Yesterday, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) visited Gate City Beverage Distributors in San Bernardino to continue his tour of Inland Empire businesses.  Rep. Aguilar toured the facility and spoke with executives and staff members about ways to help local businesses grow.  Gate City supplies beverages to over 3,800 accounts between San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, and has been in operation since 1927.

“I enjoyed walking around Gate City and meeting many of their dedicated employees.  This is a great example of a locally owned business that values its workers and continues to look for ways to expand.  I am committed to ensuring Inland Empire businesses like Gate City have the resources they need to hire more people and grow their companies,” said Rep. Aguilar.

Eddie Buenrostro, General Manager, added, “It was our pleasure to show the Congressman the history of our family owned and operated business.  Gate City Beverage Distributors has been a staple of the community for 88 years and we feel it’s important for us to establish relationships with existing and new leaders of the community.”

Since taking office in January, Rep. Aguilar has taken many steps to support small business owners.  Since releasing his jobs plan in April of this year, Rep. Aguilar has introduced two bills aimed at empowering Inland Empire businesses to expand their workforce. The On-the-Job Training Tax Credit Act of 2015 and the Small Business Jobs Act of 2015 both provide tax credits to business owners, encouraging them to grow their workforce and increase business throughout San Bernardino County.  Rep. Aguilar also co-sponsored the Small Brew Act, which reduces the federal excise tax on small brewers, leveling the playing field and increasing competition with large beer producers. Rep. Aguilar is also co-sponsoring the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which will streamline regulations and reduce taxes for brewers.