BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, recently took his “Made in MD” jobs tour to Union Craft Brewery, whose “beer unites!” philosophy has propelled exceptional growth since producing the first batch of its flagship “Duckpin Pale Ale” in 2012.

In the past five years, Union Craft Brewing has grown from having 3 to 20 employees, amassing a lineup of 35 beers and numerous accolades. Having expanded its production facility multiple times and with another expansion forthcoming, Union Craft has developed a loyal and growing customer base. It also has remained engaged in efforts to build community; the company’s record of local charitable engagement is lengthy and its taproom is a neighborhood hub.

“We are three guys with roots in Baltimore and when it came time to open a business we knew it had to be in the city. We’re really proud to be able make a quality product while fostering a sense of community and providing jobs,” said Kevin Blodger, Union Craft Brewing founder and director of brewing operations. “You hear a lot of lip service about ‘Maryland being open for business,’ but it’s great to see Senator Cardin walk the talk through his support of small business in Maryland and, specifically in our case, through his support of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act.”

“I created my ‘Made in MD’ jobs tour to celebrate the diversity of Maryland-made products and the Marylanders who create them, and Union Craft Brewing is a prime example of a business expanding the regional reach of its brand by staying true to its local roots,” said Senator Cardin. “I have introduced legislation in the Senate to help ensure that small breweries can compete in the marketplace on a level playing field, and will continue to fight for it and other measures so Maryland small businesses and our manufacturing sector remain vital.”