Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association: Three-time Olympian, Suzy Favor Hamilton, is the new Wisconsin potatoes spokesperson

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Ms. Favor Hamilton to Attend Walk Wisconsin Event in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on June 4

Antigo, WI — June 2, 2011 — On your mark. Get set. Go! Suzy Favor Hamilton is now the Wisconsin Potatoes Spokesperson. “Yes, I eat potatoes,” laughs Wisconsin native and three-time Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton. “Potatoes are so nutritious that everyone — especially distance runners — can enjoy their benefits. They’re packed with minerals and vitamins, are gluten-free and low in calories. Their antioxidants help your body recover from exertion. Plus, potatoes can help improve your circulation and are great for replenishing your energy.” She adds, “They’re also easy to make in a hurry — so even if I have to rush dinner along, I know I’m serving something that’s good for my family. What’s not to like about potatoes?”

Who better to inspire Wisconsinites to eat fresh vegetables than Suzy Favor Hamilton? A native of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Favor Hamilton won eleven state titles in high school, is the winningest female collegiate athlete at the University of Wisconsin, won nine NCAA championships and was named the Big Ten Athlete of the Decade in the 90s. She also won seven U.S. National Championships. Today, she lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her family. She is a Realtor in the Madison area who travels the nation as a motivational speaker, helping people adopt healthier lifestyles, battle depression or improve at their favorite sports.

Duane Maatz, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) notes, “Suzy is a perfect fit to deliver the message that potatoes are nutritious and fit into an active, healthy lifestyle. She’s accomplished a lot in her lifetime and overcome hurdles as well. She understands the importance of eating right and she knows how to motivate people. And she’s just as busy as the rest of us — she understands how difficult it can be to find the time to prepare a healthy meal. But this nation is in the midst of an obesity epidemic — children and adults alike — and fresh potatoes and vegetables are one of the keys to a healthier diet. We hope that Suzy will help inspire families to get active, eat better and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.” Maatz also notes that because Suzy grew up in the heart of Wisconsin’s potato production area she can remind people to support Wisconsin farmers and buy locally grown produce.

Favor Hamilton will make her first official appearance as the Wisconsin Potatoes spokesperson at the seventh annual Walk Wisconsin (http://www.walkwisconsin.com) non-competitive event held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 in Stevens Point. Since its inception in 2005, more than 10,000 participants have walked collectively more than 105,000 miles on the beautiful trails in and around Stevens Point. Events, programs and clubs have sprung up throughout the community and Walk Wisconsin itself has received notoriety in the New York Times, Walk Magazine and Silent Sports Magazine.

Favor Hamilton will hand out medals at Walk Wisconsin and be speaking with participants after they have crossed the finish line.

About Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA)

Established in 1948, the WPVGA is headquartered in Antigo, Wisconsin. WPVGA provides grower education, government support, environmentally sound research and consumer education for 150 grower organizations across the state. WPVGA is responsible for expanding the Wisconsin potato markets through advertising, promotion and research. WPVGA also supports the Wisconsin Healthy Grownª initiative — reduced-pesticide, integrated pest management, sustainable farming practices overseen by Protected Harvest, an independent oversight organization. http://www.wisconsinpotatoes.com.