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April 2007

Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Marketing and Promotions

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Recipes Of The Month

NEW TOOLS ON THE WEB!

www.agrihappenings.com

Check out IDOA's NEW and FREE Event-based calendar that highlights Illinois events that are food, agribusiness and agritourism related.

Enter your event's information today!

Illinois Food Broker Listing...Now Available Online!

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Marketing & Promotion has developed a list of fifty-three food brokers located in Illinois.

To view this list, go to the Illinois Department of Agriculture website (www.agr.state.il.us), then hold the pointed finger on “Marketing and Promotions” located on the left side of the page. A drop box will appear, then click on “Illinois Food Brokers”.

In addition to listing the company name, address & telephone number, the listing includes the type of products they represent, the type of businesses to whom they sell & the related services they offer. The names of the brokers are listed in alphabetical order.

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Monthly Company Highlight
Food Company Of The Month TEXTAgribusiness Company Of The Month TEXT

APRIL COMPANY HIGHLIGHT

Food Company Of The Month Food Company of the Month

Agribusiness Company Of The Month Agribusiness Company of the Month

The Honey Wafer Baking Company

The Honey Wafer Baking Company is your source for gourmet honey wafers, all naturally made in the European style. The original filled honey wafers by Anisi, established in 1925.

Wafer Thins have a unique honey candy filling sandwiched between two 8-inch round delicious wafers. Wafer Thins are all natural with no preservatives, no saturated fats and no cholesterol - yet unbelievably tasty, creating a treat entirely individual to the ready-to-eat snack food market.

Wafer Thins are a GREAT tasting, all natural alternative to cookies, chips and other snacks. Wafer Thins are a sweet, yet light tasting snack enjoyed by children and adults of ALL ages. They are great by themselves or as a compliment to ice cream, coffee, hot chocolate, sorbet, fondue, custards and yogurt.

Wafer Thins are:

  • Only 90 calories per serving
  • 100% natural
  • No preservatives
  • Low fat
  • No saturated fat
  • No Trans Fat
  • No cholesterol
The Honey Wafer Baking Company is a family owned and operated business dedicated to quality and service. Through the years, our family has grown, as our loyal customers' families have grown, with their children and their children's children enjoying our Filled Honey Wafers.

The Honey Wafer Baking Company will announce the debut of their Chocolate Filled Wafer Thins, a twist on the company’s 80-year-old original honey wafer recipe. The all-natural cocoa adds no additional calories to the traditional style, only rich antioxidants and a delicate chocolate flavor.

The Honey Wafer Baking Company
13952 S. Kildare
Crestwood, IL 60445
Phone: (708) 388-9010
Fax: (708) 388-9680
Toll Free Number: 1-800-977-9012
Email: honeywafer1@yahoo.com

www.anisihoneywafer.com

US Soy

US Soy is dedicated to improving the world’s health by designing custom products that integrate the health benefits of soy into products that can easily be incorporated into our diets and lifestyles. US Soy uses only non-genetically modified (non-GMO) or organic, fully traceable soy in all its products, doing our part to encourage all of us to eat healthier and be healthier.

US Soy’s product line is geared toward the food industry. Our products are generally supplied to other companies which are looking for wholesome ingredients in their food products. US Soy has developed proprietary soy varieties that have a bland taste, not beany. Our soy flours are often used by baking companies to increase the protein of their baked goods, without an unpleasant taste. Our roasted soynuts are a snack item, often used in trail mixes or as a great snack by themselves. Other items we offer are soymilk powder base, soy fiber and soy meals. Our items can also be produced organically, thereby reaching a market segment that is dedicated to healthy products. We are always interested in designing other products that promote soy’s use in healthy diets.

US Soy
2808 Thomason Drive
Mattoon, IL 61938
Phone: (217) 235-1020
Fax: (217)235-1006
E-mail: info@ussoy.com

www.ussoy.com

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New Companies Added to MIS database

NEW Illinois Companies Added to the IDOA Database

Illinois is home to over 1,500 food and agribusiness companies. The Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Marketing and Promotions has developed an online guide listing products that are produced, processed and packaged in Illinois. The listing can be found at: www.agr.state.il.us .

Company

Products

Crown Corned Beef And Foods, Inc.

Cooked and raw corned beef, ground beef and hamburger patties.

Gramp's Gourmet Pickles

Gramp's Gourmet Foods featuring pickled, canned products including cucumbers and beets. Sweet/Sour Original Pickle - a unique blend with garlic, horseradish, jalapeno peppers or habenero peppers added to pickle. Sour Dill Pickle - with garlic, horseradish, jalapeno peppers or habenero peppers added to pickle. Pickles are available year round. Gramp's Gourmet Foods also sells pickled beets (plain or with cinnamon or horseradish added) and Apple Pie In A Jar - a drink - served hot, over ice, or over ice cream.

JLM Inc.

Cal-SO 100 is pure synthetic gypsum, created as a by-product from coal-fired power plants. Technology has proven gypsum to be an effective fertilizer, soil conditioner, and soil amendment.

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NEW EVENTS
New Events
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Explore the Israeli Health Food Market

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) post in Tel Aviv will conduct a retail promotion event with Co-Op Blue-Square, Israel’s second largest supermarket chain, in late fall 2007. The main objective for this promotional project is to expand the awareness of Israeli customers to American products marketed as “health” foods, such as organic, low-calorie, vegetarian foods, and foods made with natural ingredients.

Gilad Shachar
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

gilad.shachar@usda.gov

972-3-519-7324/7686

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ONGOING EVENTS
Ongoing Events
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MARKET BUILDER PROGRAM

Finding the right market for your product is the key to exporting success! Exporters who are looking to secure their product in an international market, find new distributors or importers, and receive valuable feedback about their product, can now use the assistance of Market Builder –the service designed to meet an exporter’s market development needs and wants.

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA

info@foodexport.org

312/334-9200

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IDOA Database Update Under Way!

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is currently updating our database records.  A copy of your company's information has been emailed, faxed or mailed to the contact listed on our database.  This information allows us to help buyers locate suppliers in Illinois as well as communicate in a timely manner with companies regarding sales opportunities they can participate in such as shows, promotions, and other related activities.  Our goal is to annually update our information.  

Your company’s information is included in our On-line Buyers Directory as well as included in lists distributed through individual inquiries from buyers looking for suppliers of specific Illinois products.  We also offer a Trade Lead Service that allows for electronic distribution of leads that originate from various sources to your desktop in a timely manner.

Your company will also be informed through periodic email messages about our other programs and services that include:  Marketing Perspectives; On-line Buyers Directory; Domestic Marketing Assistance; Illinois Products Logo Program; Trade Shows; Promotional Events; Industry Tours; Seminars; and Grant Opportunities.

Listing on the database is FREE !  There are minimal fees associated with the various trade shows and promotional events throughout the year, but participation in these events is up to each individual company.

Any company – Food or Agribusiness – that produces, packages, processes or is headquartered in Illinois is eligible to be listed in our database and participate in our programs and services.

If you have not sent us a copy of your company’s Profile Form recently, please send us a copy of the attached FORM as soon as possible.

Fax it to:
217/524-5960

Mail To:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Marketing and Promotion
State Fairgrounds, P.O. Box 19281
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9281

Company Profile

Delayne Reeves

delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

217/524-9129

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Buy Illinois Network

The Buy Illinois Network is intended to help Illinois business owners market their products and services, which in turn stimulates more in-state, business-to-business commerce.

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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Food Export Helpline

Ever needed one-on-one export assistance but didn't know where to turn? This unique MIATCO service provides midwestern companies with customized, one-on-one assistance on a wide variety of export-related topics. Whether you have a quick question about exporting or need long-term assistance, MIATCO's Food Export Helpline can be of service! For enrolling in this free service, our counselor can also conduct a top 25 market report for you product!

Participation Agreement

MIATCO

info@miatco.org

312/334-9200

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Branded Program:  Double Your International Marketing Plans

The Branded Program assists small food and agricultural companies to promote their products overseas by reimbursing up to 50% for marketing activities such as advertising, trade show registration costs, public relations, package and label modifications and more.

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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May 2007
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6 - 8

FMI / U.S. Food Export Showcase

McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois

FMI is North America’s largest food distribution show. Not only will you meet with 5,000 international food buyers from over 100 countries, but 30,000 domestic attendees will be looking for food, beverage, and agricultural products. As an Illinois Pavilion participant at FMI/U.S. Food Export Showcase, your company can be part of the largest state-sponsored area at the show (44 booths, 4400 square feet).

NEW FOR 2007: IDOA will again have a prime location at the front of the show floor within the South Hall directly off the main concourse.

SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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6 - 8

All Things Organic: Illinois Pavilion

McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois

All Things Organic™ is the only event in North America focused exclusively on organic products - all products on display must be certified oranic, made with certified organic ingredients, or be approved for use in organic production. This even has more organic companies exhibiting than any other show in North America, and made Trade Show Week's Top 50 list of the fastest growing trade shows in the industry. IDOA is coordinating an "Illinois Pavilion" at this trade show.

Delayne Reeves

delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

217/524-9129

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8 - 12

SIAL China Food Show PLUS!

Shanghai, China

SIAL China Food Show PLUS will take place May 8-12, 2007. This year’s activity will also include a pre-show visit to Nanjing, China. While in Nanjing, participants will meet one-on-one with local buyers, learn about Nanjing’s economy and development and participate in retail supermarket tours. Other components of the SIAL China Food Show PLUS! include: interpreters at your booth throughout the show, a customized competitor store check for up to two products, translation of two pages of company information, one-on-one meetings with qualified importers, in-market briefing of the China retail market and on-site show support.

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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10 - 12

SIAL China

Shanghai, China

SIAL China 2005 welcome 53 countries with 56 exhibiting groups. Exhibitors and collective pavilions from 60 countries are expected on SIAL China 2006.

Chinese food manufacturers and importers will be attending SIAL China 2006 creating a unique platform for business opportunities in imports and exports!

SIAL China 2006 will also be the meeting point for international visitors who will meet their clients and seek new partnerships. With a far reaching impact on Asia Pacific region, SIAL China 2006 will welcome buyer delegations from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other major China trade partners!

Participation Agreement

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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19 - 22

National Restaurant Show (NRA) / American Food Fair

McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois

The American Food Fair will join the National Restaurant Association (NRA) to provide Illinois companies top exposure to the lucrative $511 billion restaurant and hospitality industries. The NRA Show is the largest single gathering in the world of food service and lodging professionals that include corporate executives, owners/operators, franchisees, managers and purchasing agents of food service, hotel/motel operations, cruise lines, airlines/commissary, entertainment/concessions, military, and contract food service. The show includes more than 2,000 exhibitors and 75,000 attendees from 50 states and 108 countries. More than 3,800 international buyers attend the show.

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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2007 Foodservice Buyers Mission

Chicago, Illinois

Food Export USA–Northeast and Food Export Association of the Midwest USA are offering a great, low-cost opportunity to U.S. food and agricultural exporters to meet with visiting buyers from seven different markets or regions at the 2007 National Restaurant Association Show. This is a great opportunity to get live feedback about your product’s overseas potential. Think of it as “live” market research! One-on-one meetings are a great chance to build relationships with potential customers.

Participation Agreement

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA

www.foodexport.org

312/334-9200

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June 2007
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3 - 5

International Dairy - Deli - Bakery Association (IDDBA)
Dairy-Deli-Bake 2007

Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, California

PARTICIPATE IN THE PREMIER SUPERMARKET
DAIRY, DELI AND BAKERY SHOW IN THE INDUSTRY!

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be organizing a state pavilion at this year’s IDDBA Dairy-Deli Bake Show. The IDDBA Show is the premier supermarket dairy, deli and bakery show in the industry and continues to grow and improve every year. Participate with the Department of Agriculture and we will help you save 50% off the cost of a booth!

Flyer

Participation Agreement

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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3 - 5

2007 Dairy-Deli-Bakery Buyers Mission

Anaheim, California

Meet foreign buyers brought to the U.S. to meet one-on-one with you, the supplier in pre-arranged meetings. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your product’s export potential and build relationships with key industry players, without the time and expense of having to travel overseas.

The meetings will be held in Anaheim, California during show hours on the show floor in the Food Export booth. You do not have to exhibit at the IDDBA show to attend the mission.

Flyer

Participation Agreement

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA

www.foodexport.org

312/334-9200

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3 - 7

Illinois Pork Industry Tour

Illinois

The Illinois Dept. of Agriculture (IDOA) is organizing the 15th annual Illinois Pork Industry Tour for international guests, scheduled for June 3-7, 2007. This project is planned enroute to the World Pork Expo, featuring the world’s largest pork specific trade show, June 7-9 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Bobby Dowson

bobby.dowson@illinois.gov

217/782-4755

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13 - 15

ExpHotel Food Show PLUS! and Buyers Mission

Cancun, Mexico

Enhance Your Presence at Mexico's Primary Hospitality Food Industry Trade Show

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be organizing a state pavilion at this year’s IDDBA Dairy-Deli Bake Show. The IDDBA Show is the premier supermarket dairy, deli and bakery show in the industry and continues to grow and improve every year. Participate with the Department of Agriculture and we will help you save 50% off the cost of a booth!

Flyer

Participation Agreement

Yumeka Brown
Food Export Association of the Midwest USA

ybrown@foodexport.org

312/334-9217

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July 2007
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7

2007 Fancy Food Buyers Mission

New York, New York

Food Export – Northeast and Food Export – Midwest are offering an unparalled, low cost opportunity to U.S. specialty food exporters to meet with 10 visiting buyers from six different markets or regions. Participating companies can capitalize on international trade liberalization, increased demand for high-quality products, and impressive growth of the international specialty food sector.

Yumeka Brown
Food Export Association of the Midwest USA

ybrown@foodexport.org

312/334-9217

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12 - 25

In-Store Promotion at JUSCO in Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Best prospects include: canned food, snack food, fruit juice and cooking items.

Hailey Hui, IDOA Hong Kong Office

idoahk@hkstar.com

011.852.2.504.0123

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15 - 20

Midwest Buyers Mission

Chicago, Illinois

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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25 - 28

Caribbean / US Food Service Suppliers Trade Mission

Miami, Florida

This US Food Suppliers trade mission will facilitate business between US food and beverage exporters and Caribbean buyers/importers.

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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29 - 31

IFT FoodSmarts Expo

McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois

Thousands of food professionals from across the globe make their way to IFT each year to network with peers and purchase new products, technologies, applications and services. The IFT Show is the premier ingredient show in North America and continues to grow and improve with each passing year.

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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August 2007
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11 - 20

Illinois State Fair - IDOA, Mkt & Promo Activities

Springfield, Illinois

Chris Miner

chris.miner@illinois.gov

217/557-1354

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28 - 30

Farm Progress Show - IDOA Tent

Decatur, Illinois

Bob Reese

bob.reese@illinois.gov

217/557-1354

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28 - 31

SIAL Mercosur 2007

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is considering sponsoring a pavilion at the 2007 SIAL Mercosur Show. If your company is interested in this opportunity, please contact Sarah Potter.

Brochure

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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September 2007
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October 2007
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7 - 10

Bakery Ingredients Buyers Mission

Orlando, Florida

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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13 - 17

ANUGA

Cologne, Germany

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is coordinating Illinois companies’ participation in the USA Foods Pavilion at ANUGA in Cologne, Germany, October 13-17, 2007. ANUGA will be the key international food and beverage trade show in 2007, bringing exhibitors and buyers from almost all countries in the world together in one place. In 2005, 160,000 buyers from over 156 countries on five continents visited ANUGA. About 55% of the trade visitors were from countries other than Germany. Exhibiting at ANUGA can substitute for several weeks of round-the-world travel to meet with your actual and potential customers.

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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17

Illinois Food Expo

Drury Lane Theatre Center
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

The 4th Illinois Food Expo will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2007, in the elegant Ballroom at the Drury Lane Theatre Center, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, (a Chicago suburb) from 12:00 Noon – 4:00 p.m. The Expo is a food show designed to bring retail & food service buyers together with Illinois food manufacturers. The cost to participate is $350 (without electricity) or $425 (with electricity).

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Marketing and Promotion, is coordinating this show and will be inviting over 2,500 special food buyers to the show. These buyers represent major retailers, independent retailers, large and small wholesale suppliers, retail and foodservice distributors, convenience store distributors and wholesalers, food brokers, restaurants, hospitals, food service operators, colleges-universities, schools, state institutions and others.

Food product(s) will be sampled on an elegant buffet table, using chaffing pans & attractive serving trays, along with real chinaware & silverware.

All participating food companies will receive a list of the food buyers who are invited to the show, which will contain their names, addresses & telephone numbers.

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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2007 Women's Lifestyle Conference

Peoria, Illinois

The 2007 Women’s Lifestyle Conference will be held on Saturday, October 27th, 2007, at the Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, IL, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Each year, approximately 10,000 women attend this one-day show. The Peoria Civic Center has added a new section to its facility and the show management company is adding additional booth spaces for the show this year.

The management firm of this show has contacted the Illinois Department of Agriculture to ask if we would organize an “Illinois Products” section at the show.

The cost to participate would be $250 per 10 ft. x 10 ft. booth space, (which includes electricity). (The normal booth space cost is $550 plus the cost of electricity). In addition, food companies who sample their food products will need to purchase a temporary public health permit for $35.

This is a selling show. It is recommended that you sample your food products as well, however, it is not required that you sample your food products.

Women who attend this show pay $6.00 at the door.

If you sample food products, you would have to meet all requirements of the Peoria Public Health Department.

Please contact Larry Aldag if you need additional information or have interest in participating in this show. SPACE IS LIMITED, CONSEQUENTLY REPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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IFE Americas Food & Beverage Show

Miami, Florida

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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TBD

Illinois Grain Industry Tour

Illinois

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is inviting international grain leaders to participate in an educational and informational buyer's tour of Illinois' Grain Industry.

Terry English

terry.english@illinois.gov

217/785-0115

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November 2007
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12 - 13

PLMA Show

Rosemont, Illinois

The PLMA Show has been the premier event for private label products for over 25 years. With over 2,000 booths, it is the largest show of its kind.

The 2007 PLMA Show will feature more than 2,000 exhibit booths, representing manufacturers from 35 countries. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to enter the private label market or to expand your current private label sales.

Participation Agreement

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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December 2007
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January 2008
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23

2nd Land of Lincoln Food Expo

Orr Building
Springfield, Illinois

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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February 2008
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March 2008
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1 - 2

10th Illinois Products Expo

Orr Building
Springfield, Illinois

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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April 2008
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FOOTER

Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Marketing and Promotions

State Fairgrounds, P. O. Box 19281
Springfield, Illinois  62794-9281
Phone:  217/782-6675
Fax:  217/524-5960
Email: 
agr.markets@illinois.gov
Website:  www.agr.state.il.us

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