Bend, Ore – Every February for the last 48 years, drivers in seven Western states head to Les Schwab Tire Centers for the Free Beef promotion. The promotion lasts until February 28, 2011 and the company anticipates giving customers approximately one million dollars in free beef gifts.
"Free beef in February is a Western tradition," said Brian Capp, Vice President of Marketing. "It started in the 1960's as a way to thank customers–at that time mostly farmers and ranchers–for their business. From a small store in Oregon to a multi-state business with annual sales of more than $1.5 billion, the company continues to offer the gift promotion and prices remain the same to ensure that customers receive bone fide savings," Capp explained.
The logistics behind the giveaway require region-wide planning and organization:
– The company has more than 425 freezers installed in retail stores in seven states: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada and Utah. The freezers ensure that fresh beef is properly frozen.
– The company expects to give away more than 100,000 pounds of beef through party pack gifts, which consist of summer sausage and beef jerky or frozen steaks and hamburgers. Les Schwab purchases the beef from local USDA Certified locations to support the region's cattle industry.
– Customers receive free beef when they purchase two or four new passenger or light truck tires.
"We have a history of providing service that goes beyond our customer's expectations," Capp said. "Free beef is another unique way to let customers know we really value their business."
About Les Schwab Tire Centers
Les Schwab Tire Centers (www.lesschwab.com) is one of the leading independent tire dealers in the United States with more than 6,600 employees in more than 425 locations throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, and Utah. The company has been recognized for its environmental and business practices through several awards including: a Milestone award from the Oregon Sustainability Board, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department and an Environmental Excellence award from the Association of Washington Business.
In 2008, Les Schwab ranked among the top 20 companies in the Best Places to Work survey conducted by Oregon Business magazine. In 2010, Les Schwab received the Commute Options Employer of the Year Award from the Bend Chamber of Commerce in Bend Oregon and was recognized for its ethical business practices by the Idaho Snake River region Better Business Bureau.
Source: Les Schwab Tire Centers
