Goettsch approached leaders at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world's premier culinary college, in the spring of 2007 with the company's vision. No such program existed, according to Dr. Victor Gielisse, Certified Master Chef (C.M.C.), Certified Hospitality Educator (C.H.E.) and associate vice president of the CIA. Gielisse noted the industry void in advanced education that provides perspective on creativity, innovation, leadership and management for chefs at the five-year and above experience level. The Culinary Enrichment and Innovation Program (CEIP) was created by the CIA and Hormel Foods to build tomorrow's culinary leaders and address a growing concern for employee retention by providing creative, competitive staff development.

Sixteen students will attend four highly intense three-day sessions at the CIA's Hyde Park Campus in New York over the course of 18 months. Each educational module will include classroom teaching from a select group of Certified Master Chefs based at the CIA (there are only 60 such chefs in the world), one-on-one interaction with leading industry culinarians, and hands-on time in the kitchen. CEIP curriculum has been created by the CIA in coordination with Hormel Foods. Graduates of the program will receive advanced certification from the CIA and become members of the Hormel Circle of Innovation.

Hormel Foods and the CIA will accept applications for the program through Aug. 1, 2008. Notification of acceptance will occur by Aug. 29, 2008, and the inaugural class will be held in October of this year. Interested parties will find the application and additional information on the program at www.ceipinfo.com.

"The values of innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship are at the heart of Hormel Foods' long-standing heritage," Goettsch said. "We are honored to partner with the CIA, the world's premier culinary college, to build this exciting and influential program."

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. The company leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring quality, value-added brands to the global marketplace. In each of the past nine years, Hormel Foods was named one of "The 400 Best Big Companies in America" by Forbes magazine. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.

About The Culinary Institute of America

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs, in either culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA has a network of more than 37,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Cat Cora, Harold Dieterle, Steve Ells, Todd English, Duff Goldman, Sara Moulton, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The college has campuses in New York (Hyde Park), California (The CIA at Greystone, St. Helena), and Texas (San Antonio), as well as an additional location in New York City (Astor Center, Manhattan). In addition to its degree programs, the CIA also offers courses for professionals and food enthusiasts, as well as wine education. For more information, and a complete listing of program offerings at each site, visit the CIA online at www.ciachef.edu.

SOURCE: Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods
Sue Sorensen Lee, 952-926-2140
Foodservice Division Public Relations
sue@leepublicrelations.com

This 50-piece limited run collection includes chic daytime looks, and fabulous pieces for a night on the town, including sequined party dresses, sexy tops and eye-catching colors, all featuring Ms. Field's signature flair for whimsical details, as well as a new take on classics such as the trench coat, the slim-fitting blazer, and the motorcycle jacket. The collection will also feature assorted accessories, including handbags, belts and scarves.

"Patricia Field is a fashion trendsetter and through her work in television and film, has inspired a generation of women to have fun with fashion and let it be a form of self-expression," said Mindy Grossman, CEO of IAC Retailing/HSN. "That's why this partnership is so perfect for HSN. Our customers love fashion and style the way Pat does, and for them, shopping is an experience. HSN is uniquely positioned to bring that experience to life on TV and online. With Pat sharing her creations and inspirations, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all fashion lovers!"

"Teaming up with HSN is perfect for me since TV is my home," said Ms. Field. "My collaboration with HSN represents an exciting, new organic step ... a new way of exploring and aligning storytelling with lifestyle and fashion."

Ms. Field continued, "DESTINATION STYLE(TM) NEW YORK is about having the perfect pieces for wherever your life takes you, to work, to a party to a night on the town. It's about expressing your personal style, which is the key to always looking great!"

Fashionistas can purchase "Patricia Field's DESTINATION STYLE(TM) NEW YORK" exclusively at HSN and on http://www.hsn.com in late September.

About HSN:

HSN is an interactive lifestyle network and retail destination, offering a cultivated assortment of exclusive products combined with the "best of breed" in top brand names. The HSN experience takes shopping to a new level by incorporating experts, entertainment, inspiration, solutions, tips and ideas for its customers. On HSN and http://www.HSN.com, customers will find exceptional selections in Beauty (e.g. Clarins, Philippe Chansell's Ready To Wear, Perlier, Color by Cynde Watson, Wei East); Jewelry (e.g. Heidi Daus, R.J. Graziano, IMAN Global Chic, Jay King, Tori Spelling); Home/Lifestyle (e.g. Colin Cowie, Dyson, Todd English, Emeril Lagasse, Andrew Lessman, Joy Mangano, METHOD, Wolfgang Puck); Fashion/Accessories (e.g. Carlos Falchi, Tina Knowles, SCOOP Style, Sharif); and Electronics (e.g. Garmin, Gateway, GE, Kodak, Magellan, Panasonic, Samsung, Westinghouse).

HSN is available across all media including its TV network, the 4th largest cable network in the U.S., reaching 90 million homes, and http://www.HSN.com, which ranks in the top 30 of the top 500 internet retailers. HSN, the original shopping network, is an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI).

SOURCE HSN

http://www.hsn.com

"I've been a huge fan of HSN and the steps they've taken to bring truly inspired products to their consumers," says Nate. "Having the chance to share my vision with the millions of people who are tuning in is beyond exciting. I've spent the past year traveling, when I wasn't filming, and pulled ideas from everywhere. You'll see touches of it all in my line .... from the souks of Marrakesh to the villas of Greece to the market stalls of France and Italy. And, secretly, I can't wait to talk to that first caller over the air. I am fascinated by the fact that I can speak directly to someone at home. You don't get that chance at traditional retail."

"Nate Berkus is a phenomenally gifted designer whose talent and strong personal appeal aligns perfectly with the new strategic direction we are taking in the home lifestyle arena," said Mindy Grossman, CEO of IAC Retailing/HSN. "As more and more consumers turn to interior decorating as a less expensive alternative to remodeling their homes, having someone like Nate providing expert advice, fresh ideas and quality products is a formula for success."

Inspired by his passion for travel and love for handmade things, Nate has created an expanded product vision for the home that will provide solutions and empowerment for anyone looking to elevate their home interiors. At launch, the line will include everything from rich textiles, classic linens, decorative pillows and porcelain vases to classic furniture pieces like coffee tables, headboards and sofas. As the collection grows, Nate will introduce decorative accessories, lamps, wovens, and rugs, to round out the expansive collection of more than 100 home products.

"It was important to me that we provide beautiful solutions at an array of price points," explains Nate. With that in mind, his new line will offer a range of products from reasonably priced decorative accessories to higher end custom-upholstered couches. "I'm like everyone at home," continues Nate. "I want to find what's right for my space. Sometimes that means a vase at a steal and other times, that means investing in that perfect chair for the corner. My line will be the same."

Nate will debut his new collection during the premiere of HSN Home Design Event Presented by ELLE DECOR, a five-week series of one-hour trend-driven shows running from October 13 through November 15 that combine ELLE DECOR's editorial authority with HSN's newest home designers and brands.

About HSN:

HSN is an interactive lifestyle network and retail destination, offering a cultivated assortment of exclusive products combined with the "best of breed" in top brand names. The HSN experience takes shopping to a new level by incorporating experts, entertainment, inspiration, solutions, tips and ideas for its customers. On HSN and http://www.HSN.com , customers will find exceptional selections in Beauty (e.g. Clarins, Philippe Chansell's Ready To Wear, Perlier, Color by Cynde Watson, Wei East); Jewelry (e.g. Heidi Daus, R.J. Graziano, IMAN Global Chic, Jay King, Tori Spelling); Home/Lifestyle (e.g. Colin Cowie, Dyson, Todd English, Emeril Lagasse, Andrew Lessman, Joy Mangano, METHOD, Wolfgang Puck); Fashion/Accessories (e.g. Carlos Falchi, Tina Knowles, SCOOP Style, Sharif); and Electronics (e.g. Garmin, Gateway, GE, Kodak, Magellan, Panasonic, Samsung, Westinghouse).

HSN is available across all media including its TV network, the 4th largest cable network in the U.S., reaching 90 million homes, and http://www.HSN.com , which ranks in the top 30 of the top 500 internet retailers. HSN, the original shopping network, is an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI).

About Nate:

Nate Berkus developed a life-long passion for design at a very young age. After graduating from Lake Forest College, Nate took a job with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, as well as internship with Dominique Aurientis in Paris, France. Self-taught, Nate then went on to form Nate Berkus Associates in 1995. The firm grew to include projects for Wolfgang Puck's Spago, Barney's New York, W hotels, as well as a prestigious list of private homes and clients. In 2001, Nate was invited to make over a small space for "The Oprah Winfrey Show." From there, Nate became a featured design expert for the show. Then, in 2008, Nate was asked to host a movement-making show for ABC called, "Oprah's Big Give." "It's funny, as a kid, I think I rearranged the rooms of almost every house on the block," laughs Nate. "I feel like I'm still doing the same thing. Except, now I'm coming into your living room through the TV..."

SOURCE HSN

http://www.hsn.com

"The Empire State Building is New York City's preeminent tourist attraction. HMSHost has transformed the store and their merchandise to make it a highlight for our visitors to enjoy," said Empire State Building General Manager, James T. Connors.

Browser-friendly and stocked with upscale gifts and proprietary Empire State Building products, Empire: The Store's shoppers can take home a reminder of their visit to one of New York's most revered landmarks. The store's ambiance features a nod to the building's famous Art Deco design.

"Visitors to the world's great destinations want a shopping environment that is easily integrated into their overall tourism experience," said Joan Ryzner, senior vice president, HMSHost Retail. "We redesigned the retail space to delight visitors with the spirit and excitement of the Empire State Building and the great city of New York."

The expanded 3,000 square-foot store is open from 8:00 am until 2:00 am, seven days a week, 365 days a year to serve the nearly four million people who visit the Observatory Deck each year. Stainless steel and glass utilized in the store design pay homage to the work of building architects Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, and to the industrial images captured by the building's legendary documentary photographer Lewis Hine.

As part of the new store opening, HMSHost is introducing an exclusive line of licensed merchandise carrying the Empire State Building logo. The logo's design adheres to the recognized Art Deco architecture with a stepped form and facets. Independent artisans Pane in the Glass and Fineline Crystal of New York have been commissioned to create one-of-a-kind crystal glassware, ornaments and other collectibles available for purchase on at the Empire State Building.

The limited edition of Thirteen Months to Go by Geraldine Wagner, which chronicles the contest between two industrial moguls racing to construct the tallest building in the world, is a featured title in the store. In addition, customers will find Building the Empire State, written by Carol Willis, curator of New York's Skyscraper Museum.

Sean Kenney, a full-time artist who works exclusively with LEGO bricks, created a LEGO sculpture of the Empire State Building. Over 4 feet tall, and detailed with over 13,000 tiny LEGO bricks, it was commissioned as the centerpiece and is now proudly displayed at Empire: The Store.

The redesign of Empire: The Store is HMSHost's most recent investment in New York's tourism industry. The company has developed and currently manages retail and dining concessions at all major area airports with offerings that include Balducci's Food Lover's Market, Sapphire Lounge and Todd English's Bonfire restaurant at JFK's Terminal 7, which opened last month. In addition, HMSHost operates concessions at 12 travel plazas on the New York State Thruway. HMSHost employs more than 2,100 associates at its airport, Thruway and Empire State Building locations.

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating shopping and dining for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.6 billion and employs more than 33,000 sales associates worldwide. A part of Autogrill S.p.A, HMSHost and the rest of the Autogrill Group are recognized leaders in travel restaurants and retail. With sales exceeding EUR 4.8 billion, Autogrill is present in 42 countries with more than 5,300 points of sale in more than 1,200 locations (including 216 airports and 704 motorways) where 68,000 employees serve over 890 million customers every year. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information.

About the Empire State Building

Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is the "World's Most Famous Office Building." With new investments in infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world. The skyscraper's robust broadcasting technology supports all major television and FM radio stations in the New York metropolitan market. The Empire State Building was recently named America's favorite building in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects.

SOURCE: HMSHost

HMSHost
Susan Goyette, 240-694-4403
Susan.Goyette@HMSHost.com
or
Sheila McGee, 240-694-4196
Sheila.McGee@HMSHost.com