[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 28, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING GREAT RAFT BREWING CO.

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, over the past several years, small 
locally owned breweries have exploded in popularity across the country, 
and Louisiana is no exception to this trend and is home to a number of 
small breweries that have gained regional and national success. As 
such, I would like to recognize Great Raft Brewing Co. of Shreveport, 
LA, as this week's Small Business of the Week.
  In 2013, Andrew and Lindsay Nations opened Great Raft Brewing in 
Shreveport's historic Highland neighborhood with the mission of 
creating fresh craft beer that complemented the lifestyle and cultures 
of northwest Louisiana. Having fallen in love with craft beer while 
living in Washington, DC, the Nations set out to share their passion 
with their native northern Louisiana. In October 2013, Great Raft 
Brewing Co. made history by selling the first locally made beer in 
Shreveport since Prohibition and quickly cemented themselves as a new 
pillar of their community.
  Named for the ``Great Raft'' logjam that once prevented travel along 
the Red River, Great Raft Brewing remains committed to their community, 
hosting numerous charity and festival events each year and representing 
northwest Louisiana culture at events around the county. In late 2013, 
Great Raft Brewing Co. opened their tasting room, originally serving 
their three flagship brews before expanding to offer a number of 
limited release and seasonal beers. In a span of 3 years, Great Raft 
Brewing Co. has been able to expand to a level that allows them to 
distribute their beer all around the State of Louisiana, as well as 
garnering regional and national success, including being recognized as 
one of the South's Best Breweries by Southern Living Magazine, a Best 
American Lager by Food & Wine Magazine, a Best Coffee Beers in the 
World by Men's Journal, and numerous other recognitions in State, 
local, and national publications.
  Congratulations to Great Raft Brewing for being named this week's 
Small Business of the Week. I have no doubt that this local brewery 
will continue to thrive and provide great beer for the people of 
Louisiana in the years to come.

                          ____________________