If you are viewing this in Outlook or having trouble viewing this message, click here.
|
|
GO TEXAN Mission Aims to Increase Exports to Germany
Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller met with representatives from the famous German department store, KaDeWe, on developing trade relations with the European giant. KaDeWe's food sections are big enough to hold “two football fields of food,” making this a great opportunity for Texas agriculture.
GO TEXAN partnered with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) and our neighbors to the north, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, for a “reverse trade mission” with German food buyers who were looking to get some GO TEXAN products onto German retail shelves and then into German kitchens. The event aimed to increase the export of Texas-made products into Europe.
KaDeWe, located in Berlin, is the largest department store in Continental Europe at more than 60,000 square meters of selling space. It attracts 40,000-50,000 visitors every day, and is famous for its wide variety of food and beverages. The 6th and 7th floors are entirely devoted to food and advertisements. It has about 150 chefs/bakers supplying more than 30 gourmet counters.
TDA regularly hosts international delegations and works closely with organizations such as SUSTA to provide trade opportunities for Texas companies. If you are interested in exporting, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
Pictured above (from left to right):
Tim Kleinschmidt (TDA General Counsel); Barbara Charlet (Marketing Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture); Sid Miller (Texas Agriculture Commissioner); Claudia Beckord (The Food Company GmbH); and Alexander Frank (KaDeWe).
|
|
Winans Gates and Fences: Heavy Metal for Texans
Winans Gates and Fences is a family-owned business that's been in operation since 1955.
“My father, and current partner in the business, started out building cattle feeders and farm gates for local farmers and ranchers,” said owner James Winans. “After about 40 years of having a successful business serving the ranch community, we built an ornamental iron style fence and driveway gate for a close friend. That project turned out so well, people from all over the neighborhood asked if we could do the same for their yards. So, we started making this style of gates/fences and over the next few years, switched our entire business to focus on making custom gates and fencing. We’ve also been selling many automated gate openers and accessories. Probably three-quarters of the gates we sell include some type of automated opener. The ease of use and convenience of these devices makes them a must have addition to any gated entryway.”
If you travel through Texas, you have probably seen their facility, which is located along I-35 about 10 miles north of Waco. Proud GO TEXAN members, they build all of their products by hand. “Right here in Texas,” Winans adds. “We can make everything from elaborate entry gates to simple farm-style gates.” They're truly a one-stop for the farmer or homeowner; they can install a solar-powered electronic gate opener, or create custom awnings, signs, cattle guards and steel storage buildings.
“All our products are made onsite,” said Winans. “We do hand welding and use heavy duty steel and then powder-coat the products for years of trouble (and rust) -free service.” Powder coating protects the end product by forming a nice skin and hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.
Like most things in Texas, the only constant is change. This has been true for Winans Gates. “For our gate and fencing business, which we shifted to about 20 years ago, the biggest change is our customers’ desires to make their properties unique. So, we moved from manufacturing a traditional farm-style gate to more elaborate gates and entry ways for farms or residences. The first thing people see when visiting someone’s home is usually the entry to the driveway. By dressing up and customizing the entrance to your home, you make a unique statement about who you are or what you do. We have our own CNC Plasma cutting machine that allows us to cut out almost anything in steel, including numbers, names, brands or designs. We then add these primarily to gates to make an entrance to the customer’s specifications.
“The other change we’ve seen is the necessity for increased security. Unfortunately, we hear stories every week from clients telling us that their property was robbed or vandalized and they now need to add fencing and gates to keep people out. With our products being made of sturdy steel that is hand welded, it gives the customers a great peace of mind.
Winans Gates were primarily a retail operation until a few years ago. “At that time, we saw a need in the gate and fence building community for someone to supply a high-quality gate, built in a controlled environment and then powder-coated for a good durable finish. Most gate and fence builders work out in the field and it’s hard to get the quality and consistency that we can achieve here in our manufacturing facility. We sell to almost anyone — farmers, ranchers, estates, businesses and individuals. Probably a third of the gates we sell are custom gates for people's driveways in town, another third are to more rural and commercial customers and the last third are to other gate and fence companies.”
Winans Gates are proud GO TEXAN members. “The unique exposure offered by the GO TEXAN program showcasing made in Texas products was very appealing to us. The program provides the collateral to add to our existing marketing materials that makes our products stand out in the minds of Texas lovers everywhere.”
For more information on their services and products, visit their website or stop by the next time you're traveling on I-35 in Texas.
|
|
What: Lake Conroe Home and Garden Show
When: February 14-15
Where: Lone Star Convention Center, Conroe
Details: GO TEXAN food members are invited to sample and sell their product at the 2nd Annual Lake Conroe Home and Garden Show. Booth spaces are discounted to $500 for an 8’x10’ inline booth. Spaces are limited, so call show management now! Vendors are required to obtain their own health permit for the show and electricity is extra. Anticipated attendance is more than 4,000 visitors. This opportunity is for GO TEXAN food members only. Contact Robyn Cade at (281) 392-2177.
|
|
What: Texas Birthday Bash
When: February 27-28
Where: Navasota
Details: Presented by the City of Navasota, this free celebration honors Texas Independence Day. To celebrate in true GO TEXAN style, this bash will be showcasing and selling only products made in Texas. Arts and crafts booths are $100 for a 10’x10’ space. Food court booths are $200 plus 10 percent of total sales. Applications are due February 2, so contact the event organizers right away. For information on getting a booth, visit their Facebook page.
|
|
What: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
When: March 3-22
Where: Houston, NRG Park
Details: We are proud to share an opportunity for GO TEXAN members to sample and sell as part of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) GO TEXAN booth at this year's Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). This opportunity is for product and community members only. No alcoholic beverages or water companies are permitted. There is no cooking onsite, however, electric warmers may be used. All food and beverage products must be packaged for home consumption. Up to three members may participate each day and each one will have a 4’x2’ stainless steel kiosk from which to sample and sell, a shelving unit on which to display product and two stools. The cost to participate is $100 per day, Monday-Thursday, and $150 per day, Friday–Sunday, with a maximum of five days of participation. TDA will provide the booth health permit. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up now. E-mail Kristin Lambrecht, TDA representative to secure a spot. Please do not contact show staff for information on this opportunity.
|
|
What: 76th Annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show
When: March 14-22
Where: Mercedes
Details: Opportunity for GO TEXAN members to sample and sell in the Planet Agriculture Building (located in Event Center). Space is limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $150 per day. Only items grown, processed or manufactured in Texas can be sold in the building. Please contact Nelda Barrera at (956) 325-3424 to sign up. Deadline is February 13. For more information, visit the website.
|
|
What: Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival
When: April 17-18
Where: Downtown Historic Strand District, Galveston Island
Details: GO TEXAN members are invited to sample, display and sell their products at the Premium Wine Tasting on Friday from 6–8 p.m. and at the Grand Tasting on Saturday from 12–5 p.m. Booth fees are $400 for Friday and Saturday vending and $200 for Saturday only. Vendors need to supply their own tent, table, chairs, electricity and health permit. Contact Elizabeth Matthews at (409) 770-0999.
|
|
What: San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment
When: April 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, La Porte
Details: GO TEXAN members are invited to sample, display and sell their products at the Festival. Booth fees start at $130, which includes a 10 percent discount for being GO TEXAN. Booth spaces are 12’x12’ and include a canopy if needed, 2 chairs and 2 tables. Contact Sellmark (event organizer) at (210) 824-9474 to sign up or for more information.
|
|
What: Texas Steak Cookoff
When: May 16
Where: Hico
Details: The 12th Annual Texas Steak Cookoff, hosted by the Hico EDC, will be in historic downtown Hico. Backyard chefs from all over the Southwest come to Hico to see who cooks the best steak in Texas. As the largest event of its kind in the Southwest, this event is a perfect venue to sell your one-of-a-kind jewelry, paintings, furniture, gourmet food items and high-end crafts. All types of quality vendors participate and their products are seen by over 6,000 attendees. The normal cost for a 10’x10’ booth space is $150, but GO TEXAN members will get it for $125 (You must enter the promo code “steak2015” to get this discount at checkout). If needed, electricity costs $5 extra. For more vendor and registration information, call (254) 796-4620 (ext. 4) or visit the website. The deadline is Monday, May 12.
|
|
What: 2015 Global Inbound Trade Mission to Fancy Food
When: June 27
Where: New York City
Details: Specialty food shows are an excellent venue for high-value food and beverage items and have attracted thousands of attendees. According to estimates from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), this show attracts over 40,000 buyers annually. With many international representatives attending, the Fancy Food Show presents an excellent opportunity for companies seeking to export their products to meet foreign buyers. Schedule one-on-one meetings with key buyers from: Canada, China, Europe and Japan. The product focus will be on high-value and processed foods. The participation fee is $25 and the registration deadline is May 29. For registration information, click here.
|
|
What: Colombia Outbound Trade Mission
When: July 20-23
Where: Bogota, Colombia
Details: The opportunities for U.S. exporters to sell food and agricultural products in Latin America are on the rise. The United States is the number one supplier of consumer-ready food products to Colombia. Expand your business to this region and register with SUSTA to participate in this trade mission to Bogota. Participants will meet with potential key buyers in pre-arranged, one-on-one appointments as well as tour various grocery chains and specialty stores. SUSTA will reimburse three nights of hotel accommodations within the federal per diem rate. SUSTA will also sponsor up to $500 in product sample shipping, provide interpreter services and local business transportation. The product focus will be on fruits, nuts, vegetables, high value and processed foods, horticulture, nursery, meat and seafood. The participation fee is $400. After May 1, this fee goes up to $600. The registration deadline is June 19. For more information, click here.
|
|
Members in the News
24 Diner, Green Pastures and The Russian House were all highlighted by the Eater Austin. 24 Diner was also recently featured on Thrillist.
Austin Brewing Company, Austin Beer Garden and Hops and Grain were featured on Yelp.
Austin Eastciders, Argus Cidery, and Texas Keeper were all highlighted on Eater Austin.
Austin Land and Cattle, Arro, Backspace and Quality Seafood were featured on Austin 360.
We would like to give a shout-out to these GO TEXAN members who, according to the Washington Post, contribute to Texas being the goat capitol of the United States: Capra Foods, Goat Haus Dairy, Haute Goat Creamery, Latte Da Dairy, Raider Red Meats and Nuluv Goat Milk Products.
Canary by Gorji, The Holy Grail Pub, Martin House Brewing and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse were all highlighted by Eater Dallas. Canary by Gorji was also in Gourmet Retailer Magazine.
Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano was featured on HoustonNews.com.
The Dallas Morning News highlighted Cowtown’s Farmers Market.
Congratulations to Easy Tiger, Kerbey Lane and The Peached Tortilla, who were all featured on Thrillist.
H-E-B has been featured on mySA.
Texas Monthly features Fall Creek Vineyards, Landon Winery, McPherson Cellars Winery, Messina Hof and Pedernales Cellars in their article on “The Best of Texas Wines.” McPherson Cellars Winery was also highlighted in Snooth.
We would like to congratulate Tiny Pies, Biga on the Banks, Ranger Creek and The Cove for being featured on the San Antonio Current. Tiny Pies was also highlighted in Austin Woman Magazine.
Ranger Creek, Revolver and Texas Keeper have all been mentioned on Austin 360. Ranger Creek was also featured on the San Antonio Business Journal.
Kiran Restaurant was featured on Eater Houston.
Congratulations to Luck, who was been featured on WFAA8 ABC News.
Congratulations to Red’s Porch and Kerbey Lane for being featured on Thrillist.
Thirsty Planet has been highlighted on Yelp.
Twisted X Beer was featured on Thrillist.
|
|
Shine a Spotlight on Your Company
Would you like to see your GO TEXAN company featured in one of our publications (like this one)? Go here for information on how to send us your story for publication consideration.
|
|
Spot the Mark Challenge
|
|
Want a fun way to share the best things in Texas with the world? It’s easy!
GO TEXAN uses social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to post GO TEXAN events, share member news and increase the awareness for the wide variety of products grown or made right here in the Lone Star State.
Challenge: If you spot the GO TEXAN mark in public, let us know. Send us a picture of the GO TEXAN mark on a product, sign or printed materials and let us know where you saw it. You may send us that information by using the GO TEXAN Twitter hashtag (#GOTEXAN), so we can easily retweet your message or send us an e-mail.
And speaking of the GO TEXAN mark, as a valued member, please ensure you're using the correct GO TEXAN mark. We updated the mark to include a registration symbol (®) and all members should now be using the new mark.
If you don't have the latest version of the GO TEXAN mark, email us to get high-quality digital copies of the mark to use on your labels, merchandising materials, website and more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
