Governor Haley Introduces The South Carolina Chef Ambassador Program
June 24, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Governor Nikki Haley today joined South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers and South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) Director Duane Parrish to introduce the South Carolina Chef Ambassador Program.
Each year, a Chef Ambassador will be selected from the state’s four regions: the Upstate, the Midlands, the Pee Dee, and the Lowcountry. The Chef Ambassadors will serve for one year and will attend events around the state to perform cooking demonstrations, conduct educational discussions on healthy eating for children, and promote South Carolina staples in agriculture and tourism.
“We’re excited about this program because it’s another way for us to highlight all that we have to offer,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We’re proud of our restaurants and locally grown crops – and having our Chef Ambassadors travel the state, promoting these things, is going to be extremely helpful.”
“South Carolina’s amazing cuisine, delicious locally grown products and amazing destinations provide the perfect recipe for promoting the best of what the state has to offer. The Chef Ambassador Program will be a great tool for increasing demand for all things local,” said Commissioner Hugh Weathers.
“The Ambassador Chef program will complement and enhance our tourism marketing efforts in South Carolina by showcasing our destinations’ talented culinary professionals and creating greater awareness of our state’s diverse dining experiences,” said SCPRT Director Duane Parrish.
The following Chef Ambassadors were selected for their commitment to sourcing foods locally through Certified SC Grown and for striving to make their restaurants a destination:
Upstate: Chef Heidi Trull, Grits & Groceries, Belton
Midlands: Chef Brandon Velie, Juniper, Ridge Spring
Pee Dee: Chef Cooper Thomas, Victor’s Bistro, Florence
Lowcounty: Chef Brian Waters, Saltus River Grill, Beaufort
Mansion chefs Steven Janowski and Jared Hudson will serve as advisors to the Chef Ambassadors.
