SOUTH CAROLINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDORSES TONY BARWICK FOR S.C. SENATE DISTRICT 35 Columbia, S.C. – As the unified voice of business, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce believes that supporting pro-business candidates who understand and support economic development priorities is of the utmost importance. A candidate with a commitment to advancing a legislative agenda that promotes competitiveness in South Carolina is critical to economic development. Therefore, the South Carolina Chamber endorses Tony Barwick for South Carolina Senate District 35. “All South Carolinians should support candidates who demonstrate a commitment to values that ultimately strengthen our economy and lead to more jobs with higher salaries,” said Otis Rawl, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. “We must elect leaders who share our pro-business values. Tony Barwick is a South Carolina Chamber of Commerce member, and he understands that a competitive business climate leads to job creation.” Rawl continued, “When business leaders want to serve this great state, the business community should support them. This is an opportunity to ensure the next senator from this area has a focus on job creation.” The business community thanks Tony Barwick for his commitment to representing the people of South Carolina who each need good jobs and a competitive state economy. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s first state chamber Accredited with Distinction by the U.S. Chamber, is South Carolina’s largest statewide broad-based business and industry trade association representing more than 18,000 businesses and more than one million employees, with 90 percent of membership comprised of small businesses. As the unified voice for business and industry, the Chamber is a catalyst for increasing wealth and enhancing the state’s global competitiveness in order to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians. ###

Run Tony Run

The SC Poultry Federation's Board of Directors met yesterday for its quarterly meeting and presented Tony Barwick, board member and 2 time former chairman, a check for his Senate run. Tony is the owner of Palmetto Pigeon Plant in Sumter, SC. As Senator, Tony would be a tremendous advocate for the poultry industry and all of agriculture. We wish him the best! If you are interested in making a campaign contribution, you can make a check payable to, Barwick for Senate and mail to: PO Drawer 3060 Sumter, SC 29151

2011 "Birdies for the Birds"

The 2011 "Birdies for the Birds" golf tournment, held in memory of Albin S. Johnson, will be October 20th at Cobblestone Park, Blythewood, SC. If you are interested in playing, sponsorship or donating a golf prize, please contact the SCPF office at:(803)779.4700. We look forward to seeing you then!

Hotel Information for SCPF Annual Meeting

Please make your hotel reservations for our 23rd annual conference from July 14-16Th, today! Every year we find folks who waited until June to make their reservation and they couldn't get exactly what they wanted. The number for Crowne Plaza Resort is (843)842.2400. Be sure to mention it is under the SC Poultry Federation room block. If you have any questions or need any additional information for the meeting, contact us at the office (803)779.4700.

"A SC TASTE" & LEGISLATIVE DELIVERY

Tomorrow the SCPF will again be taking part in the annual, "A SC TASTE", held on the State House grounds. From 11:30 to 2:00, "A SC TASTE" will highlight foods, commodities and restaurants here in our beloved South Carolina, and remind members of the General Assembly how vital and versatile we all are. It's a great showcase for poultry and agribusiness as a whole.

In conjunction with the "A SC TASTE" event, the SCPF will be delivering umbrellas to every member of the General Assembly with a note that reads, "The South Carolina Poultry Federation is proud to be under the umbrella of our state’s largest industry, Agribusiness."

What a fun, educational and delicious day!

It's That Time Again!

Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are now on sale for the SCPF 23rd Annual Conference! Our annual meeting will be held July 14-16 at the Crowne Plaza in Hilton Head Island, SC. The SCPF's only means of revenue, are the monies raised by membership and through our annual conference. Supporting the Federation, is supporting the poultry industry in South Carolina. Please contact the South Carolina Poultry Federation office at (803) 779.4700, if you are interested in sponsorship, have any questions, or if you would like to purchase tickets.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Extends Sign-Up Period for Conservation Stewardship Program

WASHINGTON, Jan 13, 2011- USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced the ranking period cut-off date for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has been extended to January 21, 2011. Producers interested in CSP should submit applications to their local NRCS Office by the deadline so that their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2011.
“CSP benefits rural communities across the nation by protecting and preserving critical natural resources,” said NRCS Chief Dave White. “We encourage those producers who have already made conservation a priority to apply and work with us to expand the scale of conservation on their land.”
CSP is offered in all 50 states, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups. The program provides many conservation benefits including improvement of water and soil quality, wildlife habit enhancements and adoption of conservation activities that address the effects of climate change.
Producers are encouraged to apply for CSP throughout the year to be considered for current and future application ranking periods. Those producers who apply by Jan. 21, 2011, may be eligible for current available funding. The program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland and nonindustrial forestland.
A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if CSP is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contracts obligations and potential payments. It is available from local NRCS offices or online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_CSP/CSP.html