[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15387]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMENDING ALLAGASH BREWING COMPANY

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, in today's uncertain and difficult 
economic climate, countless small businesses are seeking new tools and 
resources to stay afloat. That is why we passed the American Recovery 
and Reinvestment Act--to get our economy on the right track, and to 
help those business owners in need of a lifeline to outlast this 
recession. I rise today to recognize a small brewer from my home State 
of Maine that is making use of a critical provision that was included 
in the bill.
  Allagash Brewing Company is a small brewery based in Maine's largest 
city, Portland. Founded in 1995 by owner Rob Tod, Allagash's mission 
was to fill a missing niche in American craft brewing movement--Belgian 
style beers. Mr. Tod noticed the prevalence of British and German style 
beers, but felt that consumers were missing out on a quality product. 
And so, he began producing Allagash White, his version of the 
traditional Belgian white beer. It was an immediate hit in the Portland 
area, and Mr. Tod soon began shipping the beer across Maine. He also 
hired two additional brewers and embarked on the production of a new 
Allagash Double Ale, modeled after another Belgian style established by 
Trappist monks centuries ago, and still popular to this day. Over time, 
Allagash's line of beers has grown to include roughly 20 exquisite 
styles available in over 20 States nationwide, including a ``Reserve'' 
line of distinctive beers that have been fermented twice, through a 
time-honored process known as the methode champenoise.
  As a unique way to give back to the greater Portland community, the 
brewery has established an Allagash Tribute Series, whereby the company 
donates $1 from the sale of every bottle of specific beers to local 
nonprofits, charities, and other civic organizations. For example, sale 
of the Fluxus variety helps the Allagash Pediatric Scholarship, 
established to support the training of nurses at the Maine Medical 
Center. Additionally, the sale of Hugh Malone Ale assists the Maine 
Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, America's oldest and largest 
coalition of State organic farmers with over 5,500 members. And 
Victoria Ale benefits the restoration of downtown Portland's Victoria 
Mansion, a national historic landmark.
  In addition to caring for its neighbors, Allagash takes care of its 
own employees. Mr. Tod offers health care to all 20 of his employees. 
Furthermore, to invest in his company's--and, therefore, his 
employees'--future, Mr. Tod has already taken advantage of a small 
business expensing provision that was part of the Recovery Act signed 
into law earlier this year. The measure provides an extension for 2009 
of enhanced section 179 small business expensing at a level of 
$250,000, allowing small businesses in Maine and throughout the Nation 
to make investments in plant and equipment that they can deduct 
immediately instead of depreciating over a period of 5, 7, or more 
years. This offers entrepreneurs like Rob Tod the ability to grow and 
bolster their businesses despite the troubling economic picture.
  A small brewery with a big heart, Allagash Brewing Company's 
commitment to community and employees is impressive, and a model for 
other small businesses. Additionally, Allagash is working in smart and 
effective ways to emerge from this recession stronger than before. I 
commend Rob Tod and everyone at Allagash for their stellar work ethic 
and their fine products, and wish them much success in crafting a solid 
future.

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