SAN DIEGO, CA (May 16, 2014) -- Capitalizing on last summer’s hugely successful, inaugural “Xpress Data, Inc. Credit Union Chili Challenge,” XDI is cooking up its second effort solely for credit unions. This event not only exhibits the fine art of creating a tasty bowl of chili, but also increases public awareness that credit unions are charity and community supporters. XDI’s appetizing, annual tradition – sanctioned by the International Chili Society – will take place at the beachside Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racetrack in Del Mar, Calif., August 2, 2014.
Credit unions from Northern, Central, and Southern California attended last year and are invited once again to compete for trophies, bragging rights, and a minimum of $10,000 in prize money donated to charities chosen by the first, second, and third place winners. The credit union chili team finishing first also qualifies to compete in the Homestyle Division of the 48th Annual International Chili Society World’s Championship Chili Cookoff. (Note: The first credit union to enter this year’s event is Tobyhanna FCU from Pennsylvania and CUs in Arizona and Nevada also say they will be sending teams to this year’s event.)
Pacific Marine Credit Union took first prize in 2013’s competition and representatives of that crew went on to finish fifth at the World’s Championship Chili Cookoff in the Homestyle division – a feat that is nearly unheard of in this global competition. Several of the competing credit unions even held internal chili cook offs to select the best chili to represent their credit union.
“Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success,” states Mike Cooper, President/CEO of XDI. “We see it as an ideal venue to display – and taste – some fantastic chili recipes but also help spread the word about the value of credit unions to thousands of patrons at a very popular, summertime venue in Southern California. We’ve already received confirmations from most of last year’s competitors that they are returning this year, so it looks like it will exceed our expectations once again. Time to sign up and get cooking!”
Participating credit unions can enter teams having a Chief Cook and up to three assistants. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place chili – along with best booth decoration and best chili team showmanship. The cost of the event is being underwritten by XDI so that all of the proceeds raised can be donated to credit union supported charities.
To participate in the 2nd Annual XDI Credit Union Chili Challenge, contact:
Dave Hancock, Xpress Data, Inc., 858-676-9888 x140, Dave@xdi.com
About Xpress Data, Inc.
Xpress Data, Inc. is a service company focused exclusively on the customization, production and delivery of Credit Union Member correspondence. Since launching our flagship XpressNotice™ service in 1999, XDI has created an entire family of branded services including XpressStatement™, XpressTax™ and eXpressServices™ - a feature-rich electronic document presentment platform designed from the ground up by and for Credit Unions. Composing, producing and delivering statements, notices, letters and tax forms for Credit Unions is not just another service provided by XDI, it’s the company’s core competency. For more information, visit www.xdi.com.
About The International Chili Society
Founded in 1967, the International Chili Society sanctions more than 150 chili cookoffs every year. These events are worldwide and benefit charities or nonprofits. Over the past 47 years, the ICS has raised more than $90 million for these organizations. All winners of ICS sanctioned cookoffs qualify to compete for cash prizes and awards at the World’s Championship Chili Cookoff held each year in October. In addition to raising money for charity, the ICS strives to promote, develop and improve the preparation and appreciation of chili and further the camaraderie of chiliheads everywhere. For more information, visit www.chilicookoff.com.