Minnesota Beef Council seeks entries for 'Beef Backer' awards

Minnesota's beef producers are now accepting entries for the 2013 Minnesota Beef Backer Awards. This prestigious award program honors two groups - independent and chain restaurants whose extraordinary leadership in menuing and marketing beef sets them apart from their foodservice peers and retail establishments who go above and beyond to market and merchandise beef to their customers.

Operators, chefs and retailers across the state of Minnesota are encouraged to enter. In the Foodservice Award category innovative beef menu items, sensational beef promotions, and exemplary wait staff training programs are just some of the qualities exhibited by Beef Backer Award winners. Lindey's Prime Steakhouse in Arden Hills was the 2012 recipient of this award. For retail establishments the criteria include creativity in marketing beef, promotion of new cuts, sales promotion activities and innovations in beef products and merchandising. McDonald's Meats in Clearwater, MN received the independent retailer award and Nash Finch received the award in the mid-size chain category for 2012.

The annual Beef Backer awards enable us to honor retailers' and chefs'

creativity and passion for beef and the role they play in offering satisfying beef-eating experiences to families in Minnesota," says Colleen Zenk, Director of Consumer Information for the Minnesota Beef Council. "With these awards, we give these establishments well-deserved recognition while also showing our gratitude for their support in building beef demand."

Winners receive an award plaque to display in their restaurant or retail establishment, publicity in local media, industry recognition and prestige, partnership opportunities to promote their operation, and immeasurable bragging rights. State winners are also entered into the competition for the National Beef Backer Award and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2013 Cattle Industry's Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show. For more information or to enter, visit the Minnesota Beef Council website at www.mnbeef.org or contact the Minnesota Beef Council at 952-854-6980 or colleen@mnbeef.org. Deadline for entries is September 14, 2012.

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