KANSAS CITY, Sept. 18, 2009 -- One of the most prestigious locations in Chicago has been engaged for the first-ever Induction Ceremony for 21 new Members of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame. Located in the heart of Chicago's downtown financial district, the Union League Club is renowned for its elegant decor, fine food and stately ballrooms that feature hand-stenciled ceiling beams, fanlight windows and crystal chandeliers.

One of the city’s premier locations for business and social gatherings, the Union League Club’s 24-story building includes guestrooms, conference rooms, ballrooms, formal dining rooms, a library, fitness center and swimming pool. The Club has also amassed one of the nation's largest privately held art collections of paintings, sculptures and antiques, much of which is on display for visitors and guests.

“We are proud to be able to hold our inaugural Induction Ceremony at a facility that has been the site of so many important civic and business gatherings in Chicago for more than a century,” said Dan Murphy, the Hall’s Executive Director. “The Union League Club is the prefect setting to pay tribute to some of the industry’s most accomplished and legendary leaders.”

Established in 1879 to foster citizenship, promote honesty in government and support cultural institutions and the beautification of the city, the Union League Club has long been a catalyst for nonpartisan political, economic and social initiatives. Over the years, Club members helped establish Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, the Field Museum and the Harold Washington Library Center.

The Union League Club is located at 65 West Jackson Boulevard in downtown Chicago, just west of Grant Park and is easily accessible from the I-290 freeway or via the Blue Line elevated train.

The Meat Industry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 27, 2009, is open to all interested members of the North American livestock, meat and poultry industries. For more information or to purchase tickets, log onto the Hall’s Web site at www.meatindustryhalloffame.org.

About the Meat Industry Hall of Fame

Formed in 2008, the Meat Industry Hall of Fame is the permanent repository for the accomplishments of the meat, poultry and livestock industries’ leading figures and epic events. Nominations are solicited annually and are voted on by a distinguished Board of Trustees representing livestock production, meatpacking, processing, marketing and scientific research.

For more information, log on to www.meatindustryhalloffame.org.