Promoting potatoes; helping Meals on Wheels

From SiefkesPetit Communications

Just how are they growing such huge potatoes in Idaho? And then having to get heavy-haul trucks to deliver them? No, it’s not for real – but it’s a lot of fun for the bystanders. Check out the pres  release – and take the kids to see it when the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck rolls through your town.   

It took a team of designers and contractors almost a year to create the 6 ton, 28 feet long potato to commemorate the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) 75th anniversary and to raise funds for Meals on Wheels, the non=profit which feeds home-bound seniors across the nation.     

Hauled by a Kenworth T660, supplied by Kenworth Sales Company on a one-year rental contract, the giant potato will make its way cross-country in 2012 to promote Idaho® potatoes.  The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck, as it is known, will make stops at supermarkets, restaurants, trade shows, and other high-traffic events.  

Planning for the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck began in early 2011, according to Laura Herrick, an account director for Foerstel Design and Marketing. “Obviously a big part of the promotion is the truck, and we worked with Kenworth and its PacLease operation in Boise. We immediately fell in love with the look of the Kenworth T660 and how it would represent Idaho® potatoes in a great light.  And, since we worked with Kenworth Truck Sales on a one-year rental program through their PacLease operation, they handle all the maintenance, over-width permits, and fuel tax reporting for the vehicle. We just provide the driver and go.  They’ve been great to work with and a perfect partner in the promotion.” 

To learn more about the tour, go to www.bigidahopotato.com. The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho. For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com. 

www.kenworth.com.   Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.