Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership's Just Add Water Campaign to Brew Up Some Interest in Erie

ERIE, PA, December 04, 2010

The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP) made a concerted effort in July of 2009 to reach out to the craft brewing industry as part of their Tap into Erie campaign. This industry, comprised of breweries that generally produce less than 2 million barrels annually, represents a rapid yet steadily growing sector. The ERCGP identified this industry as part of a broader business attraction strategy, Tap into Erie¸ targeted at water-intensive industries that are both growing as well as fit in Erie's regional economy. This business attraction campaign, aptly named Tap into Erie, is the region's first targeted strategy aimed at attracting new investment to the region.

The outreach to craft brewers was launched with sponsorship and attendance at the 2009 Oregon Brewer's Festival (OBF) which took place in Portland, Oregon. The ERCGP was the exclusive host and sponsor of the VIP Brewer's Tent - a location where brewers could meet and network with other brewers, in addition to learning more about Erie as a perfect east coast location for expansion. Following the OBF, Tap into Erie sponsored the Great American Beer Festival. This provided an ideal opportunity to once again get in front of prime craft brewery targets and build brand awareness as well as personal connections with prospective investors.

Since these two major industry events in 2009, continual market research has narrowed the number of prospects from several hundred to approximately 20 craft brewers that have met the following criteria: the breweries have experienced year-over-year growth, would benefit from an east coast location for distribution/cost-effective logistics, are large enough to need a second production and distribution facility and need cost-effective, high-quality water.

In the ERCGP's next effort to shop Erie as an ideal location for expansion, Tap into Erie will be sending out 18 custom-designed mailers to growing and expanding (primarily west coast) craft brewers. The 3-D mailers contain an empty bottle of the prospective brewery's beer, a bottle of Tap into Erie-branded Erie Water Works' water and dry beer ingredients - the mailer is taglined "Just Add Water". Every brewer that is contacted will receive personalized follow-up to discuss future expansion plans and how Erie is ready to embrace their move.

For additional information on the Tap into Erie business attraction campaign please contact the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership's Economic Development Division at (814) 454-7191 x131 or visit http://www.tapintoerie.com.

The ERCGP is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides leadership to attract, retain and expand business in the Erie region. Nearly 850 businesses currently belong to the ERCGP. For more information on the ERCGP, visit http://www.eriepa.com.