Quality Chekd Names Hiland Dairy Foods Company as a Finalist for Harlie F. Zimmerman Award

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CONTACT: Sarah Lake, Envoy, Inc. 402-558-0637

Springfield, Missouri – February 18, 2009 – Quality Chekd Dairies announced today the selection of Hiland Dairy Foods Company (Springfield, MO) as one of four finalists for the 2009 Harlie F. Zimmerman Award for marketing excellence. Named in honor of Quality Chekd’s inaugural managing director (1949-1980) this award recognizes as “Best In Class” a company’s clearly defined marketing objectives and strategies, creative execution and measurable results.

“It is important that we create unique and memorable marketing campaigns that keep us at the top of the list when customers think about their dairy options,” said Gary Aggus, president of Hiland. “Being named as a finalist for the Zimmerman Award says we’ve done a good job of achieving our objectives.”

Entries for the Harlie F. Zimmerman Award are judged by an independent panel that reviews each dairy’s marketing plan, promotional materials, merchandising programs, their ability to enhance brand awareness and generate positive sales results. Quality Chekd, a member-owned organization of independent dairy processors, will announce the winner at its 2009 QCS Leadership Conference held April 19-23, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, MO.

“Outstanding marketing is a blend of creativity, message and execution,” said Peter Horvath, president of Quality Chekd. “Finalists for the Zimmerman Award are those members whose creative ideas and strategic success was noteworthy, and this year Hiland Dairy distinguished themselves at the highest levels in these areas.”

Harlie F. Zimmerman Award winners are selected based on outstanding marketing programs that meet specific sales and profit objectives through well-planned strategies and execution. Hiland Dairy will receive a trophy in recognition of this achievement.