Press Releases

Placemats Tout Dairy Farm Families’ Contributions

HARRISBURG, PA (June 1, 2007) – How many cows does it take to produce one job? What is better for the environment – a dairy farm or a residential development? What is the most essential component in producing quality milk?

Restaurant goers dining at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House restaurants in June can find the answers to these questions and more on paper placemats celebrating Pennsylvania’s dairy farm families. The placemats highlight the many contributions dairy farmers make to local communities, the environment and the local economy. They are being funded by the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program (PDPP) as part of this year’s June Dairy Month efforts.

“Dairy farmers are the foundation for the Commonwealth’s dairy industry, which is a key economic driver for the state,” said Gary Heckman, executive director for the Center for Dairy Excellence, the organization developing the placemats for PDPP. “Dairy farmers support 40,000 jobs within Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and generate more than $4.2 million in economic value for the state. They are also community-minded and conscientious in caring for our environmental resources.”

Hoss’s Steak and Sea House is using the placemats in all 38 restaurants within the Pennsylvania-based chain as part of its community service efforts. The placemats will begin appearing in the restaurants on May 28.

"When we look at our menu and salad bar recipes and ingredients, we quickly realize dairy products are a big part of what we offer,” says Bill Campbell, CEO and founder, Hoss's Steak & Sea House.

“It is very apparent to us we could not do what we do without dairy farms and products.  It is our privilege to support dairy month."

“We appreciate Hoss’s support in promoting the contributions of Pennsylvania’s dairy producers,” says Karl Kroeck, chair of the PDPP board. “We believe the initiative is a natural complement to Hoss’s commitment to providing fresh, wholesome products and a quality dining experience to its customers.”

The Center for Dairy Excellence is an initiative of the Department of Agriculture and was launched in January 2004 by Governor Edward G. Rendell. Bringing together people from more than 40 different dairy organizations in Pennsylvania, the Center’s mission is to enhance the profitability of the dairy industry by empowering people, creating partnerships, and increasing the availability and use of resources. Learn more about the Center at www.centerfordairyexcellence.org.