Limited Edition Beer Promotes Union's Veterans Program

The Champaign area labor union representing plumbers, pipefitters and HVAC technicians is celebrating its 126th anniversary with a limited-edition beer can highlighting their program providing career opportunities to those serving our country.

United Association Local 149 partnered with Riggs Beer Company to can the American Lager, made with local grains and hops. A release party is set for 4pm-6pm Thursday May 22 at the veteran-owned brewery,1901 S High Cross Rd. in Urbana.
In addition to commemorating Local 149’s anniversary, the beer label also includes a QR code linking to the union’s Veterans In Piping program, which provides an accelerated training program for service members who are set to transition out of active duty. It provides those veterans with training, direct entry into the union’s world-class apprenticeship program, guaranteed job placement and lifelong career opportunities.
Union members, including those who are military veterans, helped Riggs brew the beer last month, allowing it to be released both at the brewery and distributed to stores across East Central Illinois in time for Memorial Day weekend.
“We are forever grateful to those who served our country and want to provide them with career opportunities after their service,” said Matt Kelly, Business Manager for U.A. Local 149. “This beer allows us to highlight that program, celebrate our veterans and also celebrate our union. We couldn’t think of a better brewery to partner with than Riggs, because it is owned by veterans – who are also making world-class beer.”
U.A. Local 149 was chartered on June 10, 1899 and today represents more than 600 members. They work at dozens of area businesses, as well as the University of Illinois and Eastern Illinois University.