TITLE: Designating Hico as the official Steak Capital of Texas.

SUMMARY: Designating Hico as the official Steak Capital of Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Hico celebrated the city's 11th annual Texas Steak Cookoff in 2014, and the continuing success of this popular festival makes the community deserving of designation as the official Steak Capital of Texas; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of then Mayor Stan Bundy, the city staged its first steak cook-off in May 2004, with 15 participating cookers; the following year, the Hico Economic Development Corporation took over management of the event, and by year three, the festival had grown to include five professional chefs, 16 backyard cooks, a number of vendors, and several wineries, drawing some 2,000 guests; and WHEREAS, By 2008, Hico's cook-off had nearly doubled in size from its start, and the gathering was featured on the Food Network cable channel; since then, the festival has grown steadily, and it now attracts more than 100 cookers, 15 wineries, 70 vendors, and over 6,500 guests each year for a variety of activities that include a wine tasting and VIP dinner, as well as the signature contest to choose the cooker of the "Best Steak in Texas"; and WHEREAS, The proceeds from the Texas Steak Cookoff directly benefit the community, helping the Hico EDC support such notable organizations and initiatives as the Civic Club, the Memorial Scholarship Foundation, and construction of an outdoor stage in the city park; the festival has also attracted corporate sponsors, and the weekend results in a 12 to 14 percent rise in retail sales for local businesses each year; and WHEREAS, In hosting the largest event of its kind in the state, the city of Hico brings together talented professional and amateur chefs in a spirited competition enjoyed by residents and tourists alike while highlighting the ongoing importance of beef to the economy and culture of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate Hico as the official Steak Capital of Texas.