11 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT AUSTIN JOURDE CENTRAL MARKET Whenever two iconic brands come together, you can count on there being a powerful result and so is the case with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s partnership with Central Market. “When we opened the first Central Market/H-E-B store in North Texas 23 years ago, we immediately knew we needed to support the mission of Fort Worth’s longest running tradition,” said Central Market Fort Worth General Manager Austin Jourde. “H-E-B has a long history with junior livestock shows across the state and supporting hardworking students through stock show scholarship programs. Locally, we have supported students through the Stock Show sale since our store opened in 2001.” Jourde said the history runs even deeper when it comes to the FWSSR and H-E-B’s individual impact on the state of Texas. “H-E-B was founded in Kerrville, Texas, less than 10 years after the first FWSSR. Both have become iconic Texas brands rich in Texas history and known for giving back to local communities,” he said. Central Market’s primary focus in its support is the popular Mooseum Experience which ties free admission to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Texas Cattle Raisers Museum into the price of general admission to the Show. Guests who have a membership with any of the museums also receive complimentary general admission to the Show. While the relationship has nothing to do with the wide array of the fine foods and wine offered at Central Market, it does have everything to do with feeding the public’s interest in the Fort Worth community, said Jourde. “The Mooseum Experience is a great opporunity for Stock Show attendees to expand their visit beyond the FWSSR and enjoy surrounding nationally known museums,” he said. “It’s important to us to make them accessible for all visitors to enjoy the many assets our city has to offer.” Central Market, which boasts an extensive wine selection featuring wines from around the world, is also a supporter of the Show’s Vine 2 Wine Wine Camp program. Jourde also notes that FWSSR President Brad Barnes and rodeo announcer Bob Tallman, are regulars to the store. “Even the bullfighters come over here for lunch during the rodeo,” he said. Jourde is not without his own lifelong connection to agriculture and the Stock Show. Raised on ranches in South Texas, Jourde watched his father’s care of the land and livestock and saw the respect his father gained as a livestock show judge. “The ranching culture is in my blood,” he said. “When I joined Central Market/H-E-B in 2001, I immediately became involved in the FWSSR Stock Show sale with other H-E-B partners and community leaders. My wife and I have also created our own FWSSR traditions enjoying the rodeo and other events every year with our two sons. It is something we look forward to attending every year.” 11 Central Market Fort Worth General Manager Austin Jourde has been key to the development of Cetnral Market’s partnership in the Show’s Mooseum experience and Vine to Wine events.
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