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Attention GO TEXAN Restaurant Members: There's Still Time to Join the 2015 GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up
Join other GO TEXAN member restaurants to show your support of local Texas food and beverage producers by hosting an eat-local event at your restaurant, or by featuring a special Texas-themed menu or menu item, for the rest of July.
How can your restaurant get involved?
Click here to fill out the survey to see examples of events, get ideas and request free marketing materials to use during your event or promotion. This is an especially good opportunity for food and beverage producers to get involved with Texas restaurants and promote their products on a local or statewide level.
Food Bank Collaboration:
For this month-long celebration, TDA is once again partnering with Feeding Texas. Each restaurant hosting an event or menu feature will include their local food bank in a way that pays an immediate benefit to the bank, such as having can donation bins onsite, or collecting money during the event to donate.
We're also having a Texas-sized giveaway to celebrate the Restaurant Round-Up. Win an overnight stay, winery tour, wine, reception and breakfast at Messina Hof Winery and Resort. Approximate value is $350. Winner must be at least 21 years old. Enter here.
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State Fair of Texas Food and Fiber Pavilion Early Bird Deadline is July 10!
The State Fair of Texas is around the corner and the early bird discount is about to expire. We have been taking applications for the GO TEXAN General Store in the Food and Fiber Pavilion for a few weeks now, and sampling times are filling up fast. We also have applications for exhibiting, stage events, our GO TEXAN Product Showcase and the GO TEXAN Community Spotlight in the Texas Wine Garden.
The GO TEXAN General Store is building the largest collection of Texas-made products that we know of, right here on the Fairgrounds (September 25 - October 18). “We sampled at the Food and Fiber Pavilion at the State Fair of Texas and were approached by Central Market,” said Harold Green of Bentley’s Batch 5. “Now, we are in Central Markets, sampling there each week, selling out of one sauce and other sauces are doing well.”
Showcasing your product in the GO TEXAN General Store at the State Fair of Texas is a great opportunity for your company to shine in an all-Texas product setting. Visit the GO TEXAN website or email TXStateFair@TexasAgriculture.gov for more information.
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State Fair Preview Event
The GO TEXAN team is hosting another members-only Preview Event on Thursday, September 24, the day before the State Fair opens. Mark your calendars to attend this exclusive event! For more information, contact Lindsay Baerwald at (512) 463-9639.
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Take the GO TEXAN Survey
Each year we survey GO TEXAN members to determine the most beneficial components of the program, as well as learn how we may enhance it. This survey also gives us an opportunity to measure the impact our GO TEXAN members have on the Texas economy. You should have received an email with a link to the survey. If you already completed it, thank you for your response. If you have yet to give us your feedback, please complete the survey by July 31st. Thank you for making the GO TEXAN program better from your input. As another way of saying thanks, we are having a drawing for a GO TEXAN gift bag, so take the survey today and enter your company, community or organization name at the top.
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Exclusive Retail Grocer Trade Publication Advertising Opportunity for GO TEXAN Members
We are proud to announce GO TEXAN members are now eligible to participate in a special program with The Shelby Report of the Southwest. For those of you unfamiliar with this publication, its readers are comprised of over 14,000 subscribers including supermarkets, convenience stores, wholesalers and food brokers in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Colorado.
The Shelby Report of the Southwest has developed a special rate just for GO TEXAN members that provide significant discounts:
Full page $2,000
Junior page $1,400
1/2 page $1,100
1/3 page $850
1/4 page $650
Also, to sweeten the deal, an ad in the November supplement earns a half-price ad in a 2016 issue of the Southwest edition. If you look at their media kit, you’ll see these special rates are significantly discounted (making them less than half the 12-time rate).
Additionally, The Shelby Report of the Southwest will offer business card-sized ads grouped 8 to a page for only $250 per ad. This is especially an affordable deal for the smaller business with a limited advertising budget. As a special bonus, the November 2015 issue will include a GO TEXAN Special Report written by The Shelby Report editorial staff. It will present an overview of the GO TEXAN program with a focus on specific product groups. This issue will also include a profile entitled “Texas Roundup,” with bonus distribution at the Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates fall conference and the Private Label Marketers Association Conference.
You don’t have to wait until November; these rates are effective now. Click here for The Shelby Report of the Southwest editorial calendar. Please feel free to contact Dave Dreyer, Vice President, The Shelby Report of the Southwest at (251) 943-1288.
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GO TEXAN Success Story:
Recherché Furnishings
Cliff and Jan Hand have been operating their family-owned furniture manufacturing business in Caddo Mills, Texas, since 2010. It’s called Recherché, which is a French word that means elegant, extravagant and one of a kind. They started as a custom wood furniture business, handcrafting one-of-a-kind furniture pieces.
Cliff, who worked in the advertising and design field for over 25 years, is the lead creative force and artisan. He combines both functionality and art into each piece. He specializes in the traditional joinery from the last century. Jan, a former healthcare executive, runs the day-to-day operations of the business. An unexpected turn of events last year developed into a whole new line for Recherché.
A friend of Cliff’s borrowed his nail gun to fix his fence. Upon returning the nail gun, he asked Cliff if he wanted the old fence pickets. Cliff said yes, not really knowing what to do with the wood, but trusting his creative instincts to come up with something. The pickets sat untouched as Cliff pondered how he might incorporate the use of this wood into his product line. Little did he know that his actions would lead to an award-winning new line.
He ended up building a rustic picture frame out of the old wood and presented it to a business-networking group where it was an instant hit. Thus, Recherché, Inc’s, “The Naturals Reclaimed Frames” line was born. Staying true to the reclaimed theme, he decided to use recycled cardboard for the backing and aluminum can drink tabs for the wall hangers. To date thousands of frames have been created and sold, keeping hundreds of pounds of wood, cardboard and drink tabs out of our landfill.
They found a creative way to obtain enough of the can tabs, which are not as readily available as the wood and cardboard. They promote a monthly contest within their business network, community, church, friends and family to collect these tabs that typically end up in the trash. The person that collects the most tabs each month is awarded a free 5x7 reclaimed frame of their choice. Since 2014, Recherché, Inc. has collected over 50,000 tabs!
It didn’t take long for the Naturals Reclaimed Frames to become their number one selling product line. They were recently given the 2015 Keep Texas Beautiful Ebby Halliday & Maurice Acers Business/Industry Award, which recognizes businesses with sound environmental principles supporting the KTB mission.
The business carries the torch of being good stewards with our resources, enabling them to educate and engage Texans to take responsibility for improving their community environment. They encourage attendees at civic, community, and church functions to join them in reducing litter, solid waste, and neighborhood blight by contributing the materials needed to build their frames.
They also give back through their “Turning Wood into Water Campaign.” Through this program, 10 percent of all frame sales are donated to a charitable organization, Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, to dig water-wells in needy African communities. Once there are enough funds for a well to be dug, the Hands plan on traveling to Africa to help with the dig. Through this campaign, their customers are making a contribution to improving the quality of life for others with their purchase. Between their customers, the fencing material donations, can tab collectors, and the people who save and donate cardboard, literally thousands of people have participated to make this program a success, and continue to do so.
“We are proud Texans,” said Jan, “and when we found out that we could be GO TEXAN members as manufacturers, we joined!” She and Cliff avidly read all the materials they can on the GO TEXAN program, looking for ways to capitalize on the pride we all take in our Lone Star State. With the amazing growth they’ve experienced in just over a year, look for good things to keep happening for Recherché.
Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and visit their website for more information.
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Commissioner Miller Encourages Texans to Help Farmers and Ranchers Devastated by Deadly Tornadoes and Severe Flooding
Parts of rural Texas have recently been hit hard by severe weather and experienced the wrath of Mother Nature through tornadoes, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and flooding. As Texans continue to deal with the aftermath of this devastating weather, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is calling on fellow Texans to lend a helping hand to those in need by donating to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund or STAR Fund.
The STAR Fund was created to collect monetary contributions from private individuals and businesses to assist farmers and ranchers in responding to and recovering from natural disasters. Funds may be used to rebuild fences, restore operations and pay for other agricultural relief efforts.
“These severe storms are catastrophic in nature, and in their wake, they’ve destroyed homes and devastated the livelihoods of the farmers and ranchers who dedicate their lives to supplying us with food and clothing,” Commissioner Miller said. “We are Texans, and when disaster strikes, our citizens rise to meet the challenge. I ask all Texans who have the means to assist their neighbors in need to please come forward and show their support.”
You can learn more about how to donate to the STAR Fund on the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) website at TexasAgriculture.gov.
As farmers and ranchers begin to assess the damage and rebuild their lives, Commissioner Miller is encouraging them to apply for assistance through the STAR Fund. TDA is now accepting applications for grants, which are available in areas where a state of disaster declaration has been issued by the governor or president.
“Every day, we depend on farmers and ranchers to provide our families with the healthy food and warm clothes to sustain our lives, and now is the time for Texas producers to lean on us,” Commissioner Miller said. “This is not a hand out, rather it’s a helping hand. I hope people will take advantage of these funds if they need them.”
Farmers and ranchers can apply for assistance through the STAR Fund by contacting TDA’s Grants Office or by visiting TexasAgriculture.gov. If you or your GO TEXAN company are reaching out and helping other Texans in the wake of these disasters, please let us know. We'd like to share your story here and on our social media platforms.
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Members in the News
Ana’s Foods won another award for its innovative packaging. This time from DuPont.
Austin Eastciders and Argus Cidery were both highlighted on Eater Austin in their “Taste Test: 20 of America’s Best Artisanal (Alcoholic) Ciders.”
Congrats to Becker Vineyards, Marker Cellars, Queen’s Winery, Bar Z Wines, Brennan Vineyards and Caudalie Crest Winery, who were all winners in the 2015 Lone Star International Wine Competition.
Several GO TEXAN wineries were highlighted on KYTX in Tyler about the upcoming Downtown Tyler Wine Swirl: Bella Stella Winery, Becker Vineyards, Bingham Family Vineyards, Enoch's Stomp Winery and Vineyard, Fairhaven Vineyards, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, Red Road Vineyard and Texas Legato Winery.
Bryan’s Summer Sunset Concert Series was highlighted on Brazos Valley InSite.
Dough Pizzeria was highlighted on Thrillist.
Franklin BBQ and Austin, Texas, were both honored in Time Magazine in an article on “America’s Best Cities for Barbecue.” Austin came in at #3!
Koch Ranches was featured on the Travel Channel show, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman.
Karbach Craft Beers and Jacoby’s were highlighted on Do512.com for the Fire on the Mountain Chili Showdown.
Little Red Wasp and Grace were both featured on Eater Dallas.
Messina Hof was highlighted in the Dallas Morning News.
Congratulations to Brad Stafford, who won the Administrator of the Year Award, presented by the Texas City Managers Association. This prestigious award recognizes the city management professional who has made significant contributions to the field of local government management in the past 18 months. Brad Stafford has served the City of Navasota as the City Manager for over 9 years. Navasota is one of our many GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Communities.
Nectar Girl and LUCK Restaurant were both spotlighted in the Dallas Morning News.
The Peached Tortilla was highlighted on Business Insider.
Soy Delites Candles was featured in the recent June issue of Austin Monthly magazine.
Congratulations to Taste Elevated, who was awarded the Governor’s Small Business of the Year Award. “We have a mountain of gratitude to Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Texas Secretary of State, Carlos Cascos, Larry Ruggiano from the Office of the Governor and Gilbert Gonzalez from UTSA Small Business Development Center for this humbling recognition and placing such a beautiful feather in our cap,” said owner Lori Krieger (pictured above with the aforementioned presenters).
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TDA Hosts Polish Delegation
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) hosted a fun and energetic delegation recently — the Polish Young Farmer Exchange program, along with the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership program and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. The GO TEXAN International Export team met the young farmers at the state capitol for some one-on-one question and answer sessions.
“This type of exchange program is vital to Texas, the U.S. and countries around the world who wish to benefit and learn from farmer interactions,” said Carlos Guerrero, GO TEXAN coordinator for international marketing.
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Mark Your Calendar
What: Texas Floral Expo
When: July 17-20
Where: Sugar Land
Details: This year’s EXPO is called “Basics to Brilliance.” Come and be a part of this annual event put on by the Texas State Florists Association. For more information, visit the website or register here.
What: Square Affair Summer Marketplace
When: July 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Fairfield
Details: Vendors can apply for a booth for $25 and tents are available for rent. For more information, contact the Fairfield Chamber at (903) 389-5792.
What: Food, Wine & Brew Fest
When: September 12
Where: Harker Heights
Details: Live music, culinary chefs, food, artists, breweries, homebrew demo's, Texas wineries, a Wine 101 class and much more. The vendor fee for GO TEXAN members is only $75. For more information, call (254) 699-4999.
What: Dripping With Taste
When: September 12, 12-6 p.m.
Where: Dripping Springs
Details: Festival showcasing Texas wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, chefs, caterers, artisans, and musicians! The most "tastes" of Texas under one roof. Come join us early at noon and stay all day until 6pm. For more information, contact Pam Owen at (512) 858-4740.
What: Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival
When: September 25-27
Where: Galveston
Details: GO TEXAN members are invited to sample, display and sell their products at this event in Galveston's Historic Strand District. Booth fees are $400 for Friday through Sunday vending and $200 for Saturday only. Vendors need to supply their own tent, table, chairs and health permit. Last year’s event attendance exceeded 15,000 people. For more information, contact Elizabeth Matthews at (409) 770-0999.
What: Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival
When: September 26-27
Where: Historic Downtown Bryan
Details: The Downtown Bryan Association is gearing up for the ninth annual Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival in Historic Downtown Bryan, Texas. This year’s festival will attract visitors from across the state of Texas and feature over 20 Texas wineries, numerous craft beer breweries, and more than 30 bands performing on five different stages, talented artists from across the country, the annual steak cook-off, the popular Kids Zone, and a variety of food vendors. And thanks to a partnership with Bryan’s own J. Cody’s Steaks and Barbecue, the beef will be back in a big way at the 2015 Texas Reds Festival. For more information on participating, contact Ashley Girard at (979) 822-4920.
What: Bites and Flights at West 7th
When: October 4, 2–6 p.m.
Where: Fort Worth
Details: Bites and Flights is the premier food and wine tasting event of West 7th, a hub for dining, shopping and entertainment just 2 miles west of downtown Fort Worth. Ten restaurants will participate by serving small bites and ten Texas wineries are being sought to provide tastings. The event is limited to 250 guests who will each receive five wine tasting coupons. The guest exchanges the coupon with a winery for a 2-ounce pour and the winery will receive a fifty-cent rebate per coupon collected to help offset costs. A commemorative tasting glass is provided to the guest and a table with tablecloth is provided to the winery. Wineries interested in participating should contact Angela Hall at (817) 810-9076.
What: IPM Dubai International Plants Expo
When: October 5-7
Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Details: If you are a producer of flowers, landscape plants, seeds, turfgrass, hydroponics or trees, you might want to attend this expo. The Middle East is one of the fastest growing markets in the world within the horticultural, flowers and plants industry. Dubai is developing into an important trade center for producing areas such as Africa, Asia and the consumer markets of UAE and Europe. The early-bird participation fee is $700, which goes up to $850 after July 3. This fee includes a 100 square-foot booth within the SUSTA pavilion, interpreter services and SUSTA will reimburse each company up to $3,000 in shipping costs with proper documentation. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest
When: October 24
Where: Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg
Details: This is the 25th anniversary of the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest. It is a full-course celebration of Texas food, wine, beer, music, specialty booths, food court and fun for all! Plus fabulous events: Friday's Celebration of Texas Food & Wine and Saturday's Patron Party on Marktplatz. Sponsored by the City of Fredericksburg, the proceeds go to the Market Square Improvement Project. There are still openings for Texas specialty food booths. Any interested GO TEXAN food member should contact Deborah Farquhar-Garner at (830) 997-8515 for an application.
What: 28th Annual Hogeye Festival
When: October 24
Where: Elgin
Details: The Hogeye Festival will feature over 120 artists with handcrafted wares, delicious food vendors, great music throughout the day and a wonderful children’s area with activities and games. It is advertised throughout central Texas and attracts up to 20,000 attendees each year. GO TEXAN members will receive a 20 percent discount on being a vendor. For more information, click here or email or call (512) 229-3217.
What: Hill Country Olive Fest
When: November 14, 12-7 p.m.
Where: Dripping Springs
Details: Rescheduled from the May date due to severe weather. Food and wine tasting, gourmet chefs, cooking classes with entertainment for the whole family. For vendor information, contact Cara Gambini at (512) 607-6512.
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Show Your Texas Pride: Wear GO TEXAN.
Did you know all GO TEXAN merchandise is always available at gotexan.org with free shipping? Go shopping and pick out some GO TEXAN apparel for your or your loved ones to wear and show the world that you GO TEXAN.
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Tell Your Story: 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.
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Spot the Mark
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.
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