On Monday, Albany County approved a contract with Discover Albany for promotion, marketing and advertisement to support the Albany County Craft Beverage Trail that is currently under development.

The $40,000 contract, approved by the Contract Administration Board (CAB), is the latest step in the County’s efforts to establish a Beverage Trail which will highlight the wide assortment of craft beverage production businesses in the County while attracting patrons and tourists to the area. The Albany County Legislature included the funding in the 2023 adopted budget and is in addition to $30,000 that was approved in the fall of 2022 for the development of the initiative.

“The craft beverage industry is an asset to our County and as it continues to grow, it will help foster additional economic development, revenue, tourism and jobs, while providing more opportunities for Albany County residents to spend their money in their own neighborhoods,” Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce, a CAB member. “The Albany County Legislature’s previous funding for the creation of wayfinding signs and this investment into marketing and advertising will help increase interest in and demand for our local brewers and distillers. We look forward to working with Discover Albany on moving this venture forward.”

“The Albany County Beverage trail will be an important tool to help connect residents and visitors alike with the amazing craft beverages produced in our County,” said Albany County Legislator Matthew Peter. “This could not be possible without the work of the Covid Economic Recovery Task Force and my fellow members, Legislators Wanda Willingham and Jeff Perlee, our Chairman Andrew Joyce, our Majority leader Dennis Feeney, County Executive McCoy and his team as well Discover Albany. I’m excited to see what the future holds for the Albany County Beverage Trail; this investment is only the beginning.”

Discover Albany is the designated Tourism Promotion Agency for Albany County. The organization will be in charge of website development, physical marketing materials and an online marketing campaign for the trail.

“Discover Albany is thrilled to partner with Albany County in bringing the Albany County Craft Beverage Trail to life,” said Jill Delaney, president & CEO of Discover Albany. “Our marketing and promotions will draw attention to the abundance of incredible craft beverage producers right here in Albany County, driving more visitors to their doors, while cementing Albany County's place as a growing Agritourism destination.”