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2016 SESSION

16105389D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 296
Offered February 12, 2016
Commending Silverback Distillery.
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Patrons-- Bell, Richard P.; Senator: Deeds
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WHEREAS, Silverback Distillery in Afton, which opened in 2014, has been a leader in the Commonwealth for its commitment to minimizing energy usage and reducing its environmental impact while producing the finest quality spirits; and

WHEREAS, Christine Riggleman and her husband, Denver, the founders of Silverback Distillery, are dedicated to being exemplary stewards of the environment, and their mission is to be industry leaders in “green” distilling and production methodologies; and

WHEREAS, the manufacturing process at Silverback Distillery incorporates several innovative technologies that are not normally seen in facilities that manufacture grain spirits; the company utilizes geothermal heating and cooling processes to heat and cool liquids used during the distillation process; and

WHEREAS, Silverback Distillery also relies on a dedicated heat exchanger to reduce energy costs by saving the heated water from the geothermal chilling processes to cook the company’s proprietary whiskey mash; an added bonus is that by creating a secondary use for the heated water, the company reduces its water consumption; and

WHEREAS, additionally, these pioneering energy-conserving technologies have enabled Silverback Distillery to reduce the amount of electricity that a distillery typically uses in conventional chilling methods by 80 percent; and

WHEREAS, high-efficiency electric boilers and optimized lighting and heating systems further help reduce Silverback Distillery’s carbon footprint; the company’s distillery building also was designed and built to accommodate a solar panel system that, when installed, will help heat the large quantities of water that are needed for distillation and provide interior and exterior lighting; and

WHEREAS, Silverback Distillery works in partnership with local farmers who provide all of the rye, winter wheat, white corn, and malted barley grains for the distillery; after the distillation process is completed, the spent mash is used as fertilizer or animal feed, both of which are uses approved by the Environmental Protection Agency; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Silverback Distillery in Afton for the company’s admirable commitment to reducing its environmental impact throughout its entire distilling and production process; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Christine Riggleman and Denver Riggleman III, founders of Silverback Distillery, as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect and admiration for the company’s work to be an exemplary steward of the environment.