[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING SHAKOPEE BREWHALL AS ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP SMALL BUSINESSES

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                            HON. ANGIE CRAIG

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2023

  Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to congratulate 
Shakopee Brewhall--Taproom & Coffeehouse as the Midwest regional 
finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's America's Top Small 
Business Award.
  Shakopee Brewhall was selected as one of seven finalists out of a 
total of over 15,000 small business applicants for the annual Top Small 
Business Award. At its inception in 2018, the brewhall operated 
modestly with a nine-member team, opening its doors for just 41 hours 
across five days each week. During that time, the team focused on 
brewing and, as demand grew, distributing its unique beers. Today, they 
employ 27 workers, with over half of the original staff still remaining 
on the team and have grown their customer base and expanded their 
offerings to include morning coffee and espresso over 86 hours every 
week.
  I'm grateful for co-founders, Ryan Lindquist and Damon Schuler's role 
in the revitalization of downtown Shakopee by turning their historic 
space into Scott County's first taproom and coffeehouse. Their 
leadership of the brewhall showcased necessary innovation when pivoting 
to distribution during the pandemic and working with other local small 
businesses. I've also appreciated their ``Share More Than A Beer Day,'' 
which creates awareness and financial support for partnering 
organizations and has led to more than $50,000 in donations to local 
non-profits.
  It was a special honor to join Shakopee Brewhall's Caitlin Drayna at 
the Chamber's Awards Gala on October 19th. It is my privilege to 
represent Shakopee Brewhall in Congress and I look forward to sharing a 
beer together soon.

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