TZG's Eric Orlando named recipient of the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award
We are thrilled to share that Eric Orlando has been named the recipient of the 2024 F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award on behalf of The Brewers Association (BA). The Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers. Since 1987, the association has recognized individuals who have positively contributed to the craft beer community.
The F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award is named for the late F.X. Matt of F.X. Matt Brewing Co., is presented to an individual or company for their contributions and efforts in championing the small brewing industry. The Brewer’s association highlight that Eric, “is a tireless industry advocate with more than two decades of experience providing legislative and public affairs counsel as it relates to policy development, grassroots outreach, coalition development, direct advocacy, press relations, and research… Orlando serves as the government affairs director for the Brewers Guild of New Jersey and sits as a board member on both the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association and Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Orlando’s advocacy efforts have resulted in significant legislative wins for the craft beer community. In 2012, he advocated for the passage of Public Law 2012, Chapter 47, which, for the first time in the state’s history, gave breweries the ability to sell pints of their beer for consumption on-premise, and brewpubs the ability to open up to ten locations in New Jersey. Then, in 2022, Eric gained state financial support for the industry through the passage of Public Law 2021, Chapter 438, which established the ‘New Jersey Brewery, Cidery, Meadery, and Distillery Industry Advisory Council and Promotion Account’ that utilized craft beverage alcohol excise tax revenue to promote the state’s craft beverage industry and fund research activities. Most recently, in 2023, Eric led New Jersey’s government affairs and strategic communications efforts to end state-imposed license restrictions through the signing of Public Law 2023, Chapter 290.”
Eric appreciates this prestigious recognition and we congratulate all the outstanding individuals who received Industry Awards.
About The Zita Group
The Zita Group is a woman-owned government and public affairs firm, both founded and led by Patrizia “Trish” Zita. Our bipartisan, experienced team of strategic consultants is widely respected by elected, appointed and government officials of both parties across New Jersey’s political landscape. We provide our clients with unique insights into the decision-making process at the highest levels. We bring to bear credible working relationships with executive branch officials, legislators, and staff. Our team’s effectiveness has been demonstrated again and again by the results we achieve for our clients.
