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Rio Hondo College News

MEDIA ALERT
3600 Workman Mill Road / Whittier, CA 90601 / 562-692-0921
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Merle Enriquez   Secretary
Department: Planning and Development
Phone:  (562) 692-0921  Ext. 3412
Rio E-Mail: MEnriquez@riohondo.edu

PRESS ADVISORY
3600 Workman Mill Road / Whittier, CA 90601 / 562-692-0921
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Valerie E. Martinez
RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2006 Anne K. Turner
(562) 789-4047


RIO HONDO COLLEGE’S PHI BETA LAMDA BUSINESS CLUB TAKES 2ND PLACE AT THE WESTERN COLLEGIATE FOOD MARKETING COMPETITION

 

Pasadena-Five Rio Hondo College students from the Phi Beta Lambda Business Club participated in the Western Collegiate Food Marketing Competition, held at the Pasadena Center Expo Hall on March 22nd. Amongst strong competition, the Rio Hondo College student team, with an impressive showing, received 2nd place for their submission.

The competition is organized by the Food Marketing and Agribusiness Department & Human Nutrition and Food Science Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and the Southern California Section of the Institute of Food Technologists.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a professional organization with nearly 23,000 members, advances the science and technology of food through the exchange of knowledge. Established approximately 65 years ago, IFT is considered the primary worldwide resource of scientific and professional-based food science and technology information, and a leading advocate for science on food-related issues.

The Southern California IFT Section (SCIFTS) is comprised of more than 1500 diverse members representing academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry dedicated to ensuring the quality and safety of our food supply. It is a group of professionals and pre-professionals prepared to provide and guide the public on emerging food-related issues and technologies affecting the public.

“It is exciting to see Rio Hondo College students receiving high praise for their hard work,” said Gary Mendez, President of the Rio College Board of Trustees. “ On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I want to offer a hardy congratulations to our team.”

This year’s competition involved the creation of a fictitious food product to be introduced in the Western United States. Armed with a $3 million annual budget, students were asked to create a promotional campaign to market and sell this new food venture to consumers.

Rio Hondo students Raquel Gutierrez, Brent Sanchez, Patricia Sopher, Peter Tang, and Stephanie Tang, along with their advisor Gene Blackmun, created Tecate’s Best Salsa. Their strategy involved using guerilla marketing tactics, lots of free samples, and a 200-year old secret family recipe. The winning combination impressed the judges, and secured 2nd place for the Rio Hondo College team.

This competition brought together students from all over the Western United States. Participating schools included Cal Poly Pomona, Chico State University, Colorado State University, University of Nevada, University of La Verne, New Mexico State University, Cosumnes River College, and Rio Hondo College.

The buzz throughout the 14-hour competition day revolved around Tecate’s Best Salsa. “Everyone wanted to know when we were going to market with our product,” remarked team advisor Gene Blackmun. Blackmun added that he heard the New Mexico State team discussing if they could get the product in their local stores.

“This competition provides an opportunity for community college students to associate with university students in an informational and educational experience,” said Dr. Rose Marie Joyce, President of Rio Hondo College. “I am glad that our students not only participated but had such success.”

The event culminated with a 400 vendor supplier night where new food products were introduced to the public, followed by a formal awards banquet.

Located in Whittier, California, Rio Hondo College is a collaborative center of lifelong learning which provides innovative, challenging, and quality educational offering - including programs and courses leading to transfer and vocational degrees and certificates - for its diverse students and community. For information on the College or its programs, please call 562-692-0921 or visit www.riohondo.edu .


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-RHC-

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