In 1883, Lucchese started making some of the world’s finest cowboy boots.  In 2011, Lucchese is still at it, and doing it entirely in the USA.  RCC Western Stores is very proud to offer these American classics to our customers.  We asked Lucchese’s Trey Gilmore what their secret is and he provided us with the formula:  History, tradition, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.


 

A BIT OF HISTORY...
It was 1880 when Sam Lucchese Sr. and his brothers came to America.  Although he was just 17 years old, the young Lucchese had a vision for a career in boot making, and just three years later, the Lucchese Boot Company was established in San Antonio, Texas.  The family's dedication to its craft and to its customers kept the business alive, but it wasn't until the early 1960s that the founder's grandson and namesake decided to rethink the art of boot making.

Sam Lucchese

Cosimo Lucchese

Sam Lucchese Jr.

THE MAN BEHIND THE BOOT…
The world has never known a finer, more knowledgeable craftsman than Sam Lucchese Jr.  His fascination with, and comprehensive understanding of, the human foot inspired him to create a boot design that fit like no other.  And although Lucchese's one-of-a-kind boot last design required more skill and time, the result was a boot that quickly gained national recognition for its extraordinary comfort, quality and fit.

THE BEST TAKES TIME…
No other boot fits the human foot like a Lucchese boot, thanks to Lucchese's original design, which remains the only one of its kind in boot making today.  And because of a continuing commitment to this rare art, the making of a Lucchese boot takes time.  From the careful selection and cutting of the finest grade of leathers, to the hand-driven lemon wood pegs and meticulous finishing of a boot, each step is considered critical to our finished product.  Our boot designs may demand more money, time and skill, but when you slip your foot into a Lucchese boot, you'll know why we insist on only the finest.

"The final truth is that throughout the whole boot factory, the quality chain is no stronger than its weakest link."
- Sam Lucchese Jr.

HANDS OUT-PERFORM MACHINES…
There is no substitute for the experienced hands of a true boot maker.  Every pair of Lucchese boots is hand-inspected, not once, but twice.  And although we skive our leather seams by machine, we repeat the process a second time by hand.  In virtually every one of our procedures, we rely on human hands to complete the task to near-perfection.

"If you cut leather for your boots in the same way you would carve up a meat carcass for your dinner table, you will be in good shape."
- Sam Lucchese Jr.

CLOSE TO PERFECT...
Every inch of a Lucchese boot is made of the finest grade of leathers.  These near-perfect skins are often more expensive, but you can't put a price on unprecedented fit and comfort.

http://www.lucchese.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucchese-Boot-Co/178202094693

45th CMA Awards to Air November 9

Since 1967, the Country Music Association has recognized the cream of its own crop in its annual awards presentation.  “Country Music’s Biggest Night” will air live on ABC November 9 at 8:00 pm ET. 

This year’s event will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood (again) and feature live performances by a literal who’s who of contemporary country music, twenty acts at my last count:  Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Sugarland, and Zac Brown Band, plus three duets including Rascal Flatts with Natasha Bedingfield, Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter, and co-hosts Paisley and Underwood.

Add to that, for the first time since 2008, all five nominees in the New Artist of the Year category will also be performing:  Chris Young, Thompson Square, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, and The Band Perry. 

This year, though, all eyes will be on season 10 American Idol winner Scotty McCreery.  He recently became the youngest country star to debut at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 with his debut album, “Clear as Day.”  He is also the youngest male artist of ANY genre to debut at number one with his debut release, having turned 18 the same week it was released!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot:  I don’t know where they’re going to find the time, but they plan on giving away some awards, too!

Up for Entertainer of the Year are Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, and Taylor Swift.  Female Vocalist of the Year nominees are Swift, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, and Carrie Underwood.  And it’s Aldean, Paisley, Shelton, Urban, and Kenny Chesney all with a cowboy hat in the ring for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Other categories include:

·         Vocal Group of the Year, with nominees The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and Zac Brown Band.

·         Vocal Duo of the Year, featuring nominees The Civil Wars, Montgomery Gentry, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, and Thompson Square.

·         Single of the Year, with nominees “A Little Bit Stronger,” by Sara Evans, “Colder Weather,” by Zac Brown Band, “Don’t You Wanna Stay," from Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton with “Honey Bee,” and The Band Perry’s huge triple-platinum hit “If I Die Young.”

·         Album of the Year, featuring nominees Blake Shelton with “All About Tonight,” Brad Paisley’s “This is Country Music,” Zac Brown Band’s “You Get What You Give,” Jason Aldean’s monstrously successful “My Kinda Party,” and the world’s current darling, Taylor Swift with “Speak Now.”

·         Song of the Year, with nominees Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey, and Coy Boyles for “Colder Weather,” Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford for “Dirt Road Anthem,” Kimberly Perry for “If I Die Young,” Taylor Swift for “Mean,” and Matraca Berg and Deana Carter for “You and Tequila.” 

The show will be broadcast live in High Definition with 5.1 channel surround sound on ABC.

And don’t forget this:  Cowboy boots and cowboy hats will saturate the best red carpet fashion parade of all those show biz award shows!! It’s a sneak peek at what will dictate the next popular western fashion trends.  Be sure to tune in and see what western wear your favorite stars are wearing.

This Should Be Your Next Vacation!

RCC Western Stores is proud to partner with the Dude Ranchers' Association.  If you're planning a western vacation we heartily recommend this organization, which has been dedicated to preserving this special way of life since 1926.  Membership in the Association involves a rigorous two year inspection and approval process, to assure that guests are treated to genuine western hospitality combined with the lodging industry’s highest standards.

Why DRA Ranches

Dude ranches are the original Western vacation.  Our first ranchers introduced the unique beauty of the American West to “dudes” from all over.  All this happened in the best way possible: from the back of a horse.  This horseback adventure was surrounded by honest and real Western hospitality that these dude ranch pioneers considered a part of the code of the west.

The Dude Ranchers’ Association was founded to preserve, protect, and promote their unique vacation experience and its identity.  Though guest expectations have changed and ranchers have had to change with them, the core principles of dude ranching remain the same.

The following six words beginning with H represent the ideas that summarize those principles.  The notes clarify how these principles apply to any ranch that is a member or seeks to become a member of the DRA.

Horses

• Horses are central to any dude ranch experience.
• There must be adequate stock, tack, facilities, and trails for the riding program.  All will be well cared for.
• Attention will be paid to horse and rider safety.

Hats

• Cowboy hats symbolize the special emphasis on Western atmosphere and appearance.

Hospitality

• A genuine friendly Western welcome with staff, food, accommodations, facilities, and activities to authenticate it.

Heritage

• Dude ranch vacations began as long stays where relationships developed and guests had an exclusive and complete ranch experience.
• Dude ranch guests will be on an American plan.
• Even amidst today’s pressures for quick visits and short vacations, ranches should encourage week-long stays (6 or 7 nights.)
• Regular multi-day dude ranch guests should not be significantly or adversely affected by any non-dude ranch business.

Honesty

• You are at least as good as you advertise, if not better.
• You operate your business with integrity.

Heart

• You have a heart for developing friendships with your guests and demonstrate it in your actions.

For more information about the Dude Ranchers' Association or any of their more than 100 member ranches, see:

http://www.duderanch.org/

http://www.facebook.com/DudeRanchers

To get outfitted in the best western wear for your western vacation, visit the Dude Ranchers page on RCC Western Stores website.

New Field Specialists Usher in New Era of SDSU Extension

BROOKINGS, S.D. - SDSU Extension has hired 44 Field Specialists who will work in eight Regional Extension Centers across South Dakota. During a news conference Thursday in Brookings, Barry Dunn, Dean of the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture and Director of SDSU Extension, announced the names of the new hires, and said a new era in SDSU Extension had begun. The Regional Extension Centers open next week.

 "This Friday marks the end of one era in SDSU Extension. Next week, we welcome a new day in SDSU Extension based on the talents of new Field Specialists and the existing State Specialists, efficiencies found in Regional Centers, and information delivery through the iGrow learning platform," Dunn said. "As a result, SDSU Extension is stronger than ever. We remain deeply committed to serving South Dakotans and, in this new era, we will continue to provide them with the research and information they need to be competitive in today's economy."

 The new era Dunn refers to came about in order to comply with state budget cuts set by the Legislature and Governor Daugaard earlier this spring.

 "In managing under the new budget environment, SDSU Extension called on staff and stakeholders to help define what elements must be carried forward, and what elements can be retired," Dunn said. "As a result, next week we embark on the largest reorganization of SDSU Extension since its creation in 1914."

 Dunn also unveiled a new logo for SDSU Extension.

 "We wanted a new look to reflect our new way of doing business," Dunn said.

 Impacts

As a result of the reorganization, Dunn said SDSU Extension will live within the reduced fiscal boundaries of the 2012 state budget.

 "Nothing was held back in this reorganization," Dunn said. "Complying with a 10 percent state budget cut is at the root of this entire restructuring. In everything we do, we are careful to be prudent with our dollars and absolutely conservative in our spending.  In creating Regional Extension Centers, we relied primarily on surplus property.  We recycled and reused existing equipment, while at the same time worked to assure the continued operation of county facilities that will house 4-H Youth Program Advisors."

 The reorganization allowed SDSU Extension to reprioritize programs. Capstone programs now include; Competitive Livestock Systems, Competitive Cropping Systems, Food and Families, and Communities and 4-H Youth.

"We notably increased support to 4-H and youth and priority programs," Dunn said.

 SDSU Extension will increase its use of communications technology and has developed the iGrow teaching platform to deliver information over the internet. A new administrative structure increases communication between Field Specialists and SDSU academic departments.

 "We want the people of South Dakota to know that we have wisely and prudently used financial and staff resources," Dunn said. "The new SDSU Extension system is strong, staffed with Field Specialists who will, for the first time, all be required to hold a master's degree or earn one in five years. We will be able to deliver programs that South Dakota needs."

 The people of SDSU Extension

Karla Trautman, Associate Director of SDSU Extension, announced the conclusion of searches to fill Field Specialist and Program Director positions.  

 "Looking across the board at all Field Specialist and 4-H Youth Program Advisor positions, there were more than 1,000 applicants. Our search processes strictly adhered to university hiring practices. Search committees reviewed all applications and forwarded lists of candidates that met qualifications," Trautman said.

 Trautman announced the names of the 44 SDSU Extension Field Specialists, a position with expanded training requirements and duties. She also announced the appointment of three administrators. Rosie Nold has been appointed Program Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources;  David Olson has been appointed Program Director for Community Development; and, Suzanne Stluka has been appointed Program Director for Food and Families. Offers have been extended for the Program Directors of 4-H and Youth Development; and Native American Programs.

 Searches are currently underway to fill the 32 4-H Youth Program Advisor positions.

 SDSU Extension and South Dakota counties share the cost of 4-H Youth Program Advisors.  

 All South Dakota counties participated in this program. When SDSU Extension negotiated new 4-H service agreements with all South Dakota counties in 2011, they were asked to consider the level of support they would choose to invest. Some counties, with higher youth populations, chose to have one advisor serve only their county. Other counties formed partnerships with neighboring counties and will share the 4-H Youth Program Advisor.

 The infrastructure of SDSU Extension

SDSU Extension Field Specialists will be housed in one of eight regional centers located in  Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre,  Rapid City,  Sioux Falls,  Watertown and Winner.  The 4-H Youth Program Advisors will be located in counties.

  To enhance access to information, SDSU Extension launched iGrow, a free online teaching platform.

 "iGrow was designed to remove the factors of time and space from teaching," Dunn said. "It allows SDSU Extension to deliver information and resources to all South Dakotans 24-7. Any time they are interested, iGrow connects them to a robust variety of information, in one location - unlike SDSU Extension has been able to offer until this point."

 The Transition

Monday is moving day for the new Field Specialists. On Oct. 24, Regional Centers will not be open for business as the new offices are made operational. 

 "But at the start of business Tuesday, the Regional Offices will be open and will continue to deliver Extension programs," Dunn said.  

 As SDSU Extension enters this new era, he says peers from Land Grant universities and Extension across the nation will be watching.

  "The South Dakota model and process will be considered as other states follow our footsteps," Dunn said.

 Dunn's announcement was followed by remarks from Walt Bones, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture; Paula Hamilton, President of the State 4-H Leaders Association; and Myron Johnson, Codington County Commissioner.

Field Specialists

 Aberdeen                                                                               605-626-2870

Mark Rosenberg - Agronomy Weeds Field Specialist

Karelyn Farrand - 4-H Character Education Field Specialist

Marj Zastrow - Nutrition Field Specialist

Karen Slunecka - Family Resource Management Field Specialist

Cheryl Jacobs - Community Development Field Specialist

Laura Edwards - Climate Field Specialist

 Lemmon                                                                                 605-374-4177

Robin Salverson - Cow/Calf Field Specialist

 Mitchell                                                                                  605-995-7378

Jim Krantz - Cow/Calf Field Specialist

Heather Larson - Cow/Calf Field Specialist

Megan Nielson - 4-H Youth Livestock Field Specialist

Carrie Johnson - Family Resource Management Field Specialist

Jack Davis - Economics Field Specialist

 Pierre                                                                                      605-773-8120

Lori Jacobson - Swine Field Specialist

Ruth Beck - Agronomy Crops Field Specialist

Suzanne Geppert - 4-H Youth Partnerships Field Specialist

Andrea Klein - 4-H Healthy Living Field Specialist

Rod Geppert - 4-H Livestock Show Management Coordinator

 Rapid City                                                                               605-394-2236

Adele Harty - Cow/Calf Field Specialist

Dave Ollila - Sheep Field Specialist

Mindy Hubert - Small Acreage Field Specialist

John Rickertson - Agronomy Crops Field Specialist

Jonathon Nixon - Entomology Field Specialist

Sharon Guthmiller - Food Safety Field Specialist

Shawn Burke - Community Development Field Specialist

Peggy Schlechter - Community Development Field Specialist

 Sioux Falls                                                                               605-782-3290

B. Lynn Gordon - Cow/Calf Field Specialist

Kurt Reitsma - Precision Agriculture Field Specialist

Connie Strunk - Plant Pathology Field Specialist

Donna Bittiker - Family Resource Management Field Specialist

LaVonne Meyer - Food Safety Field Specialist

Heather Gessner - Livestock Business Management Field Specialist

Chris Zdorovtsov - Community Development Field Specialist

Larry Wagner - Agronomy Crops Field Specialist

Geoffrey Njue - Specialty Field Crops Specialist

 Watertown                                                                              605-882-5140

Warren Rusche - Cow/Calf Field Specialist

Tracey Renelt - Dairy Field Specialist

Paul Johnson - Agronomy Crops Field Specialist

Sandra Namken - Aging Field Specialist

Deb Sundem - Nutrition Field Specialist

Heather Moechnig - Food Safety Field Specialist

Audrey Rider - 4-H Youth Leadership Field Specialist

Don Guthmiller - Crops Business Management Field Specialist

 Winner                                                                                     605-842-1267

Bob Fanning - Plant Pathology Field Specialist

Ann Schwader - Nutrition Field Specialist

Tuff Guys Look Good

Cowgirl Tuff meets B. Tuff.  Cowgirl Tuff Co. introduces a new men’s line, B. Tuff Jeans.  The makers of Cowgirl Tuff designed a new men’s jean that women can’t stop talking about and men can’t stop wearing.  “B. Tuff jeans can withstand the cowboy way of life and yet still be trendy enough for a night out on the town,” explains Lisa Bollin, founder and designer of Cowgirl Tuff Co. 

Bollin created a jean for women where the fit and design is unbeatable. With all the success of Cowgirl Tuff Co., why not introduce a line to fulfill the need for the men in these women's lives.  

So B. Tuff jeans have been developed with the same high quality denim, attention to detail and comfort.  They’re built to stand up to the real-life work of the outdoorsman, farmer, cowboy and everyday man.  “These are jeans for guys who don’t mind looking good and the women who want their man to look good,” explains Bollin.  

Cowgirl Tuff Co. was founded in 1999 when Bollin began creating and selling shirts at some of the Nation’s top barrel racing events.  A Company started out of the back of a truck has exploded into one of the hottest new names in western wear.  “We started out with a dream of offering a more stylish sportswear line to cowgirls,” says Bollin.  “I live in comfy jeans and tees every day…but with some bling and cool embellishments.  And that’s what we created – clothing designed for people who work hard and play hard, and want to look great while doing it.”

New B. Tuff Jeans bring that same mentality to menswear.  “All of us here at Cowgirl Tuff Co. are just excited about making the men in our lives look good,” smiles Bollin.

B. Strong, B. Real, B. TUFF!

Durango Boots featured in the remake of Footloose

Check out the remake of the film Footloose! In theatres this Oct. it stars Julianne Hough wearing Durango Boots with skinny jeans and dancing across the silver screen. RCC Western is currently giving away a Footloose Prize Pack including a pair of Durango Boots and materials from the Footloose film! Visit the RCC Western Stores website to Enter to Win.