May GO TEXAN Partner Newsletter

GO TEXAN HAPPY BIRTHDAY

GO TEXAN discounted cost: $400

What is provided:

10x10 booth

Pipe and Drape (Back and sidewalls)

1 table

1 chair

1 wastebasket

1 booth ID sign

Limited Space Remaining!

Sign up today!

GO TEXAN is offering 50 partners discounted space at the June Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, June 19-22, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

Space will be secured on a first come, first served basis and TDA may limit registration to ensure product variety. Apply today: https://www.jotform.com/240815127062045

GO TEXAN License Plate

Do you love showing your support for the GO TEXAN Program any way possible?

Now you can purchase a custom GO TEXAN license plate through the DMV for $70/year

My Plates - 5 Character Limit

My Plates - 6 Character Limit

All proceeds come back to the GO TEXAN Program.

2024 Fiery Food Challenge

What: 27th Fiery Food Challenge

When: Judging May 20-22, 2024

Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX

The Fiery Food Challenge (FFC) is the most recognized and prestigious blind tasting competition of zesty products in the industry. In addition to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards, all winning companies receive 1,000 FFC winner labels for placement on their honored products. Companies worldwide are invited to participate in the quest for the coveted first place Golden Chile award. Awards are announced and presented the first evening of ZestFest. You do not have to exhibit at ZestFest to enter, but the deadline for receipt of entries is May 3, 2024. Contact June DeRousse at 210-882-0952 or june@zestfest.net for the FFC entry form.

ZestFest 2024

What: ZestFest 2024

When: May 24-26, 2024

Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center, Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall, Fort Worth, TX

GO TEXAN Partners are invited to participate as food vendors at the 22nd Annual ZestFest 2024, featuring the spiciest exhibitors and products around the country for one sizzling weekend. Over the years, ZestFest has averaged a weekend attendance of 10,000 zesty food lovers -- tasting and buying their food favorites.

GO TEXAN partners receive a $100 discount on any standard booth making the discounted price for a 10’x10’ booth $840. They are also offering a limited number of 6’x10’ booths for $578. Exhibitors will receive the following in combination with the booth purchase: health department permits, 2 complimentary tickets to the Fiery Food Challenge Awards banquet on Friday evening, skirted table, 2 chairs, waste basket, washing station and identification sign.

Contact June DeRousse at 210-882-0952 or june@zestfest.net to book your discounted GO TEXAN booth. Don’t delay! Booths are booking daily on a first come first served basis.

GO TEXAN MEGA Grants Now Open

The GO TEXAN Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance (MEGA) Program is designed to provide grant funds to GO TEXAN partners to assist with the marketing and promotion of certified Texas agricultural products, including those that have been produced, processed, or otherwise had value added to the product in Texas; certified Texas non-agricultural products; Associate GO TEXAN Registrants; and the GO TEXAN Program.

There are two programs under the MEGA Program:

The Product Promotion (GTP) grant program is designed to provide grant funds for Tier 2 or higher GO TEXAN product partners to market and promote their qualifying GO TEXAN products.

The Event Grant program (GTE) is designed to provide grant funds to Associate GO TEXAN partners who coordinate public festivals, farmers markets, and events across the state that will promote GO TEXAN businesses, their Texas made products, and the overall GO TEXAN Program.

GO TEXAN TIER Change Form

GO TEXAN turns 25

GOTEXANiscelebratingour25thBirthdayallyearlong!

Celebratewithusbysubmittingahappybirthdayvideoforoursocialmediaaccounts, orLicensethemarktofeatureONyourcertifiedproducts.SeeourrecentReelson Instagramforexamplesofhappybirthdayvideos.

Birthday Video

Example Script: "Happy 25th birthday, GO TEXAN!"

Video Guidelines:

Film vertically (camera at the top!)

Film in a well-lit environment without noise

Video should be less than 10 seconds long

Hold phone steady or prop it up to avoid shaky video

Email your video submissions to gotexancreative@gmail.com with your business name and "birthday video" in the subject. Due date: ASAP.

Licensing the GO TEXAN Mark

Have you ever wanted to use the GO TEXAN Mark on your certified products (such as those pictured below?) Well, GO TEXAN will license the mark to active GO TEXAN partners for such use for a small one time fee ($50 application + $1,000 royalty). Contact Lindsay.Baerwald@TexasAgriculture.gov for this opportunity.

Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA)

SUSTA coordinates US Pavilions at major trade shows around the world. Even Better…businesses can get reimbursed up to 50% of eligible expenses such as international travel to shows, advertising, freight, in-store demonstrations and so much more through the 50% Cost Share Program.

SUSTA is FREE to join, so let us help you get your products out there! Contact Nikki Jackson (512) 486-9317 or email GoGlobal@texasagriculture.gov for more information.

Upcoming SUSTA Events

Fine Food Australia Trade Show - Melbourne, Australia

The Texas Department of Agriculture invites you to participate in Fine Food Australia from September 2-5, 2024. As the largest food industry event in Australia, this show is the most costeffective way to meet with buyers and importers from across the whole country.

WHO: Meat, Condiments, Tree Nuts, Snack Foods

Prepared Foods, Beverages

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 2, 2024

Central

America Outbound Trade Mission

to Panama Outbound Trade Mission - Panama City, Panama

The Texas Department of Agriculture invites you to participate in the Central American Outbound Trade Mission to Panama City this August. This event is a low-cost opportunity to explore the Central American market, where meat, condiments, and snack foods have great potential.

WHO: Beverages, Nuts, Condiments, Meat, Poultry

Snack Foods and Sweets

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 9, 2024

Interested?? Contact Nikki Jackson (512) 486-9317 or email GoGlobal@texasagriculture.gov for more information.

2024 Texas Restaurant Show - San Antonio

GO TEXAN and the Texas Restaurant Association are collaborating to present a GO TEXAN Pavilion during the 2024 Texas Restaurant Show!

For more information or to book a GO TEXAN booth visit this link.

The Show brings together the vibrant Texas restaurant community. With 500 booths showcasing leading innovators in products and services, alongside 3-days of educational sessions led by industry professionals and business leaders, the Show offers its 5,000+ attendees valuable information, data, and insights to enhance operations and profitability for single-unit restaurants and multi-chain franchises. GO TEXAN booths are being offered for only $2,000 (normally $3,400).

2024 Texas Blueberry Festival

June 8, 2024 | Nacogdoches, Texas

GO TEXAN Partners receive 10% off vendor fee ($200 non-food; $300 food vendor). Apply here to be a vendor at the 2024 Texas Blueberry Festival.

Deadline to apply is May 6, 2024.

2024 Gourmet Selection

TRADE SHOW FOR GOURMET/FINE FOOD

Date: May 30 - June 1, 2024

Where: Stephenville, Texas

The City of Stephenville is waiving vendor fees for GO TEXAN Partners for Moo-La Fest. To receive this benefit, your business must submit proof of your GO TEXAN partner certification and follow all rules and safety requirements. There are limited spaces for this opportunity, so act now and sign up! If you are interested in being a vendor at Moo-La Fest, please contact moolafest@stephenvilletx.gov.

Your GO TEXAN Field Representatives

J.D. Lawrence (915) 249-9844

Schenk (806) 386-9139

Kirkland (214) 809-5534

Dean (214) 938-0067

Manuel Martinez (713) 677-9814

6. Kristin Lambrecht (713) 677-9321

Jami McCool (210) 708-1713

Kara Smith (956) 502-6817

Carol Faulkenberry (254) 592-1507

Lauren Moore (254) 340-7046