Ag United News
South Dakota Pork Producers Council announces its 2009 award recipients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010
For more information:
Stacey Sorlien, Program & Communications Director
Phone: 605-332-1600
Mobile: 605-201-4631
Email: ssorlien@sdppc.org
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) recognized several outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses for their dedication to the pork industry on January 7, 2010 during their annual Pork Congress at the Sioux Falls Ramkota Hotel & Exhibit Hall.
Lorin Pankratz of Sioux Falls received the Dedicated and Distinguished Service award for his years of service and dedication to the pork industry. Lorin Pankratz, lobbyist for SDPPC. Lorin Pankratz has been a contract Lobbyist since 1991 and became the Lobbyist for SDPPC in 1994.
For the past 15 years, Pankratz has helped guide the legislative activities of SDPPC during the South Dakota Legislative session in Pierre. He has helped the pork industry resist legislative proposals that attempted to limit the growth and size of family farmers involved in pork production. With the help and leadership of State Senator Larry Diedrich, Pankratz worked with pork producers to pass legislation to create the South Dakota Pork Commission. The Pork Commission established a state pork checkoff in the event the National Checkoff was eliminated.
Pankratz has served as an Ad Hoc member of the Public Policy committee and worked with the Executive Committee and Executive Board as they developed policy regarding legislative issues and proposals affecting the pork industry.
Parkston businessman, Brad Hohn was honored with the Pork All-American Award. Through this award, the South Dakota Pork Producers Council acknowledges pork producers who have established themselves as dedicated, involved business people and leaders in their communities.
Hohn is the owner of MDS Manufacturing which is an industry company that has been making equipment for over 25 years. MDS also sells and installs equipment such as pans, feeding equipment and sorting scales and also manufacturer's loader/skid steer attachments.
Hohn attended NSU where he received a degree in business management and marketing. He is actively involved on the Hutchinson & Davison County Pork Producers. Hohn is also active in the South Dakota Pork Producers by serving as their PLA member and on the Demand Enhancement and Public Policy committees. Hohn is on the Parkston City Council and involved with the AAU Wrestling in the community.
The Deuel County Pork Producers were recognized and honored with the 2009 County Activity Award. The County Activity Award recognizes a local pork producers' organization for their promotional activities and membership recruitment. The county organization receives a certificate and check for their outstanding involvement and service to the community.
Throughout 2009, the twenty-one members of the Deuel County Pork Producers found themselves busy promoting and cooking pork. In March they held their county annual meeting. Then in April they sponsored the Pork Chop Relay track meet where they served pork loin sandwiches in the concession stand. Throughout the year they were are able to donate money to several activities such as Deuel School Post Prom, trophies for achievement days, and the local cancer walk. When Clear Lake celebrated its 125th they served a picnic supper of pork loin sandwiches, chips, fruit and drink. Deuel County Pork Producers are very passionate about promoting pork and held activities during October Pork Month.
These producers also covered shifts at the pork food booth during the South Dakota State Fair. This county organization has dedicated many hours to promoting the product they raise and love.
Tri-State Neighbor editor, Wendy Sweeter received the 2009 Media Award for her outstanding media coverage to pork industry news and events in South Dakota.
Each year the South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) recognizes restaurant owners and managers for their efforts in preparing and promoting quality pork products. This year Minervas Grill & Bar of Yankton received the Restaurant of the Year Award, during the 41st Annual Pork Congress awards luncheon at the Sioux Falls Ramkota. Minervas Grill & Bar is part of the WR Restaurants family since opening in 2002.
The Minervas tradition started over 33 years ago when the first restaurant opened at 301 S. Phillips Avenue, in downtown Sioux Falls. With 9 locations throughout South Dakota and Iowa, plus locations in Bismarck, ND and Traverse City, Michigan, Minervas has built a reputation of unique dining - combining exquisite food, detailed service and a comfortable atmosphere
Minervas Grill & Bar of Yankton served roughly 7500 pounds of pork in 2009. The Montreal Pork Chop is a signature entrée and a favorite of banquet and wedding menus. Minervas features a wide variety of pork entrées, and each Sunday they have a brunch menu that features several pork cuts.
