NEW YORK (WENY) -- Craft beer isn't just a hobby in New York State, it's a multi-billion dollar industry that employs over 20,000 people across the state. To highlight the growing industry, New York has declared April 11th New York Craft Beer Day. 

"It's going to be great for our industry, we are currently the second largest state in the country in terms of state breweries. It's constantly growing, I know we have seen a few falter over the the last couple of months, but there is a good sense of camaraderie in this industry, and I believe this day is going to continue to help us grow in the State," said Trevor Davis, general manager of Horseheads Brewing Company. 

According to Governor Kathy Hochul's Office, the craft beer industry helps support 22,000 jobs, and generates a $4.8 billion economic impact across the New York. Davis said New York does a very good job at getting the word out about the State's craft brew industry, and that visiting any of the 500 craft breweries across the New York, helps support local economies and jobs. 

“Beer has been part of New York’s history since the early 1600’s when the first known brewery was built on the southern tip of New Amsterdam, which is now Manhattan. Today there are over 500 breweries scattered throughout every region of the state, thanks to the passion and dedication of the craft brewers, owners and the customers that keep their small businesses alive," said Executive Director of the New York State Brewer’s Association Paul Leone.

To make it easier to find crafter breweries in the Empire State, New York has released a free app developed by the New York State Brewers Association. It includes a map with every single brewery on the state in it. For a link to download it, please click here. 

“Today, we raise a glass to more than 500 craft breweries across New York — small businesses that pour $4.8 billion into our economy and flavor into our communities,” Hochul said, adding, “On this Craft Brewers Day, let’s toast their creativity, their grit and their impact. And remember, if you’re going to celebrate, celebrate responsibly. Cheers!”

WENY-TV and Horseheads Brewing Company share the same ownership.