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36 POTATO GROWER | APRIL 2018 36 POTATO GROWER | APRIL 2018 PUBLIC DISPLAY 2017 Wisconsin potato display contest closes on high note Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association By Dana Rady Director of Promotion, Communication and Consumer Education "We cannot thank the WPVGA enough for having the contest," says Don Theisen, store manager of the Rhinelander Trig's. "Winning last year was such an honor. Now we get to do it again, and we are pretty jacked up. This year, we challenged ourselves to do even more as a store and company. "In Rhinelander, we got more involved with our local food pantry and University of Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station at 'A Night on the Farm,'" Theisen continues. "We also wanted to do more to educate ourselves and community on the health benefits of potatoes. Who knew potatoes were the best energy-producing veggie; help control blood sugar levels; prevent kidney stones? We obviously learned a lot. Getting involved in this promotion has improved our product knowledge and merchandising as well as our relationships with the farmers, suppliers and community. We look forward to further building these relationships in the future and supporting our Wisconsin families in what they do best." For its 2017 victory, Trig's was awarded with a 2016 Cub Cadet UTV at the Dec. 20 giveaway event in the presence of the Trig's team and WPVGA promotions committee members. WPVGA also recognized Piggly Wiggly in Hartford, Wis., as the contest's runner-up. The store featured WPVGA logos and "Buy Local" quarter-sized bins in its produce department, along with banners on potato types, varieties and uses, the chance to win a gift card upon guessing the correct number of potatoes in a jar, posters of NHL All-Star and two-time Olympian Joe Pavelski (a Wisconsin native and promoter of Wisconsin potatoes) and an end cap that included "Meet Our Growers" information along with product. It has truly been a pleasure for the WPVGA to see the wonderful efforts put forth from retail stores in the Midwest as they support and communicate the importance of buying local and buying Wisconsin to their customers. LOCKWOOD OF IDAHO COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS! See our complete new and used inventory at: www.lockwoodmfg.com Rexburg 208-681-4201 Paul 208-438-2171 143 S 600 W Blackfoot 208-785-3054 1601 W Bridge St. Give us a call to learn how our harvesters, 4-row and 6-row windrowers and VACS can improve your operation. Also ask about our Air Cup, Pick and Belted Cup planters. Proven and Reliable 169308LocIda13s.indd 1 10/13/17 11:27 AM For the second year, the Wisconsin potato industry challenged retailers to showcase their most creative ideas in displaying Wisconsin potatoes during the month of October, the state's PotatoPalooza month. The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) once again named Trig's in Rhinelander the first- place winner of the Wisconsin potatoes display contest. The decision came as a result of significant effort the store put into incorporating every one of its departments in the potato promotion. For example, there was a vast potato display in the produce department, along with suggested toppings for a loaded baked potato, recipe tear pads, posters and banners on potato nutrition and buying local. The deli showcased loaded baked potatoes, potato salads and ready- made meals with red potatoes as a side dish. Customers were greeted with different contests throughout the store with prizes of their own. Of all the entries, Trig's was the only store that incorporated each and every aspect of its landscape to some type of Wisconsin potato promotion, which resulted in consumers leaving educated and inspired with new and creative preparation ideas.