The Montana Brewers Association, Montana Tavern Association, and Montana Restaurant Association announced today they are teaming up to launch a “buy local beer” campaign in support of Montana craft beer and local businesses.

The campaign was originally announced during the Montana Brewers Association’s annual conference in October where the campaign was described as a series of three stickers intended to be attached to anything that moves. (I’m paraphrasing.) As the press release below explains, this is still the case and the stickers will be available at participating taverns, restaurants and breweries.

If there’s one thing Montanans do well, it’s buying local beer. Our taprooms fill a niche and provide a popular community center of sort across the state.  They might even get you elected mayor. Indeed, as noted in the press release, Montana’s restaurants and taverns are increasingly responding to locals’ and tourists’ desires to enjoy Montana’s locally made beer.

Hopefully, this joint effort becomes part of a broader move to help remove barriers to the continued growth and success of Montana’s brewing industry – a success which most certainly improves when manufacturers, wholesales and retailers work together.

Here’s a look at the three stickers:

The one in the middle looks like someone got really pissed off at Idaho, but there’s certainly nothing wrong with getting the word out about buying local Montana beer.  And who doesn’t love a good beer sticker?  Heck, prior to last year’s Missoula Craft Beer Week, I created this one:

Find me while out and about and you can have one.  You can also get it on an awesome t-shirt.

Here is the full text of today’s press release:

Montana Breweries, Taverns and Restaurants Team up for Buy Local Beer Campaign
Beer Lovers Encouraged to Support Local Businesses, Enjoy Montana Craft Beer

Signs reading “Buy Local Beer Here” are showing up on the store fronts of Montana breweries, taverns and restaurants as part of a new campaign to promote Montana craft beer.

“Montana brewers are excited to see more taverns and restaurants getting on board with Montana craft beer. On a basic level it’s about responding to consumer demand, but it’s also about supporting local businesses and keeping more dollars in the local economy,” said Josh Townsley, President of the Montana Brewers Association.

The Montana Brewers Association, Montana Restaurant Association and Montana Tavern Association teamed up for the “Buy Local Beer” campaign.

“Montana taverns are excited to partner with Montana brewers to provide consumers exciting new craft products,” said Jim Johnson, President of the Montana Tavern Association.

With breweries now in over thirty cities and towns across Montana and demand for craft beer on the rise, more bars and restaurants are putting beer from local breweries on tap. What was once a niche market has now expanded into nearly every eatery and watering hole in the State.

“Montana’s restaurant owners are in the business of responding to consumer demand and Montana’s craft brews are very popular.  That’s why we are pleased to help promote the drink local campaign,” said Brad Anderson, Owner of Buffalo Wild Wings in Montana.

The “Buy Local Beer” campaign is also engaging the public and encouraging people to get involved on social media. Craft beer lovers can show their support for Montana craft beer with stickers that are available at taverns, restaurants and breweries participating in the campaign. Craft beer lovers are encouraged to post pictures of their “Buy Local Beer” stickers with the hashtags #BuyLocalBeer and #MTbeer.

“Look out for the ‘Buy Local Beer Here’ sign on store fronts and slap a sticker on your car, bike, skis or boat to show support for Montana craft beer,” said Townsley.

For more information, go to www.montanabrewers.org/buylocalbeer

~ Follow Growler Fills on Twitter and Facebook ~