United States-Meat Industry Hall of Fame.

UNITED STATES-Meat Industry Hall Of Fame Official Launch Marks Opening Of MEATXPO ’09

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 23, 2009—After 18 months of planning, the Meat Industry Hall of Fame (MIHOF) has officially begun operations, according to its founding directors.

"We’re proud to announce that the Meat Industry Hall of Fame is now a reality," said Dan Murphy, former industry editor and cofounder of the Hall. "This is an important milestone for an industry often bereft of proper recognition among mainstream media, and we’re excited to be launching the Hall in cooperation with one of the strongest supporters, the members of the National Meat Association."

The official launch events began this week at NMA’s MEATEXPO ’09, which ran Sunday through Wednesday in Las Vegas.

"This is a terrific idea, and a project that NMA members will undoubtedly support," said Rosemary Mucklow, recently retired former NMA executive director and member of the MIHOF Board of Trustees. "We’re gratified to be chosen as the group and the event to help launch the Hall."

The goal in creating this Hall of Fame is three-fold:

to educate the public about the contributions leading producers, packers and processors have made to our food supply, the economy and the communities where they operate to honor the most distinguished leaders of the U.S. meat, poultry and livestock industries to help preserve the history of more than a century and a half of progress and success

"So far, we have received outstanding support for the idea that the industry’s exceptional individuals deserve permanent recognition," said Chuck Jolley, MIHOF President and co-founder. "Our vision for this Hall of Fame is to celebrate the legacy of the industry’s greatest leaders and innovators, and to share their contributions with as many groups and consumers as we can."

The nomination process for industry participants eligible for the Hall is already underway. More information and the official form are available online at www.meatindustryhalloffame.org.

The Meat Industry Hall of Fame’s Inaugural Induction ceremony is slated for October 2009.