Kearney, NE (July 27, 2010) The Nebraska Beef Council is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Nebraska Beef Backer Award. The award is given to a Nebraska restaurant that supports the beef industry through the sale and promotion of beef. All Nebraska beef producer nominated restaurants that submit an entry form will be eligible to compete in the 2010 Beef Backer Contest sponsored by the Nebraska Beef Council.

Foodservice accounts for half of the beef sold in the United States with commercial restaurants making up 61 percent of that sector. The beef backer award was established to recognize those restaurants that go the extra mile to sell beef and positively portray the beef industry. Last year’s Nebraska Beef Backer, Uncle Ed’s Steakhouse of Grand Island, was also selected as the 2009 National Beef Backer award winner.

Restaurants are to be awarded based upon their beef promotion programs, beef menu applications, and overall quality. The winner will receive $2,000 in marketing dollars to be dispensed and approved by the Nebraska Beef Council in accordance with Beef Check-Off rules and regulations. The Nebraska Beef Council will also work with the winning restaurant to develop marketing, publicity, and promotional opportunities. The winner will go on to represent the state in the 2010 National Beef Backer contest.

For more information about the Beef Backer Contest, visit www.nebeef.org or contact the NBC office at 308-236-7551. All nominations must be received by the Nebraska Beef Council office no later than August 20, 2010.

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