ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 27, 2009

MARCH IS PRIDE OF DAKOTA MONTH

BISMARCK – March is Pride of Dakota Month, and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture has planned a series of events to celebrate the occasion.

“Now in its 24th year, the Pride of Dakota program has grown from a handful of member companies to more than 420 businesses,” said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson. “Pride of Dakota companies can be found across the state, producing a wide range of high quality products and services.”

Gov. John Hoeven issued the official Pride of Dakota Month proclamation. The governor noted that Pride of Dakota is an important marketing tool for North Dakota companies competing in the global marketplace, and he urged North Dakota residents to recognize the state’s entrepreneurs.

Upcoming Pride of Dakota events include:

• March 10 – Pride of Dakota Day at the State Capitol.
• March 11 – Announcement of the Pride of Dakota poster contest winners.
• March 19 – Announcement of the winner of the National Agriculture Week essay contest.
• March 24 – The annual Pride of Dakota School Lunch Day.

Johnson encouraged all North Dakotans to look for and buy Pride of Dakota products.

“The distinctive blue and gold Pride of Dakota label tells you that the product was produced by your friends and neighbors right here in North Dakota,” he said. “You know you can count on the quality of these products, and that by buying them you help North Dakota grow.”

Authorized by the Legislature and administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, the Pride of Dakota program fosters the development and growth of small businesses and especially businesses that are farm-based or rely on agricultural commodities. Pride of Dakota member companies can participate in cooperative promotion, marketing events and educational opportunities, and receive representation at local, state, regional, national, and international trade shows.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.