The last time I met George Voinovich was at the Ohio State Fair. The Former Mayor of Cleveland, Former Governor and then retiring U.S. Senator was always at the the Ohio State Fair. I could never image that the city boy of Slovenian ancestry who grew up not far from me in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland would have such an appreciation for the State Fair. Shortly after his death back in June of this year I wrote a very personal story about him and his love for agriculture. So much so was his “roots” in the ground of the Buckeye State that he wanted to pursue efforts to promote those agricultural products grown and processed in Ohio. Hence the development of Ohio Proud while he was then Governor.
Our TV show “In Ohio Country Today” has a great relationship with the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s program. We feature Ohio Proud partners, producers and affiliates on a regular basis and we were excited to see the program continue its efforts to market those relationships.
As part of their most recent marketing efforts Ohio Proud announced the launch of its newly revamped website: www.ohioproud.org. The new, user-friendly, mobile site offers quick and easy access to more than 500 Ohio Proud partners located across the state. The website also features an interactive map that allows consumers to more easily locate Ohio Proud businesses in their area.
“We are very excited to have our new website launch during this year’s holiday season,” said Lori Panda, senior program manager of Ohio Proud. “It’s always our goal to connect shoppers with locally made products because when you shop local, you are supporting our state’s businesses and farmers. Looking for Ohio Proud and other hometown products is a great way to get unique gifts for loved ones this holiday season while giving back to your local community.”
Created in 1993, companies that grow, make or process at least 50 percent of their product in Ohio are eligible to join Ohio Proud.
Becoming an Ohio Proud member gives businesses another way to market their products, and provides consumers a quick and reliable way to identify local food and agricultural goods. From local fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, to snack foods, wine and baked goods you will find Ohio Proud products at many specialty retailers and in every aisle of your favorite grocery store.
For more information on the program, businesses and shoppers can visit the new Ohio Proud web site at www.ohioproud.org.
Here’s seeing you, in Ohio Country!
