For Immediate Release                                                          Oct. 12, 2006

 For information, contact  Melvin Edes  (806) 622-0205
   Burt Rutherford at TCFA   (806) 358-3681   james@tcfa.org  

EDES CUSTOM MEATS NAMED
TCFA BEEF MERCHANDISER 

            In recognition of a lifetime's work as a beef ambassador, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) awarded its 2006 Beef Merchandiser Award to Melvin Edes, owner of Edes Custom Meats of Amarillo.

            "Over the years, this award has gone to small businesses and large conglomerates, to local entrepreneurs and worldwide companies," said Don McCasland, TCFA chairman-elect.  "In spite of their differences in scope, they all share one common attribute-they are ardent and enthusiastic beef supporters."

            In that respect, Melvin Edes fits the description perfectly, McCasland told members of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) and Texas and Southwestern Raisers Association (TSCRA) during a joint meeting between Texas' two largest cattle organizations.  TCFA members were meeting in Amarillo for their 2006 annual convention while TSCRA members gathered for their fall board and committee meetings. 

            "Walk into his store and what's the first thing you see? A 'Beef. It's What's for Dinner' bumper sticker at eye level on the front door," McCasland said.  "Start talking to Melvin about nearly anything and he'll quickly steer the conversation to his favorite subject-beef."

            Edes started in the meat business while still in high school, working in the meat department in a local Safeway store at the age of 17, cleaning up and learning the business.  By the time he graduated from high school, he was department manager.  He moved up through the ranks at Safeway, eventually overseeing a number of meat markets in West Texas. 

            "About 25 years ago, he thought that if he could do that good of a job for Safeway, he could do a good job for himself.  And that's what he did."

            McCasland said that what began as a dream backed by hard work and enthusiasm has grown to become a regional icon and one of the last, true old-fashioned meat markets left in the country.  "It's owned by butchers, it employs butchers and they know beef.  Not only that, they push beef-about 90% of their total sales volume is beef."

            Edes has been recognized in the past for his dedication to the meat business.  He won the American Association of Meat Processors Accomplishment award in 1994 and the Texas Meat Processors Association Horizon Award in 1997.  And his skill as butcher continues to win accolades.  Just last month, his beef jerky won a contest in Stillwater, Okla.

            "As one of his customers says, Melvin is an ambassador for beef and buying from him is a stamp of approval," McCasland said.  "It is our pleasure to present him with our 2006 Beef Merchandiser Award." 

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