Trail connects and promotes 21 locally-owned breweries, wineries and distilleries. In total, the trail covers 7 craft breweries, 11 wineries and 3 distilleries in Schuylkill and neighboring counties.

“I am pleased that Schuylkill County will be receiving this money to promote its Craft Beverage Trail, home of America’s Oldest Brewery! Schuylkill County has a very rich history and a lot to offer in terms of tourism, and this grant money ensures that many future visitors will be able to tour and experience all that this great county has to offer,” said Rep. Kerwin.

“The Craft Beverage Trail is a very successful promotion that I am very pleased to support. Last month the House Majority Policy Committee held a hearing in the Poconos, and we heard from brewers and tourism leaders that the Trail brings more business, tourists, and fun to their communities. I am looking forward to more “cheers” in Schuylkill County,” said Rep. Twardzik.

The grant, in many ways, represents a positive step forward in a blossoming relationship between state and local officials and Northeastern Pennsylvania’s ever-expanding homegrown craft beer, wine and spirits industries.

“Explore Schuylkill will further develop, expand, and enhance marketing and promotion of the existing Craft Beverage Trail which showcases America’s Oldest Brewery within the growing craft beer industry,” notes Gina Gargano, Executive Director, Explore Schuylkill. “While the overall goal of this project is to increase the sale of malt and brewed beverages and craft beverages produced in Schuylkill County and the surrounding region, we know this will increase engagement and visitation to other area attractions supporting comprehensive economic development throughout the tourism industry. This type of economic development, small business economic development, not only means money and jobs in the community but also creates job diversity and opens up revitalization potential exponentially. We are grateful to be a part of and support our community. “