State of South Dakota Announces June 12 As Jack Link's® Jerky Day

MINONG, Wis., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- South Dakota State Governor Dennis Daugaard proclaims Tuesday, June 12, 2012 as Jack Link's® Jerky Day today to coincide with the first-ever National Jerky Day and to celebrate the positive impact the brand continues to have on the state of South Dakota.

Jack Link's operates production facilities in Alpena, S.D. and employs nearly 900 people statewide, contributing significantly to the framework of the state of South Dakota economy. Available in more than 40 countries across the globe, Jack Link's is the No. 1 U.S. meat snack brand and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer worldwide.

Jack Link's Jerky Day and National Jerky Day celebrate the rich history, immense popularity and nutritional benefits of dried meat snacks. The fourth highest-grossing sector within the overall salty snack universe, meat snacks — including jerky — outsell other popular salty snacks, including popcorn and pretzels.

A meaty tribute to jerky

To commemorate National Jerky Day and Jack Link's Jerky Day, Jack Link's partnered with renowned mosaic artist Jason Mecier to create a one-of-a-kind tribute to jerky. On June 12, Mecier's unique artwork will go live on the brand's Facebook page, Facebook.com/JackLinksBeefJerky, on the brand's website at JackLinks.com and it will be on display at the Rotunda at Mall of America, in Bloomington, Minn.

"In the true spirit of the brand, we thought it fitting to commemorate National Jerky Day in our own unique way.  This 'meaty' piece of art pays homage to the legacy of jerky while celebrating its popularity in today's culture," said Jeff LeFever, director of marketing for Jack Link's Jerky. "We are truly honored to be celebrating the first-ever Jack Link's Jerky Day with the entire state of South Dakota."

Why jerky matters

• Jerky has a proud heritage. In the U.S., the practice of drying meat dates back to the Native Americans and earliest European settlers who sought highly portable, satiating foods that required no refrigeration.
• Snacking accounts for more than 25 percent of today's average caloric intake, so selecting the right snack is key. Quality jerky is actually very lean, and naturally high in protein and low in calories, fat and carbohydrates.
• Contrary to popular belief, jerky is not just a "guy snack." Research shows that almost as many women as men snack on jerky.

JACK LINK'S BEEF JERKY – Feed Your Wild Side

Headquartered in Minong, Wis., Jack Link's is the No. 1 U.S. meat snack brand and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer worldwide. The Jack Link's brand represents a heritage of quality and consumer trust. Well known for its iconic Messin' With Sasquatch advertising campaign, Jack Link's offers more than 100 premium meat snack products at retail outlets in more than 40 countries. Check out JackLinks.com for more information on the brand. 

About Jason Mecier

Mosaic portrait artist Jason Mecier began his life puttering with beans, noodles, yarn, pom poms, felt and other inexpensive craft materials. Today, his portfolio includes unique portraits of Jerry Seinfeld (materials: dry cereal), Condoleezza Rice (materials: rice), Taylor Swift (materials: Good & Plenty candy), Rachael Ray (materials: beans and noodles) and Martha Stewart (materials: veggie platter), among many others. While his artwork may fool the eye, there are no gimmicks, no trick shots, no studio touch ups. His creations are one-of-a-kind handcrafted mosaics that Mecier has created with painstaking care. His portraits have gained international attention and have been featured for many years in national consumer magazines and prestigious galleries. For more information on Jason Mecier, go to JasonMecier.com.

Contacts:
Nancy Knutson
Jack Link's Beef Jerky
(715) 466-2234
[email protected]  

Martine Larson
Carmichael Lynch Spong
(612) 375-8522
[email protected]

SOURCE Jack Link's Beef Jerky