V.

Tuesday, March 27, 2001

V. Allan Krejci, vice president of public relations for Hormel Foods Corp., has elected to retire at the end of April.

He plans to live closer to his son, daughter and grandchildren.

"Hormel Foods is a great company," Krejci said. "I’ve loved every bit of my work in the last 37 years."

Krejci was the company’s creative force behind many of its successful promotions, including use of the company’s famous trademark SPAM on a variety of clothing and sporting goods, directing the annual July Fourth SPAM Jam in Austin and planning the SPAM Museum scheduled to open this fall along Main Street North in Austin.

Succeeding Krejci will be Julie Craven as director of public relations.

Kraven is currently senior product manager-food service and is responsible for the successful introduction of the Austin Blues Bar-B-Que product line.

She also is responsible for the Bread Ready meats and the turkey and roast beef products.

She started with the company in 1988 and was director of consumer affairs before assuming her current position.

She will report to Mahlon Schneider, senior vice president of external affairs and general counsel for Hormel Foods.

Joel Johnson, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, "We have all benefited from Al’s limitless enthusiasm and skill in building the visibility and reputation of Hormel Foods Corp. and we wish him the very best in his retirement.

"At the same time, I am delighted that Julie Craven has chosen to accept this position. Her background in consumer affairs and success in food service prepare her superbly for the job," Johnson said.