The beef checkoff-funded Beef Backer Program is creating beef believers throughout the country, finding those restaurants and supermarkets that do the best job of marketing beef. Judging for the checkoff’s 2008 Retail Beef Backer Award program was conducted in Chicago in November and revealed a highly competitive field.

The supermarket retailers were judged based on their use of beef checkoff promotions and programs, as well as their own creative beef marketing campaigns. Winners will be announced at the 2009 Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Phoenix in January. For more information and a look at 2007 Beef Backer Award winners, visit Beef Backers.

Speaking of Beef Backer winners, Golden Corral restaurant, a 2005 National Beef Backer, is running a 10-week “Beef Lovers Promotion” through Dec. 31. In partnership with the beef checkoff, the dinner-hour promotion features bacon-wrapped sirloin, awesome pot roast, Italian meatballs, carved roast beef, and “mom’s meatloaf.” The checkoff is acknowledged on in-store signage, buffet labels, television commercials, and Web site promotions featuring the “Beef It’s What’s For Dinner” logo. Golden Corral has 480 restaurants located in 38 states.