We just got word from Cannon County Administrator of Elections Stanley Dobson that our distillery petition has enough signatures and will qualify for the November 2, 2010 ballot. The certified petition will be presented to a special session of the county commission Aug. 28.

This will be Tennessee’s first distillery referendum under a new state law making it legal for distilleries to operate across the state. The new law requires a referendum process in counties where there is no liquor by the drink or package stores.

The referendum process has been a wonderful opportunity for us to meet voters and to hear their stories and their pride in our history. It’s also been an eye-opener to what we need to preserve our way of life and that’s jobs and tourism.

In November’s general election, Cannon County voters can now vote YES for jobs and tourism.

Over the next couple of months we hope you can help us give voters a reason to be proud of our agricultural heritage and what a new American brand of distilled spirits can do for community and our state.

Also read:

• Group turns in signatures for Tennessee’s first distillery referendum
• Short Mountain Distillery reaches petition signature goal
• Cannon Courier poll shows majority support distillery