Cedar Rapids, IA – February 3, 2016, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance names Cedar Ridge Distillery, 2015 Small Business of the Year. The Small Business of the Year recognizes the outstanding work of a locally-owned and small business, characterized by business excellence, community involvement and sales and earnings growth. We look for a company that exceeds customer and client expectations, seeks to better the community and commits to the professional growth of their associates.
Upon receiving the award Wednesday afternoon at the Economic Alliance Annual Meeting, Owner & Founder, Jeff Quint explains to attendees, “The whole premise behind starting Cedar Ridge Distillery was that Iowa makes more corn than any state in the country, and that most distilled spirits are made from corn, yet, before Cedar Ridge, we Iowans were importing 100% of the $300 million in distilled spirits we consume annually. We’re literally sending our money to other states and other countries to make spirits out of our own raw materials.”
Quint adds, “If we could only reverse that statistic, and become an exporter instead of an importer, the positive economic impact to our area would be tremendous.” And, that is precisely what Cedar Ridge intends to do.
In 2005, Cedar Ridge became the first licensed distillery in the state of Iowa since Prohibition, when owners Jeff and Laurie Quint aimed to follow a long family tradition of Iowa farmers and distillers, including Jeff’s father and grandfather, who produced locally made brandies. Cedar Ridge produces wines from its own estate-grown grapes and crafts its award-winning spirits in its three custom-engineered German pot stills. The lush 5,000 vines and 15,000 square foot winery, distillery, tasting room and event center provide quality wines, spirits and an exciting entertainment experience for our Creative Corridor.
For additional information contact Cedar Ridge’s General Manager, Jamie Siefken at (319)857-4300 or by email at jamie@crwine.com