HOLBROOK, NEB. (September 21, 2005)—GROW Nebraska, in its quest to create markets and develop high growth companies, partnered with Affiliated Foods Midwest and featured nine holiday gift baskets at the Affiliated Foods Midwest Fall Food Show, Sept. 17-18, in Norfolk, Neb. Seventeen Nebraska companies were selected to participate in this pilot project.

“This was a great way to introduce grocery store owners to some of the many wonderful Nebraska products that exist,” said Janell Anderson Ehrke, GROW Nebraska director. “The goal was to include product lines in the gift baskets of those businesses that want to expand their markets.”

While some of the businesses already market their products to Affiliated Foods Inc., the majority do not. Following the show, participating GROW members will receive technical assistance and training to help them prepare to exhibit at the Affiliated Foods Midwest Spring Show in Omaha.

James Gustafson of PurJava Coffee in Lincoln, Neb., is the gift basket project leader.

“If we are going to grow our companies and create more jobs, we need volume sales and this is a great first step,” said Gustafson.

Because Affiliated Foods Midwest oversees more than 850 stores throughout a 12-state area and operates two distribution centers in Norfolk, Neb., and Elwood, Kan., the Food Show served as a win-win for companies and stores alike. Companies were presented with a golden opportunity to market their Nebraska-made products to a captive audience of Affiliated Food store managers searching for new products to sell in their retail stores, while the attractive gift baskets should help grocery stores capture additional holiday revenue.

“This opportunity exemplifies the purpose of GROW Nebraska,” said Ehrke. “GROW Nebraska, in cooperation with Affiliated Foods, Inc., the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, Great Plains Communications, Inc., Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, wants to develop rural businesses into high growth companies that ultimately lead to helping sustain and grow all rural Nebraska communities.”

A number of GROW Nebraska member businesses also participated individually in the fall show, including Garden Blends, Mama Salsa, HR Poppin Snacks, and BKH Popcorn. GROW Nebraska gift baskets also will be available online at www.grownebraska.com for corporate and holiday gift giving.

The nonprofit GROW Nebraska helps maximize the state’s entrepreneurial spirit and build Nebraska businesses globally by providing sustainable business environments through marketing, education, business building services, and accessing markets. To learn more about GROW Nebraska, or Nebraska entrepreneurs and businesses, visit the GROW website at: www.grownebraska.com

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janell Anderson Ehrke at 888-GROWNEB (476-9632),

or visit: http://www.growneb.com