12-16-2004 |
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The Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, N.C., got a taste of more than 40 West Virginia agribusinesses, thanks to a 1,296 square foot booth sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and Division of Tourism. The booth featured a "country store" with numerous food products and a variety of promotions touting tourism destinations throughout the Mountain State. "Sales were excellent again this year," said WVDA Marketing and Development Director Jean Smith. "We had receipts of just over $43,000, which was slightly better than last year." Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass noted the importance of the show both to the individual producers and the state in general. "Not only does this event put out-of-state dollars directly into the pockets of our agribusinesses, but it also shows people in other states that West Virginia has a lot to offer," said Commissioner Douglass. "This state is filled with great, hard-working people and outstanding products and I'm very gratified that the Department of Agriculture can help these entrepreneurs grow their businesses." WVDA personnel also hosted three to four samplings a day over the course of the 10-day show, which proved to be popular with visitors to the Show. "I really think our booth has become one of the most popular at the Show. We added more than 200 square feet to our booth compared to last year," said Smith. "People love the samplings and they enjoy talking with the staff, as well as the company owners who made the products-(see attached e-mail).The only negative reactions we received were from people who visited the booth early in the week and returned later to find that the products they had wanted to buy were sold out." Smith added that West Virginia residents can also get West Virginia Grown products. "They make great gifts, they're great for holiday entertaining and most companies will ship their products. Many West Virginia products can also be found in your local grocery store." For a listing of West Virginia companies, or for more information, call 304-558-3708, or visit www.wvagriculture.org. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org. |
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