00:00 - Thank you for being here. We really appreciate it.

00:02 - Round of applause to you.

00:11 - We're going to have

00:12 - a series of speakers tonight and then some other fun stuff as well.

00:16 - But we're going to start off with the stars of the show.

00:19 - So if we can get Miss Pennsylvania, Victoria

00:23 - and also my main man, Jimmy.

00:27 - We're going to start

00:28 - with the pledge and the national anthem.

00:31 - Thank you.

00:38 - I pledge allegiance to the flag

00:40 - of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands.

00:45 - One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty

00:50 - and justice for all.

00:58 - Oh, say, can you see.

01:03 - By the dawn's early light.

01:08 - What so proudly we hailed.

01:13 - At the twilight's last gleaming.

01:17 - Whose broad stripes and bright stars.

01:22 - Through the perilous fight,

01:27 - or the ramparts we watched,

01:31 - were so gallantly streaming.

01:36 - And the rockets red glare, the bombs

01:41 - bursting in air,

01:45 - gave proof through the night

01:49 - that our flag was still there.

01:54 - Oh, say, does that star spangled

01:59 - banner yet wave o'er

02:05 - the land of the free and

02:09 - the home of the

02:12 - brave.

02:25 - As a whole lot of America going on right now.

02:28 - And a whole lot of Pennsylvania, America and the

02:34 - the chants are.

02:35 - And thank you.

02:36 - The, and the polls are in

02:38 - and it is unanimous.

02:41 - Jimmy, our fearless leader, Cassandra Sun, has stolen the show

02:46 - and outshine Miss Pennsylvania.

02:56 - And with that, I would like to introduce someone.

02:58 - Introduce somebody who needs no introduction.

03:01 - Cassandra Coleman has been rocking America

03:04 - 250 PA for years,

03:07 - well ahead of other states, and I would argue, ahead of the nation.

03:11 - And we would love for her to come up and say a few words.

03:14 - Cassandra.

03:20 - Thank you so much.

03:22 - I'm just going to try to adjust that a little bit.

03:25 - So good evening everyone, and happy Thursday Thursday to those who celebrate.

03:29 - Right.

03:30 - Thank you for coming out to celebrate with us tonight.

03:34 - Honesdale, is an important place in Pennsylvania story.

03:38 - And as a child of northeastern Pennsylvania, it's a joy to be here

03:42 - celebrating something new that reflects our shared

03:46 - pride and hometown spirit.

03:49 - Declaration is just another way to tell our story.

03:53 - It's made with pencil ingredients

03:56 - wrapped in Pennsylvania history

03:59 - and built through a partnership grounded in pride and purpose.

04:04 - We at America 50 PA say that this commemoration

04:07 - is for everyone we meet it.

04:10 - This includes the history buffs, the community leaders,

04:14 - the kids who love a good sparkler, and yes, the craft beer fans.

04:19 - That's fitting because beer has always brought people together.

04:24 - And in colonial America, it was part of everyday life.

04:28 - When they weren't declaring independence,

04:30 - our founders were brewing and enjoying beer.

04:34 - And just like the semi-colon declaration

04:37 - is proudly Pennsylvanian and made to be shared.

04:46 - I had the chance to taste it for the first time

04:49 - at our Pocono Raceway event, where we were honored

04:53 - to have our governor, Josh Shapiro, join us for an inaugural toast.

04:57 - And when I told a few folks that we were adding a beer

05:00 - to our list of different projects, they gave me that look.

05:04 - The one that says, are you sure about this?

05:06 - However, those same folks, some who were at Pocono,

05:10 - tasted it, smiled and said, okay, this works.

05:14 - And now they're asking how they can buy it.

05:16 - So this makes me laugh

05:18 - because it also captures what we're trying to do at American.

05:22 - We're building real excitement for this.

05:24 - Once in a generation anniversary.

05:27 - We're bringing Pennsylvanians together through art, through education,

05:31 - through public service games, and now through beer.

05:36 - Our friends at Runaway Train Brewery have been incredible partners.

05:40 - So having another round of applause for them.

05:47 - Their team

05:48 - poured care and meaning into every detail from them.

05:53 - Dunlap broadside font to the 67 counties listed on the label.

05:58 - This beer reflects a deep pride in the Commonwealth's

06:02 - founding role and enduring impact.

06:06 - Every can tells a story.

06:08 - Every sip honors the journey that brought us here

06:12 - and points us towards the next chapter.

06:17 - So today, soon

06:19 - we will raise our glasses not only to this great beer,

06:22 - but to the people and the places that make Pennsylvania special

06:27 - to community, to craft, and especially to 2026.

06:32 - And I can't wait to raise a glass in a few minutes with you.

06:36 - And again, thank you for joining us.

06:43 - What a powerhouse this is.

06:47 - So there is a story

06:50 - to this project called declaration.

06:53 - I'd like to introduce my partner Vince Benedetto.

06:56 - Please come up and tell you a little bit about the start to finish

07:00 - and how this impacts

07:01 - not only this business, but our community and the story behind the brand.

07:15 - Okay.

07:19 - Well, I first want to

07:22 - thank Cassandra and her amazing America 250 team.

07:27 - The work they are doing across the Commonwealth is truly extraordinary.

07:32 - And I think it's safe to say that of all the 50 states,

07:34 - our Commonwealth is going to have the most special

07:37 - and absolutely the most spectacular 250th celebration.

07:40 - So big round of applause.

07:47 - On behalf of the team here at Runaway Train Brewery,

07:50 - including my partners in this endeavor, Greg Pollack, Joseph Napoli and Justin

07:54 - Kensinger, as well as our head brewer, Kevin gets the management here.

07:59 - The wonderful staff.

08:00 - Welcome to Runaway Train and to Honesdale, which is now proudly

08:05 - the home of the official America 250 PA beer

08:08 - for Pennsylvania.

08:16 - I want to acknowledge my Bold Gold Media Group team,

08:19 - who have played a very instrumental role also in this process,

08:22 - and I want to give a very special shout out to our Bold

08:26 - Gold chief Digital Strategist, who served as the lead designer

08:30 - of the truly remarkable label for this very special beer.

08:34 - Jamie Lazaroff Jamie.

08:42 - So at Runaway

08:43 - Train, as you might imagine, we love history.

08:47 - We love American history.

08:48 - We love Pennsylvania history. We love Honesdale history.

08:51 - We love train history.

08:53 - In 1829, just steps from the brewery

08:57 - outside these doors, not very far on the famous railroad tracks.

09:01 - History was made here when the very first commercial locomotive,

09:05 - the Sturbridge Lion, made its debut, making Honesdale forever

09:10 - the birthplace of the American railroad.

09:14 - So everything we do here

09:16 - right at the brewery is designed around that history.

09:19 - This very building, located along those famed

09:23 - railroad tracks, is designed to make you feel as if you've entered a train station

09:28 - and that you're ready for a very special journey.

09:30 - And it has been in that spirit that we embarked on the collaboration

09:34 - with America. 250

09:36 - creating this beer together.

09:38 - We worked on two parallel paths, both the beer itself and of course, the label

09:44 - with the beer.

09:46 - We agreed early on that it needed to be something

09:48 - that could be enjoyed by the largest number of Pennsylvanians.

09:52 - A true beer for the people, if you will.

09:54 - It would need to be an easy drinking beer that would be versatile,

09:58 - refreshing, and able to be enjoyed year round,

10:01 - but especially at outdoor summer events and certainly those leading up to

10:06 - and through the July 4th summer celebrations next year.

10:10 - It also needed to be able to be made with premium Pennsylvanians gradients,

10:15 - and therefore could be PA preferred

10:18 - on the label. So.

10:27 - So after much

10:27 - taste testing, which was quite fun

10:31 - and perfecting, we settled on what is now known as Declaration Lager,

10:36 - the notes of which have been described as a delicious taste of Pilsner malt,

10:40 - with a finish and mouthfeel of Munich and a touch of size hops.

10:44 - It's crisp, it's refreshing and at 4% ABV,

10:49 - we believe it's all day drinkable, which,

10:52 - many of us are anxious to put that theory to a test.

10:56 - I already have

10:58 - no comment on that.

11:00 - So the striking artwork on the label,

11:04 - those of you who are familiar with our runaway train products,

11:08 - know we take particular pride in creating extraordinary

11:10 - labels and themes for our beers.

11:13 - And it was important to America 250 PA as well as us

11:17 - that the label itself become a keepsake for you.

11:21 - We wanted something that, of course represented 250 years of America,

11:26 - but also equally our beautiful Commonwealth.

11:29 - We wanted it to be strong with symbolism and iconic and imagery,

11:33 - but also have some elegant Easter eggs hidden within it.

11:38 - So let me walk you through some of the key elements.

11:42 - Of course, it has the name declaration.

11:50 - Boldly displayed.

11:51 - Now, what you will notice about the name declaration is exactly in the font.

11:57 - It's exactly in the font of the Declaration of Independence.

12:01 - Here.

12:02 - Okay, we have a towering Independence Hall.

12:07 - Supporting this image and supporting the Founding Fathers

12:11 - is a map of Pennsylvania, the Keystone State.

12:15 - Of course, a silhouette of the founders

12:18 - holding a scroll, making a bold pronouncement,

12:21 - but also looking out into the future, optimistically.

12:26 - We have our slogan, Liberty and lager for all, for the beer.

12:30 - Of course, we have the America 250 PA slogan

12:33 - proudly displayed as well as the font and the slogan start here, America did.

12:38 - Of particular note in addition to the handwritten match of the declaration.

12:44 - Much of the font text, the printed text is actually the same font of the famous

12:49 - Dunlap broadside, which was the very first printing on July 4th, 1776,

12:55 - of the Declaration of Independence by Patriot and Pennsylvanian John Dunlap.

13:00 - So the very first time

13:01 - most Pennsylvanians heard about and read about the declaration,

13:05 - it was when they saw it in the Dunlap broadside that was printed.

13:09 - We also have the PA preferred logo and seal displayed,

13:15 - and perhaps

13:15 - one of my favorite hidden Easter eggs is we have a subtle

13:20 - Keystone State logo here, as well

13:23 - as in all four corners, and all of

13:26 - this is framed in a parchment color,

13:30 - listing all 67 counties of Pennsylvania.

13:34 - So no matter where you are in 2026, when you're drinking this beer

13:39 - from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to Honesdale

13:43 - to Erie and everywhere in between, when you're drinking this beer,

13:47 - your home county is equally represented with all the others.

13:52 - So we're very proud of this artwork.

13:53 - That makes a bold statement, a patriotic statement.

13:57 - And really, like I said, we wanted it to be a keepsake.

14:02 - So people would want to keep the label, keep the can, and celebrate.

14:06 - So 50 years hence, when the 300th comes up,

14:09 - they're still looking at the two 50th. So.

14:15 - Last but not least,

14:18 - probably the most special thing about being here today is many of you in

14:22 - a few minutes will get to taste the beer for the first time in a special toast.

14:27 - Also, special is the only place aside

14:31 - from some select America 250 PA events here in 2025,

14:35 - the only place the beer will be available in cans, in growlers,

14:40 - or on tap will be exclusively at Runaway Train Brewery

14:44 - until it rolls out across the entire Commonwealth in 2026.

14:49 - So I want to tell everybody here, thank you so much.

14:53 - We're looking forward to Pennsylvanians across the state lifting a glass,

14:59 - celebrating our great history, celebrating all that we have in common.

15:03 - And since the founding of this country, beer has brought Pennsylvanians

15:07 - and Americans together.

15:08 - And we're looking forward to it, doing it again here at the two 50th.

15:12 - Thank you very much.

15:15 - Thanks again.

15:16 - This.

15:21 - Sorry about their

15:24 - contamination.

15:24 - Thank you.

15:32 - Vince.

15:33 - Impressive. Thank you.

15:35 - Just a public service announcement.

15:37 - I know the weather didn't cooperate with indoor outdoor, but,

15:41 - if everyone who is happily spending their money at the bar.

15:45 - If we could, just have your patience with, volume levels

15:49 - for a few more minutes.

15:50 - The party will begin soon.

15:53 - And, speaking of a party,

15:55 - there is one guy here is most likely the funniest person

16:00 - in the room, and I'm happy to call him my friend.

16:03 - That's not really your name, because I think he's almost everyone's friend.

16:07 - But, here to talk about what governor Josh Shapiro has done

16:12 - to invest in America.

16:14 - 250 PR Drew Pappas, come up and give us a few words.

16:23 - I literally I literally was

16:24 - thinking, was he going to introduce who's he talking about?

16:27 - Why everyone.

16:29 - Drew Pappas, Northeast regional director for, Governor Shapiro.

16:32 - And I mean, I guess for tonight, also a fellow cheerleader of the year.

16:37 - It's not every day that I get to go to a, a brewery and say that

16:42 - I'm doing the work of the governor, but, I mean, I'll take it,

16:45 - and I will definitely enjoy it.

16:49 - And you know what?

16:50 - We know, honestly, though, I never felt more patriotic drinking a beer.

16:53 - And I have drank many of the years before, so this is like a new thing we're doing.

16:58 - So thank you.

16:59 - So let me try to see if I could read these remarks.

17:03 - I tried to prepare

17:05 - that.

17:05 - I normally just wing things, so it doesn't always work out so well.

17:08 - So, Oh, you know what I do want to say, though, we're not only here to,

17:12 - like, talk about,

17:13 - you know, great beer, but we're also here to talk about a great cause.

17:16 - And that's America to EPA.

17:18 - So please, first let's give it up for American Diva.

17:21 - Thank you.

17:22 - And, and they are they are leading us on this,

17:26 - this journey to our nation's 250th birthday.

17:29 - And, the governor is, completely supportive of this commission

17:33 - and this initiative and has really invested in,

17:37 - and all the programs that are going to be across the state

17:39 - to make sure that everyone in all 67 states can participate from,

17:42 - you know, Wayne County to Allegheny County and everything in between,

17:45 - that they get to be part of this. This moves,

17:48 - there's wheels on this just for the next speaker.

17:49 - So you guys know, but,

17:54 - I think that, the beer is probably delicious.

17:57 - I'm not gonna lie.

17:58 - I didn't try it, at all yet, but I, I mean, not going to be.

18:03 - So I'm a Coors Light kind of person.

18:04 - But I'm.

18:06 - But I have had many lager, and they are they are very tasty,

18:09 - but they're most importantly, they're Pennsylvania.

18:12 - This is this beer is Pennsylvania proud?

18:14 - It's, community crafted.

18:16 - And it is, it is a

18:20 - a wrapped with our history of our founding.

18:23 - Right.

18:23 - And listen, I guarantee you that if our, founding

18:27 - fathers were here today, that they would,

18:31 - trade in their wigs for a pint of this beer, I I guarantee you so.

18:35 - So. Right. Right. Yeah.

18:37 - Thank you. Chelsea.

18:39 - Thank you.

18:39 - Someone.

18:40 - But, yeah, I do, but I do want to give a big shout out to Cassandra

18:45 - and her team, because the work you're doing is exceptional.

18:48 - Yeah, it is.

18:49 - And if you really think about it, what you what you guys are doing,

18:54 - you're taking this bold, bold vision, and you are just, you know,

18:59 - making it accessible to everyone, and you're making it inclusive.

19:02 - And that is just that is huge.

19:04 - And you're also reminding people that

19:06 - our history is not just like in the past, but we're living it every day presently.

19:10 - And, and now we're toasting to it.

19:12 - I think also, Cassandra, maybe we could do a rosé.

19:17 - Like, maybe we'll do like, I mean, like, just to have.

19:20 - But you know what I mean? Put it.

19:21 - Anyone can do it. You can do it. Yeah, yeah.

19:24 - I didn't even read this. Guys. I'm sorry. So.

19:26 - But thank you so much for having me, Cassandra.

19:28 - And and team and company and everyone here, and, you know, let's let's have beer.

19:35 - I have my steak card, so I

19:36 - can't have any beer, but I hope you guys do.

19:44 - Thank you.

19:44 - Drew.

19:45 - So obviously America 250 is not just about Pennsylvania.

19:50 - It's just primarily about Pennsylvania.

19:52 - So we we do have somebody on the national scene

19:56 - who's going to come up and give some remarks,

19:58 - and I will say a proud Pennsylvania and a great businessman

20:02 - and our newest congressman representing us in DC.

20:07 - And thank you for bringing money back to PA,

20:10 - and thank you for your support on this project.

20:12 - Congressman Rob Bresnahan.

20:18 - I mean, great, thank you.

20:21 - So I am not going to get in between people

20:24 - having fun and a bar and, chit chatting and talking.

20:29 - I'm also half Irish and half Italian, so I'm going to use this microphone.

20:33 - Listen, Cassandra, what you've been doing, I think, long

20:37 - before I ever had the twinkle in my eye to run for federal office.

20:41 - What I've seen you do to the community and the impact that you've had.

20:45 - Thank you for.

20:46 - And also, Cassandra and I live in a very close proximity to one another.

20:50 - Represent Exeter, Pennsylvania.

20:51 - But thank you for what you're doing to the community.

20:54 - And listen, anytime we can have fun with beer and I've gone the written.

20:57 - Right. A lot of really cool proclamations.

21:00 - But I've never had the opportunity to write a proclamation about beer.

21:04 - But also having the beer made at just an incredible facility.

21:09 - Vince,

21:10 - I can listen to you talk all day long, because every time you speak, I listen.

21:13 - And I learned so much,

21:15 - and take dating back to when we spent, like, three hours with Kevin.

21:19 - It's Kevin here tonight.

21:21 - Where's Kevin?

21:22 - The, our brewmaster in chief.

21:24 - Because I got to sample everything that was behind us.

21:27 - And it's just an incredible work of art.

21:30 - He's a magician.

21:31 - And just to the whole PA 250 movement.

21:34 - Thank you. For what? That you all do.

21:36 - And I did get to taste the beer at the Pocono Raceway.

21:39 - And we loved it so much that I think we have to back the trunk up of the car

21:43 - because Chelsea and his wedding, we're taking like eight cases.

21:47 - That's in two weeks.

21:48 - So thank you. I looks like that.

21:50 - That's good. Kevin,

21:53 - how are we doing? Beers. Awesome.

21:55 - I just want to present the Runaway Train Brewing Company.

21:57 - A proclamation for all of the incredible work that you're doing.

22:03 - So can I bring up the runaway train team here, quick?

22:06 - Yeah. So?

22:09 - So our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding

22:12 - in 2026, a significant milestone in our nation's history.

22:16 - In preparation for this camera, customer,

22:19 - camera nation states across the country are taking steps to recognize the occasion

22:23 - and honor their unique contributions to American heritage.

22:27 - The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania established

22:28 - the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States.

22:32 - Semi-synthetic centennial to help plan, encourage, and coordinate the Commonwealth

22:37 - Cup and combination of the country's 250th anniversary and its essential role.

22:41 - Runaway Train Brewery in Honesdale, Pennsylvania and America, 250

22:45 - PA have partnered on a special tribute to the Commonwealth's role in

22:49 - American history through the introduction of a special craft beer.

22:53 - Declaration and declaration is brewed onsite in Honesdale

22:56 - with premium Pennsylvania ingredients, and features a label highlighting

23:01 - elements from Pennsylvania's heritage that Vince just so eloquently highlighted.

23:05 - Drawing inspiration from the original Dunlap broadside

23:08 - printing of the Declaration of Independence,

23:10 - including topography and imagery of Independence Hall

23:13 - at all 67 counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

23:16 - So I therefore prevent present you with this proclamation.

23:20 - Thank you for all that you do, and just keep rocking and rolling.

23:26 - Thank you.

23:27 - Thank you.

23:30 - Yeah.

23:47 - Good.

23:48 - Thank you all.

23:49 - Thank you guys rock.

23:52 - Thank you Congressman.

23:55 - And I will say on behalf of the four partners

23:59 - and all of our other community investors in this project,

24:03 - many of which are here tonight, your recognition is appreciated.

24:08 - Our next speaker tonight.

24:10 - And if I could just keep the attention, please.

24:12 - I would love that so much because I am such a wonderful human being.

24:16 - Introduced next.

24:18 - And she is absolutely one of the best

24:21 - and most passionate district leaders in the state.

24:25 - Rosemary Brown, if you wouldn't mind saying a few words.

24:33 - Over time, because you couldn't see.

24:35 - Good evening everyone, and it is a pleasure to be here.

24:39 - And first and foremost, when I was a state representative,

24:43 - Cassandra comes in to see me, sends me a text message.

24:47 - And at that time she was working in Harrisburg and says, I'm

24:51 - going to start this America 250

24:55 - PA thing, you know, starts to introduce me to it.

24:58 - We talked about it when I came in tonight, and I think now she's

25:02 - considered the matriarch because seven and a half years, seven and a half years,

25:08 - she told me she is the longest person who has been doing this initiative.

25:13 - So again, well,

25:16 - and she always does

25:17 - it with a smile and, you know, does a great job.

25:20 - So we're very happy to have you leading us.

25:23 - Runaway Train Brewery.

25:24 - Fantastic job, Congressman Bresnahan.

25:27 - When I toured, they didn't give me a taste of every beer.

25:30 - I don't know, she's an art teacher and, vocal media.

25:34 - Wonderful. Logo.

25:36 - And I was so impressed with it, with all the history of it.

25:39 - But, you know, I'm the chairwoman of the Senate Community

25:42 - Economic and Recreational Development Committee in Harrisburg.

25:45 - And so when you look at these type of events, you look at these type of honors.

25:50 - The brewing business is huge in Pennsylvania.

25:53 - It's very competitive.

25:55 - And we got it here in Honesdale.

25:58 - And this honor, which is amazing.

26:03 - So, you know,

26:04 - when you look and you say all these type of events,

26:08 - they create excitement, they create tourism,

26:11 - they create economics, they create an understanding of our history.

26:16 - So it's all good.

26:17 - It's a win win around the board.

26:19 - And the economic piece is huge.

26:21 - This beer will be everywhere.

26:23 - I'm kind of informally calling it beer of the year.

26:26 - Which is sort of my, my little phrase, a beer of the year.

26:29 - But, it means more than that.

26:31 - And when you look at a lager and you look at,

26:35 - you look at the United States, you know, there's a little similarities here

26:38 - and there, right?

26:39 - They both they both come from, you know, history.

26:42 - They both come from, you know, immigration.

26:45 - They both come from, you know, economics a little bit.

26:47 - So there's a little bit there.

26:49 - But on the back of the T shirt it says Liberty and Lager for all.

26:56 - So just a nice reminder that we are so blessed to live in this country.

27:01 - And we are so blessed to have a gem like this brewery in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

27:06 - And I'm very proud to be the Senator of this district and wish you the best.

27:10 - We're here to support you in any way that we can. Thank you for.

27:18 - Thank you, Senator Rosemary Brown.

27:21 - Okay, very quick for our team.

27:25 - Let's start pouring those samples.

27:27 - It's getting to be that time.

27:33 - Where?

27:35 - Well, feel free to go by them.

27:37 - And we're also going to keep passing them.

27:39 - So you can have more than one gem.

27:42 - Because I heard that.

27:43 - But I know that we also have state

27:48 - elected officials from other districts here with us,

27:52 - and we have Jonathan

27:54 - Fritz couldn't be here because he might be the only one

27:56 - that everyone could hear in the back with his loud voice.

27:59 - But he does send his regards from this district.

28:02 - But I know we have, other state officials, if you don't mind

28:05 - just raising your hands and being recognized state officials.

28:10 - Thank you.

28:19 - Now, let's talk about Wayne County.

28:22 - So, a friend of ours who happens to know

28:25 - a little bit about the beer business is also a commissioner.

28:29 - Wayne County, a tremendous business representative in the community

28:34 - and also loves a good beer.

28:36 - And he's got a dynamite shirt on tonight.

28:40 - So if Jim could step up and say a few words

28:43 - about how projects like this help the county itself.

28:52 - Thank you.

28:53 - Justin, I think I got nominated because I had the shirt on.

28:55 - It's possible

28:58 - I, you know, standing in the back

29:00 - listening to everyone speak and seeing the crowd we have here tonight

29:04 - and watching how many pictures have been taken.

29:06 - I think each and every one of you have taken a picture.

29:09 - Take your favorite picture out of tonight.

29:11 - Print it.

29:12 - Don't just leave it on your phone, but print it, save it,

29:15 - pass it along to your children

29:17 - because I honestly believe that history is being made here tonight,

29:21 - and you're going to see this 100 years plus from now.

29:24 - So make sure that you take that opportunity to save this moment.

29:27 - I think it's a huge moment in the history of Wayne County.

29:30 - One thing I've been thinking about

29:32 - when I've been standing here is as an individual, as a man

29:35 - or woman, throughout your life, whether it's business

29:40 - or a city, a town, community or a county, you have to reinvent yourself.

29:45 - You always have to keep striving to achieve better and to do more.

29:50 - And that's what Wayne County has happened here.

29:52 - If you look back, as, Vince had mentioned almost 200 years ago,

29:57 - the locomotive train was invented here.

29:59 - That's history.

30:00 - Tonight, we're reinventing our history again.

30:03 - Something a lot of people.

30:05 - And in fact, I just learned it recently.

30:08 - But speaking of the declaration and the beginning of the Revolutionary

30:11 - War, Samuel Meredith lived in Bethany, Wayne County,

30:16 - and he spent his life savings funding the Revolutionary War

30:20 - to the point when he when the war was done, he was broke.

30:23 - He was a broken man.

30:24 - He had nothing left.

30:26 - But he was he resided here in Wayne County.

30:29 - So this place is history.

30:32 - And Wayne County keeps inventing history.

30:35 - And I think years and years and 100 years from now,

30:38 - we're all going to be drinking declaration or our, let's say,

30:41 - our ancestors, our future children will be drinking declaration.

30:45 - And one thing I've noticed about this beer,

30:48 - it really tastes like another and another.

30:51 - It is it really is a drinkable beer.

30:54 - So congratulations.

30:56 - You guys are making history today and I'm gonna be part of it.

31:04 - Very well said.

31:06 - And, we've had a lot of political, speakers here tonight.

31:10 - But one thing that the semicolon Centennial and this beer have in common,

31:16 - it doesn't care about party.

31:18 - Sorry, folks, but, and our next speaker is really bringing, I would say,

31:25 - generational change to Honesdale, both in community and local government.

31:31 - And if Mayor Derek could come up and say a few words, we would very much

31:35 - appreciate it.

31:39 - He's making.

31:43 - Hey, everybody, I should give a little behind the scenes story here.

31:46 - We're sitting over here.

31:47 - Justin's

31:47 - giving these great introductions about, next up is the most fun person ever.

31:51 - We're all like, this is going to be us.

31:53 - Of course. Of course not. It's always going to be drew.

31:55 - It's always going to be great.

31:57 - It's, It's I love being in this.

31:59 - This place.

32:00 - It brings back wonderful memories of meeting the governor

32:03 - one time, years ago here, I even saw a ghost.

32:05 - And I will not tell you which one of those moments I was a little tipsy for.

32:09 - But they're both true. They are both true.

32:13 - The anniversaries like this for America 250.

32:15 - In America 250.

32:17 - There's such a wonderful time to reflect.

32:19 - And here in Honesdale, a lot of that reflection

32:22 - kind of centers around our own local history, too.

32:24 - So next year, with the two 50th, we have kind of

32:27 - the start of many 200th anniversary of Honesdale.

32:30 - We have that. We have the founding.

32:32 - When the canal started picking up in town, we have the 1829 Stockbridge Lion Run.

32:36 - We have the incorporation of town.

32:38 - And it's really wonderful to have so many reasons

32:40 - to think about town, to think about the country,

32:43 - to think about where we've come from, where we are now and where we want to go.

32:47 - And it's a really wonderful to have another one of those opportunities

32:49 - right now with the celebration of this new beer,

32:52 - and to wonder

32:53 - what are all the wonderful things that we can be celebrating in the future

32:56 - that are rooted in Pennsylvania and Wayne County and Honesdale.

32:59 - So congratulations.

33:03 - Thank you, Mayor.

33:05 - Okay.

33:06 - We're going to do a little speed dating speaking.

33:08 - Right now.

33:09 - We have a few groups in the House that deserve an opportunity to say something.

33:14 - We would like you to say something.

33:16 - And, you represent community and economic development.

33:20 - So. Yes. Paul, come on up.

33:22 - And James Hamill, nice backwards hat.

33:25 - Chris nominated you m be in the Pocono Mountains.

33:28 - Get up here.

33:30 - I know that I saw Debbie with the chamber.

33:33 - So you get to come up to and

33:35 - with DHP, I believe Sandy is representing HP.

33:39 - I didn't see.

33:40 - And if not, Derek, you're going to have to take that.

33:42 - But I thought yes, we do. Okay.

33:44 - So, everybody, if you could say one thing,

33:47 - whether it's Beveridge Trail, economic development, downtown

33:51 - USA or our business league, we would appreciate that.

33:57 - Thank you so much.

33:58 - Justin. My name is Paul Magnitsky.

34:00 - I'm the regional director for the Department of Community

34:02 - and Economic Development, a sponsor of 250 very proud,

34:06 - Cassandra as a former colleague.

34:08 - And we miss her a lot in the governor's office, but she's doing incredible things.

34:12 - And as a result, we got through.

34:13 - So it's it's a win win.

34:16 - Sorry.

34:18 - Honesdale is really,

34:20 - not only the home of the,

34:23 - the, the beer of America 850,

34:26 - but a place that is on the rise in Pennsylvania, a renaissance, if you will.

34:30 - Incredible work going on by your,

34:33 - local, economic development, team here.

34:37 - And, and your elected officials do an incredible job.

34:41 - I have a lot to be proud of. And the future is very bright.

34:43 - And we're excited to be a part of it.

34:45 - And, thank you, Justin and your team for everything.

34:48 - Thanks for the Justin Taylor Mayakoba.

34:51 - I always think I'm the only Justin in the room, but I guess I'm not.

34:54 - Come up here and say a few things. For what? Rocco?

34:59 - Good evening everyone.

35:00 - Justin Taylor, I'm the new director at West Cole.

35:03 - Wayne economic development.

35:04 - Thank you. It's great to be here.

35:07 - I come from the big city of Carbondale, so I bring an outside perspective.

35:12 - And one thing I can tell you about Wayne County is Wayne County gets it.

35:17 - Wayne County understands the things that need to be done

35:20 - to make this a great place to live, to work, to visit, raise a family.

35:25 - There's no one better to do that than Settlers

35:28 - Hospitality Group, Runaway Train and Bold Gold Media.

35:32 - You have a mega partnership here that is putting Wayne County on the map.

35:36 - Happy to be a part of it. Thanks for the welcome.

35:39 - Congratulations to all of you.

35:40 - What an amazing job. Thanks.

35:44 - Preciate it.

35:45 - Jim Hamel, what's the Pocono beverage trail?

35:47 - I have to say?

35:51 - Justin speaks of this Pocono beverage trail,

35:53 - and there are multiple members throughout the four counties of the Poconos.

35:57 - Four of those counties of the 67 comprise the Pocono Mountains.

36:01 - We bring in 30 million visitors a year,

36:05 - 30 million people to our establishments to support economic development,

36:11 - but also the quality of life that Jim Chuck spoke to earlier tonight.

36:15 - And I think that we should be very proud of not just the Poconos of Pennsylvania,

36:20 - but of the United States of America,

36:22 - and the fact that we can all cheers that this year and into the future.

36:25 - So cheers to Runaway Train and the declaration.

36:30 - Thanks, my friend Debbie.

36:32 - Come up and say what the members and businesses for the chamber have to say.

36:37 - Thank you.

36:38 - I'm Debbie Gillette, I'm

36:39 - the executive director of the chamber of the Northern Poconos.

36:43 - And we're just very proud to have a product

36:46 - that's born here in the northern Pocono Mountains.

36:50 - And not only is Honesdale going to be known as the birthplace

36:53 - of the American commercial Railroad,

36:57 - but also declaration logger born right here in Honesdale, PA.

37:01 - So this just speaks volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit

37:05 - that we have here in Wayne and Pike counties.

37:08 - And we're just so very proud of our members here at Runaway Train Brewery.

37:11 - So congratulations.

37:14 - Thank you.

37:15 - Thank you, Debbie and Sandy representing the town of this place.

37:20 - Please say something to the DHP 50.

37:23 - Bring it down. Down for sure people. Hi.

37:27 - Thank you everybody so much for coming today.

37:30 - Couldn't be more proud

37:33 - of having runaway train here in Honesdale and having this beer

37:37 - represent the entire state of Pennsylvania.

37:41 - For the America 250 PA.

37:45 - I get to be so sorry.

37:48 - The economic impact of this is just going to be a huge benefit to Honesdale.

37:53 - And again, we couldn't be more proud.

37:54 - So we encourage everybody to shop local, shop small,

37:59 - come to Honesdale, have some beer and enjoy the rest of our town.

38:03 - While you're here at Chopper Shops and visit everybody.

38:06 - So thank you so much for supporting small town shop local.

38:10 - Thank you, thank you.

38:13 - Okay, I know you're tired of hearing us talk.

38:17 - The last thing that I have is just in addition to our state

38:21 - and federal representatives, we have elected officials from

38:25 - other towns, other areas here to support us, other counties, all part of the state.

38:30 - So whether it's prosecuting, if it's borough work,

38:35 - if it's council work, if you are one of the great towns

38:38 - representing Pennsylvania as a elected official

38:42 - and volunteer and or paid representative, please raise your hand

38:47 - if you need.

38:52 - Jesus.

38:54 - And on that note.

38:57 - Here.

38:59 - Cheers. Oh, yeah.

39:00 - Come on together, Rob and

39:04 - Rosemarie from

39:07 - wish Rob.

39:08 - There you go.

39:11 - Was was Rob.

39:14 - Come on up, Brian. Brian.

39:16 - Any speakers?

39:17 - Welcome to come up and do. Yes.

39:20 - First Rob.

39:22 - Nice job.

39:24 - Penny sitting down in the to 22nd here.

39:27 - Cheers I got it I got to I get.

39:33 - For Cassandra Coleman.

39:35 - We have such an adoration.

39:37 - Raise your glass and take a sip of declaration.

39:46 - So much.

39:48 - Oh. Cheers.