INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

"POWERED" WIS TEAM READY FOR ACTION

Published online: Jun 23, 2012 Potato Storage, Potato Harvesting
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The Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes team is gearing up for its ninth season of spreading the word about Wisconsin potatoes. Through participation in a variety of different types of fitness events, such as triathlons, duathlons, walking and running events, team members let everyone know that locally grown Wisconsin potatoes are nutritious and fit into a healthy, active lifestyle.
 
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), the Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes team performs potato promotion through participation.
 
Julie Lampert, sister of former WPVGA President Jeff Sommers of Wysocki Produce Farm, has been an active participant in the Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes team since its inception in 2004. Here's what Julie has to say about the Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes promotion:
 
"This will be my ninth year participating in triathlons as a Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes team member," said Lampert. "I am proud to wear the PBP logo. When asked how I get such cool clothing to wear at sponsored events, I get excited because I have the opportunity to dispel a myth that came about during the whole Atkins diet craze that said carbs are bad and caused the potato to get a bad rap. I remind people that the potato is packed with many powerful nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese. I also might add that potatoes are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.
 
"It is fun to be out at an athletic event and represent an industry that is so vital and huge in our area," Lampert added. "It's a great way to put potatoes in a positive light. Who doesn't love potatoes?"
 
Joining the team again this year at select events will be WPVGA spokeswoman and three-time Olympic athlete Suzy Favor Hamilton. The strong name recognition Favor Hamilton enjoys with the fitness crowd helps draw more participants and increases the media profile of the events she attends. Her friendly, high-energy style and close interaction with participants are always a big hit with the crowd and make for a memorable event.
 
To join the Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes team, contact the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association office by calling (715) 623-7683 or emailing wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com.