South Carolina Agribiz & Farm Expo- Jan 16-18, 2013
June 22, 2012
COLUMBIA, SC – Hugh Weathers, S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture,announces his support and that of the S.C. Department of Agriculture for the S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo. The event will be held on Wednesday,January 16th through Friday, January 18th, 2013 at the Florence CivicCenter in Florence, S.C.
The South Carolina agribusiness industry is responsible for nearly 200,000 jobs with an estimated impact of $34billion and is the driving force in South Carolina’s economy. This event is designed to bring individuals and organizations together to promotethis rapidly growing industry. The estimated economic impact of the S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo is expected to bring $9 million into theregion.
Commissioner Weathers said, “Agriculture is the foundation of theagribusiness industry and the bright spot in our struggling economy. Wehave a year-round growing season, fertile soil, productive farms andexperienced farmers. Our state is located within a 24-hour reach of 100million people and we have a ready workforce. Companies want to investwhere they can enhance their competitiveness and profitability. SouthCarolina is that place. The S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo will helpspread the word.”
Covering all aspects of agriculture, the S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expowill focus on agricultural equipment, education, commodity spotlights,feed stocks, value-added enterprise, youth development,industry-specific exhibits, and activities. This event will also provide an opportunity for agribusiness men and women to network and discussthe issues of today, what was learned from problems of the past, andplanting innovative seeds of the future.
The S.C. Agribiz & Farm Expo’s planning is guided by a very diverseadvisory council board which have made great recommendations inbrainstorming sessions for this event. The S.C. Agribiz & Farm ExpoAdvisory Council members include: Hugh Weathers, SC Commissioner ofAgriculture; Holly Beaumier, Director of Florence Conventions VisitorsBureau; Rodney Berry, Berry Promotions; Cullen Bryant, Owner of BryantFarms; Brian Davison, Florence Civic Center; Mary Dickson, VicePresident of Marketing with ArborOne; Wilder Ferreira, ClemsonUniversity Cooperative Extension; Reggie Hall, SC Farm Bureau; BrandieHayes, Florence Civic Center; Jody Martin, Palmetto ConsultingSolutions; Michelle McCollum, President of SC National HeritageCorridor; Larry McKenzie, SC Farm Bureau; Jack Shuler, President ofPalmetto Agribusiness Council; Kendall Wall, General Manager of Florence Civic Center; and David Winkles, President of SC Farm Bureau.
Participants can register for lectures in subjects such as: sustainableagriculture, education in PrecisionAg, and much more. The advisorycouncil is excited about the “Taste the Experience of SC Agribiz”reception. The reception will highlight folks who have been presentednumerous awards that essentially tie into the agribusiness community.Invitations will be sent to: S.C. State legislators and agribusinessindustry leaders who will have the opportunity to see the full spectrumof SC agriculture and also how it is highlighted through many dishescooked and served by some of the greatest SC chefs.
If you are interested in this event as a participant and/or vendor, please contact:
- Sponsorship or Vendor Information: Brandie Hayes, bhayes@florenceciviccenter.com, 843-679-9417.
- Programs & Education Information: Jody Martin, jody@pcsagribiz.com, 843-250-7900.
