Boulevard Brewing Reports for Fundraising Duty Brewery to sponsor U.S.S. Missouri (SSN-780) Commissioning

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 30, 2010 – When Boulevard Brewing Company began to consider becoming an official sponsor of the U.S.S. Missouri (SSN-780) Commissioning Committee, the Kansas City craft brewer knew right away that it didn’t want to simply cut a check. Instead, Missouri’s largest American-owned brewery saw an opportunity to inform citizens about the new Virginia-class submarine while enlisting their participation in this historic event.

For every barrel of Boulevard beer sold in the state of Missouri during the months of May, June, and July, the company will contribute $1.00 to the Commissioning Committee. “No matter what Boulevard product a customer buys—a six-pack, a bottle of one of our Smokestack beers, or a pint at any Missouri bar or restaurant—money will be contributed to the Commissioning,” said Bob Sullivan, Boulevard’s chief sales and marketing officer. “With 40% of our sales coming from Missouri, we’re on track to be the event’s single largest contributor.”

In April, 12‑pack containers of gold medal-winning Boulevard Pilsner debuted in packages showcasing Boulevard’s sponsorship and featuring an illustration of the submarine. The brewery also created distinctive glassware, server apparel, and other materials retailers can use to promote the campaign. “The number of accounts that have embraced this opportunity has blown us away,” said Tod Smith, director of sales for the brewery. “It’s been really gratifying to see Missourians sense of pride and their eagerness to support our troops.”

The U.S.S. Missouri is the seventh of the new Virginia-class submarines. Longer than a football field and weighing in at more than 7,800 tons, she is manned by a crew of 134, who will go to sea for months at a time. The commissioning will take place on July 31st in Groton, Conn. The ship is expected to see at least 30 years of active duty.

About Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to be the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest, dedicated to the craft of producing fresh, flavorful beers using traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. Boulevard’s portfolio of year-round and seasonal beers are available in 12 Midwestern states, with selected offerings distributed in an additional eight states.