News
2009 Branded Program
Specialty Crop Grant Assistance Program
Organic Certification Grant Program
November Featured Company: Turasky's Meats
Illinois Department of Agriculture Gift Item Website

Events
January 21, 2009--Third Annual Land of Lincoln Food Expo
January 28-30, 2009--International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo
February 21-23, 2009--American Culinary Federation Central Regional Conference
March 3-6, 2009--Foodex Japan
March 7-8, 2009--11th Annual Illinois Products Expo
March 8 - 10, 2009--Canadian Restaurant and Food Service Association Show

March 10-13, 2009--Guadalajara, Mexico ANTAD Show

March 11-13, 2009--VIV Asia
April 1 - 3, 2009--SIAL Montreal Food Show

May 5-7, 2009--Agritech Israel (TelAviv)
May 16 -19--National Restaurant Association Show
May 19 - 21, 2009--SIAL China Food Show
June 7 - 9, 2009--International Food Technologist Food Expo
June 7 - 9, 2009--International Dairy Deli Bakery Association
June 16 - 18, 2009--All Things Organic--Illinois Pavilion

2009 BRANDED PROGRAM
http://www.foodexport.org

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export-Midwest) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture announce the launch of the 2009 Branded Program year.  Made possible through funds from the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, this cost-share service assists small Illinois suppliers promote their brand name food and agricultural products in foreign markets. Once approved, participants receive 50% cost reimbursement on certain eligible marketing and promotional endeavors such as:

• Advertising
• In-store promotions
• Public relations
• Product literature
• Freight costs for samples
• Package and label modifications
• Overseas trade shows
• Certain domestic trade shows with an international focus

The Branded Program enables Illinois suppliers to stretch their international marketing dollars twice as far and grow their exporting business!

  
The Branded Program reimburses eligible companies between $2,500 and $300,000 for eligible marketing activities.  Midwest participants collectively receive over 6 million dollars annually in reimbursements. The 2009 program year runs from January 1st-December 31, 2009.  In order to be pre-approved for January activities, companies should apply to the program by October 1, 2008.

Please visit Food Export's new account management system at www.brandedprogram.org to begin the application process.  Simply login with your user id and password if you have one and click on the "Add Pre-Qualification" link at the top of the page.  If you require a new user id and password please follow the guidelines on the web site or contact Food Export for further assistance.  Once they have received and processed your completed "Pre-Qualification Worksheet", you will receive a confirmation along with instructions on completing the rest of the application via e-mail. 

Questions about Branded Program qualifications, marketing plans, eligible reimbursements, and the application process can be directed to Kim Hamilton, Illinois Dept. of Agriculture, Tel:  217/782-5809, Eween $2,500 and $300,000 for eligible marketing activities.  Midwest participants collectively receive over 6 million dollars annually in reimbursements. The 2009 program year runs from January 1st-December 31, 2009.  In order to be pre-approved for January activities, companies should apply to the program by October 1, 2008.

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SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
www.agr.state.il.us/Grants/marketing/

Application Deadline: December 1, 2008 - 4:00 p.m.

For program information including eligibility and matching funds requirements please refer to the Program Fact Sheet.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture received specialty crop block grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Specialty Crop Block Grant - Farm Bill. $132,565.00 of those grant funds will be used to fund the Illinois Farmers Market Advertising Grant Program. Through this new program all Illinois farmers markets can apply for grant funds to help off-set the cost of advertising the market for the 2009 farmers market season. All grant funds must be spent by December 31, 2009.

These guidelines are intended for use by individuals developing proposals and carrying out the administrative and procedural requirements involved in applying for Farmers Market advertising projects. The guidelines cover the following topics.

• Program Scope
• Eligible Specialty Crops
• Matching Requirements
• Application Procedures and Requirements
• Announcement of Grant Awards
• Restrictions and Limitations on Program Activities and Expenditures
• Post-Award Management of Grants
• Reporting Requirements for Awarded Projects?
• Record Retention for Awarded Grant Projects

For more information: www.agr.state.il.us/Grants/marketing/

Or, contact Delayne Reeves at 217/524-9129 or email her at mailto:delayne.reeves@illinois.gov Click here to get the application.

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ILLINOIS ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST-SHARE PROGRAM

www.agr.state.il.us/Grants/marketing/

Deadline: September 30, 2009

To be eligible for reimbursement, an organic production or handling operation must be located within Illinois, comply with the USDA National Organic Program regulations for organic production or handling and have received certification or continuation of certification by a USDA-accredited certifying agent between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009.

Under Illinois' current agreement with the USDA, producers and handlers can make application for reimbursement to the Illinois Department of Agriculture by submitting the following documents:

• Illinois Organic Certification Cost-Share Program application
• W-9 form (Rev. 10/07)
• Copy of the certificate or continuation of certification document from the USDA-accredited certifying agency
• Copy of your paid, itemized invoice from your certifier

Based upon the receipt of the completed application packet by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, reimbursements will be on a first-come, first-served basis until the limited program funds are exhausted.

For more information, telelephone Delayne Reeves at 217/524-9129 or email her at delayne.reeves@illinois.gov.

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NOVEMBER FEATURED COMPANY: TURASKY'S MEATS, SPRINGFIELD, IL

www.turaskymeats.com

Turasky Meats is a third generation family company started by Joseph Turasky in 1949. Current President Joe Turasky is the second generation and Vice President Brad Turasky is the third generation. The business started as a custom slaughtering plant and supplying local grocers with sides of beef. Over time Turasky's started making specialty sausages and as people found out and through demand they opened their retail shop. As the wholesale business changed Turasky's focused their wholesale effort toward restaurants and pizzerias. They then expanded retail store offering not only beef, but pork, lamb and poultry.
 
Always looking to the future in 2000 they started operating under HACCP. They began remodeling and replacing equipment under federal meat inspection review and as of November 1, 2004 became a federal meat plant. Due to their procedures Turasky's now has the designation as a plant whose guidelines are acceptable for new inspectors to observe during training.

Quality control is always the number one priority and the workplace was designed to utilize strategic quality control testing and cutting specifications for each product. Joe and Brad are proud of the fact that any worker in the production process has the ability to stop the line any time if they believe something isn't going right. They take pride in themselves in only selling the top 2/3 choice steaks. Beef is carefully selected through programs such as Excel's Angus Pride and Creekstone Farms. The Illinois Department of Agriculture is pleased to recognize Turasky Meats as Featured Company of the Month for November, 2008.

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GIFT ITEM WEBSITE

www.agr.state.il.us/markets/mis/result.php?menuTopics=30&menuSubjects=none&menuFiles=none

Is your company currently selling "Gift Items" on your website?  The Illinois Department of Agriculture has developed a "Gift Item / Gift Set" website on the I.D.O.A. home page to help you to advertise your company's gift items.  To see if you are currently listed, go to www.agr.state.il.us, then click on the rectangular box on the right side of the page entitled "Purchase Illinois Products Gift Items Online".

We will be advertising this website during the holiday season to encourage consumers to purchase "Illinois Products" to give as holiday gifts. We are also tracking the "hits" daily on this website.

If you sell gift items on your website and you are not currently listed on our (gift item) website, contact Larry Aldag (217/524-3012 or  larry.aldag@illinois.gov) or Kim Hamilton (217/782-5809 or kim.hamilton@illinois.gov) to be listed.

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THIRDANNUALLAND OF LINCOLN FOOD EXPO

Wednesday, January 21, 2009
OrrBuilding
IllinoisState Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL
12 Noon-4 p.m.

To get the flier, click here.

Get the participation form here.

For further information, contact Larry Aldag at larry.aldag@illinois.gov or at 217/524-3012.

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2009 INTERNATIONAL POULTY EXPO/INTERNATIONAL FEED EXPO
January 28-30, 2009
Atlanta, Georia

www.ipe09.org

Come join us at the networking hub of the world for the poultry and feed industries!

The Illinois Dept. of Agriculture (IDOA) has blocked space at the `09 International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo at the GeorgiaWorldCongressCenter in Atlanta, January 28-30.  This event has been the largest international poultry specific trade show, and it is now bigger and better as it has joined forces with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA).

The annual boasts nearly 1,000 exhibitors, 20% will be from abroad.  The show also attracts about 20,000 trade show attendees, 4,000 of which are international poultry and feed leaders.  There is expected to be 90 countries represented. The `08 show breakdown on attendees by region:  Latin America 43%, Canada 20%, Europe 18%, Asia/Pacific 12%, and Middle East/Africa 7%. The top 5 countries represented were: Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.

Every segment of the poultry, egg, and feed industry is represented: feed milling, live production, hatchery, processing, further processing, packaging, commercial egg, marketing, and all support activities.  There will also be interest in livestock and livestock products as a vast majority of international poultry producers also raise cattle, pigs, sheep or goats.

Illinois companies can participate via: a 10' X10' booth space with a company representative attending the show - $850.

For information please contact Bobby Dowson, Tel: 217/782-4755, fax: 217/524-5960, e-mail: bobby.dowson@illinois.gov.  The `09 International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo website is www.ipe09.org.

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AMERICAN CULINARY FEDERATION CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Sat.-Mon., February 21-23, 2009
Renaissance Hotel
Schaumburg, IL
www.acfchefs.org/Content/NavigationMenu2/Events/Regional/Central/

The 2009 American Culinary Federation Central Regional Conference is coming to Schaumburg, IL at the Renaissance Hotel February 21-23, 2009. Organizers have asked the Marketing Division to solicit Illinois food companies that might be interested in showcasing their products at the 2009 show.

The central region of the American Culinary Federation consists of 15 states from Minnesota and Michigan in the North to Louisiana and Texas in the south. The more than 400 attendees are made up of Executive Chefs, Pastry Chef's and Industry professionals bringing with them the buying power or their respective restaurants, country clubs, catering companies and large corporations. This event is an excellent opportunity to get your product in front of an important segment of the industry.

With fifteen states making up the region this conference will not return to Illinois for quite some time. If you think you would like to attend this event space will be limited and available on a first come first served basis. Please contact Bob Reese for more information at 217/524-9130 or drop him an email at bob.reese@illinois.gov 

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FOODEX JAPAN 2009 
March 3-6, 2009

www2.jma.or.jp/foodex/en/index.html

FOODEX JAPAN is held annually, welcoming 2,400+ exhibitors from 60+ countries & regions and drawing 90,000+ visitors over the 4-day show period. With over 30 years serving as Japan's top trade food and beverage show, FOODEX JAPAN is renowned as an established and rewarding event. The event is a platform for exhibitors and visiting buyers to meet and interact, offering key opportunities for dynamic discussions and business possibilities to enter Asian and global markets. 

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11TH ANNUAL ILLINOIS PRODUCTS EXPO--A FOOD AND COOKING EXTRAVAGANZA
March 7-8, 2008
OrrBuilding
IllinoisState Fair Grounds

The "11th Illinois Products Expo...A Food and Cooking Extravaganza will be held on March 7-8, 2009, in the Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL.

The cost to participate is only $175.

The Expo is a consumer show and provides an excellent opportunity for Illinois food companies to promote sample, and sell (if you choose) your product(s) to central Illinois consumers. Over 5,000 people (11 years of age and older) attend the Expo each year. (We do not keep a record of attendance of children under 11 years of age). The Expo show hours are: Saturday, March 7th, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, March 8th, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Approximately eighty Illinois food companies, agribusiness and agricultural groups promote, sample & sell their Illinois food and agricultural-based products to general public consumers and to some special buyers. (Companies can choose not to sell during the show.)

Get the promotional flyer by clicking here and the participation form by clicking here. Please complete and return this"Interest in Participating" form as soon as possible by mail or fax.

For more information, contact Larry Aldag (telephone - 217/524-3012; e-mail - larry.aldag@illinois.gov)

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CANADIAN RESTAURANT AND FOODSERVICE ASSOCIATION (CRFA)
Show--U.S. Pavilion
March 8 - 10, 2009
Toronto, Canada
www.crfa.ca/tradeshows/crfashow/

As the doorway to Canadian exports into the restaurant and foodservice sector, this annual spring show is important to a company wishing to develop this market. The show is a blended food products, equipment, and supplies show and therefore is a strong draw to Canadian buyers. 
 

Illinois cooperates with the USDA on a U.S. food products pavilion with increased services and reduced pricing. The show also qualifies for assistance under the Food Export Branded program.

Show Coordinator - Jim Mackey, 217/782-2581

Flier and information

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GUADALAJARA MEXICO ANTAD SHOW

March 10-13, 2009

Guardalajara, Mexico

www.antad.org.mx/expo_09/web_09/english/

The Illinois Department of Agriculture and Food Export-Midwest are coordinating Midwest and Northeast companies' participation at the ANTAD Show in Guadalajara, Mexico, March 11-13, 2009. IDOA and Food Export-Midwest have reserved booth space in the U.S. Pavilion. Held annually, ANTAD is Mexico's and Latin America's biggest food and supermarket show with over 1,800 exhibitors and approximately 30,000 leading buyers and importers for supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets from all over Latin America. In Mexico, most of the supermarket chains, convenience stores and department stores are associated with the National Retailers Association (ANTAD). ANTAD has 92 members with more than 14,275 stores.

Under NAFTA, Mexico has become one of the largest and fastest growing markets for U.S. agricultural products. Since 2003 duties have been eliminated on all consumer oriented food products. Exports of consumer oriented products to Mexico reached a record $4.2 billion in 2006. 

About 45% of retail food sales go through supermarkets; that figure is expected to grow to 60-65% in 5-10 years. 

To take full advantage of your participation at ANTAD, Food Export-Midwest is offering Food Show PLUS! services at the show. For $200, your company will receive the following: 

• Company profile translated into Spanish
• Interpreter at your company's booth
• Feedback about your product before or after the show, including a customized shelf survey of similar/like products in the Mexican market
• Seminar on labeling/Mexican retail market
• Inclusion of your company's information, logo, and pictures into the Food Export's Spanish brochure for the show
• Mexico City Visit: One-on-one meetings in Mexico City with buyers before the show from Comercial Mexicana, Gigante, Wal-Mart, and Sam's Club. Companies will also participate in a table-top showcase attended by trade visitors only.

IDOA will pay for 50% of the booth cost for you.   The booth package will include: company signage, four shelves, one lockable demonstration counter, one lockable showcase counter, one table/two chairs, one wastebasket, carpeting, exhibitor passes, daily cleaning of the booth, and a company listing in the show directory.

The best prospects for the show include fish, seafood and products; processed fruits and vegetables; dairy products; snack foods; red meats (prepared/preserved); poultry meat; eggs and products; soybean meal; soybean oil, pet food; and semi-cooked microwave prepared foods. 

Your company may be eligible to take advantage of additional financial support that helps offset the costs of exhibiting at international shows. By exhibiting in the USA Pavilion, eligible companies can receive up to 50% cost reimbursement for a variety of expenses including exhibiting fees, international travel, set-up, rental and freight expenses through the Branded Program. The Branded Program supports the promotion of branded and private label food and agricultural products overseas and is sponsored by the Foreign Ag Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Contact Kim for further details.

Interested companies should contact Kim Hamilton, Tel: 217/782-5809, E-Mail: kim.hamilton@illinois.gov for additional information.

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VIV Asia
March 11-13  
Bangkok, Thailand
http://sites.vnuexhibitions.com/sites/www_vivasia_nl/en/index.asp

VIV Asia 2009 connects the Asian & Pacific markets for animal production and processing.  IDOA will have an Illinois Pavilion with the following companies participating:  Ag-World, Prince Agri, and Milk Specialties Company (MSC).

Telephone or email Terry English at 217/785-0115 or terry.english@illinois.gov

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SIAL MONTREAL FOOD SHOW -- U.S. PAVILION
April 1-3, Montreal, Canada
www.sialmontreal.com/home.ch2

SIAL Montreal is an important food show for connecting with our largest export market for consumer food products - Canada. This well-established, annual spring show features the whole range of food products. 35% of visitors are brokers, retailers, wholesalers, or distributors and 31% are foodservice and hotel buyers. This show also boasts a uniquely European flavor with many exhibitors and visitors from Europe. 
 

Illinois cooperates with the USDA on a U.S. food products pavilion with increased services and reduced pricing. The show also qualifies for assistance under the Food Export Branded program.

Show Coordinator - Jim Mackey, 217/782-2581
jim.mackey@illinois.gov

Recruitment Flyer and Pricing

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AGRITECH ISRAEL 2009--TELAVIV

May 5-7, 2009

TelAviv

www.agritech.org.il

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is considering participation in the upcoming Agritech Israel 2009 Show in Tel-Aviv, Israel, May 5-7. Interested companies should contact Bobby Dowson, Tel: 217/782-4755, E-Mail: bobby.dowson@illinois.gov for additional information.

Israel's agricultural sector is characterized by an intensive system of production stemming from the need to overcome the scarcity in natural resources, particularly water and arable land. 

The constant growth in agricultural production is due to the close cooperation between researchers, extensionists, farmers, and agriculture related industries. These four factors develop and apply new methods in all agricultural branches. The result is modern agriculture in a country which more than half of its area is desert. 

Agritech Israel has served as a platform for the past three decades to bring together more than 7,000 foreign visitors from 115 countries to interact with leading agriculture technology companies of the world. 

In 2006, more than 25,000 trade show visitors attended the exhibition of which 5,500 were foreign visitors coming from more than 105 countries. The show drew 285 exhibitors. Visitor profiles include: Agronomists, bankers and investors, distributors, engineers and technicians, farm owners, government representatives, marketers, heads of municipalities, professional consultants, researchers, project managers, and scientists. 

For exhibitors, the exhibition is broken down into the following exhibit halls: water; seeds and propagation material; chemicals and fertilizers; plastic for agriculture; livestock, veterinary, organic agriculture; floriculture and nurseries.

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NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION SHOW
May 16-19, 2009

www.restaurant.org/show/

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is sponsoring an Illinois Pavilion in the American Food Fair at the 2009 NRA Show.  The Show will be held on May 16-19, 2009 and will take place at

The American Food Fair will join the National Restaurant Show (NRA) to provide Illinois companies top exposure to the lucrative $558 billion restaurant and lodging business. The NRA Show is the largest single gathering in the world of foodservice and lodging professionals that include corporate executives, owners/operators, franchisees, managers and purchasing agents of foodservice, hotel/motel operations, cruise lines, airlines/commissary, entertainment/concessions, military, and contract foodservice. The show includes more than 2,200 exhibitors and 71,300+ attendees from 50 states and 102 countries.  More than 5,900 international buyers attend the show.

The booth package is $2515 and includes a 10X10 carpeted booth with hard wall, five shelves, company signage, three stem lights, a demonstration counter with storage, one wastebasket, daily cleaning of the booth, and five exhibitor badges.  Please click on the NRA Show Flyer for additional information. 

Your company may be able to qualify for up to 50% reimbursement of exhibiting expenses such as booth cost, shipment of samples, and rental fees for NRA via the USDA's Branded Program (MAP).  Contact Kim Hamilton below for further details.

A participation form will be sent upon request.  Deadline:  January 16, 2009

Contact Kim Hamilton, Tel:  217/782-5809, E-Mail:  kim.hamilton@illinois.gov for further information.

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SIAL CHINA FOOD SHOW--U.S. PAVILION
May 19-21, Shanghai, China
www.sialchina.com

SIAL China is held each May in Shanghai and is one of the primary shows for food products exports to China. The demographics of the Chinese market are huge and with a growing middle class the perceived high quality of American food products can support some pricing premiums.

Illinois food products companies with the capacity and desire to export could benefit from the exposure and learning experience this show offers. Illinois cooperates with the USDA on a U.S. food products pavilion with increased services and reduced pricing. The show also qualifies for assistance under the Food Export Branded program.

Show Coordinator - Jim Mackey, 217/782-2581
jim.mackey@illinois.gov

Recruitment to begin soon

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INTERNATIONAL FOOD TECHNOLOGIST FOOD EXPO--ILLINOIS PAVILION
June 7-9 Anaheim, California
www.am-fe.ift.org/cms/

The IFT Food Expo is the premier US event for food ingredients and technology, and one of the most important food ingredient shows in the world. The expo is in conjunction with a major scientific conference held each summer in a different U.S. city. Thousands of food scientists, technologists, and business professionals will travel from around the world to search out new products, new sources, and new technologies. 42% of attendees are in R&D/scientific/technical job functions. 12% are vice presidents or higher. 86% make or influence their company's buying decisions. Illinois sponsors a pavilion at a reduced booth price for Illinois food companies. This show also qualifies for assistance under the Food Export Branded program.

Show Coordinator - Jim Mackey, 217/782-2581
jim.mackey@illinois.gov

Recruitment Flyer and Pricing

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INTERNATIONAL DAIRY DELI BAKERY ASSOCIATION (IDDBA)
June 7-9 Atlanta, Georgia
www.iddba.org/registration.aspx

IDDBA Dairy-Deli-Bake is the major showcase held each summer in a different U.S. city, for the best dairy, deli, bakery, cheese, foodservice products, packaging, and services. In this food sector, it's the one conference that offers a full-service package: a seminar program that has meaningful content for your personal and professional growth; pre-qualified retail buyers, merchandisers, and executives who are ready and willing to do business; a 1,600 booth expo; and world-class merchandising ideas and demonstrations with actionable ideas. Illinois sponsors a pavilion at a reduced booth price for Illinois food companies. IDDBA membership is required to participate. The show also qualifies for assistance under the Food Export Branded program.

Show Coordinator - Jim Mackey, 217/782-2581
jim.mackey@illinois.gov

Recruitment to begin soon

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ALL THINGS ORGANIC--ILLINOIS PAVILION
June 16 - 18, 2009

All Things Organic™ is the only event focused exclusively on organic products, delivering an audience like no other trade show.  In 2008, more than 10,000 attendees visited the show floor- with more than half of them reporting that they plan to increase their volume of organic product purchases in 2009.  Don't miss your best opportunity to launch products, meet buyers, network, and increase distribution by exhibiting at this year's All Things Organic™.

91% of buyers found new products at All Things Organic™.

Over 77% of attendees plan to purchase products as a result of attending the show, including nearly 63% with plans to purchase within 3-6 months of the show. 53% of All Things Organic™ attendees do not attend other industry shows.

If your company is interested in participating in the "Illinois Pavilion", contact Delayne Reeves at 217/524-9129 or delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

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