[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S1457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING BAXTER BREWING COMPANY

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, throughout the 112th Congress, I 
have consistently implored my colleagues to remember the value of our 
Nation's small businesses. These enterprising firms are the key to job 
creation. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in my home State of 
Maine, whose entrepreneurial spirit has remained vibrant as businesses 
continue to make headlines. Today I wish to recognize and commend 
Baxter Brewing Company, whose owner and founder, Luke Livingston, was 
recently named one of Forbes Magazine's 30 under 30 in the food and 
wine category.
  A native of Auburn, ME, Luke began brewing while still in college at 
Clark University in Worcester, MA. Following college, although he was 
successfully employed, Luke's passion continued to remain in brewing. 
At 24, he decided it was time to take the leap, and quit his day job to 
develop a business plan for Baxter Brewing Company. In seeking to 
create a well-crafted business plan--particularly in such a tumultuous 
economy--Luke turned to counselors within the Maine Small Business 
Development Center, who provided him critical guidance that was 
instrumental in achieving his goal.
  Now at age 27, Luke's dream has become a reality, as his business has 
quickly risen to the ranks of top micro-breweries. Baxter Brewing 
Company, began selling its product in January of 2011, and is located 
in a portion of newly renovated space at the Bates Mill Complex, a 
historic former textile mill in downtown Lewiston. Currently, the 
company offers three varieties of beer including a Stowaway India Pale 
Ale, IPA, Pamola Xtra Pale Ale, and its newest addition, the Amber 
Road. Unlike most craft beer producers, Luke sells his micro-brew in 
cans rather than glass bottles. By using cans, Baxter is able to 
utilize recycled materials while reducing shipping costs and providing 
fresher beer to their customers at the same time.
  Recently, celebrating Baxter's first year anniversary, Luke's gamble 
has certainly paid off with expanding sales markets and multiple 
accolades for the young brewery. In the first year, the company sold 
slightly over 5,000 barrels of beer, making it one of 2011's most 
successful first year craft breweries. Accordingly, in addition to 
Luke's personal recognition by Forbes, Baxter Brewing is also being 
recognized by BevNet Magazine, an elite beverage trade magazine, as the 
New Brewery of the Year.
  As Baxter Brewing Company continues to expand further into 
Massachusetts and New Hampshire, this small business offers incredible 
insight into how young entrepreneurs can triumph in today's economy. 
Luke's ambition and zealous commitment to his craft have provided a 
remarkable pathway to success. I am proud to extend my congratulations 
to Luke and everyone at Baxter Brewing for their richly deserved 
honors, and offer my best wishes for their future endeavors.

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