SMITHFIELD, Va., Dec. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce a $15,000 donation to the Sullivan County Exposition Center & Fairgrounds to support the construction of an outdoor amphitheater overlooking Lake Cowgill that will be utilized for events throughout the year.

“Our goal is to provide a venue that delivers recreational, social, educational, and cultural opportunities for Sullivan County families,” said Cary Maulsby, board member, Sullivan County Exposition Center & Fairgrounds. “We are grateful to Smithfield Foods for their donation in helping make this project happen.”

The Sullivan County Exposition Center & Fairgrounds, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that hosts community events throughout the year. The current facility features a rodeo performance area, a tractor pulling track, a demolition derby or mud run arena, and a livestock barn and show arena. With the help of Smithfield’s gift, the organization will add an amphitheater as well as a youth campground and permanent shower and restroom facilities. Future plans also include the development of a multipurpose 400-seat exposition center.   

“This amphitheater is going to be a tremendous asset to this community and we’re proud of the recreational and cultural impact it will have on our neighbors here in Sullivan County,” said Tim Messman, plant manager of Smithfield’s Milan, Missouri Facility. “Smithfield Foods has a strong commitment to support the communities we call home, and we are thrilled to be able to provide this gift to the Sullivan County Exposition Center & Fairgrounds to make this dream a reality.”

Smithfield’s support of the Sullivan County Exposition Center & Fairgrounds aligns with its commitment to contribute to the vitality of the communities where its employees live and work. Smithfield’s Milan, Missouri, facility was established in 1994 and employs nearly 1,200 local employees.

For more information about Smithfield’s commitment to its local communities, please visit smithfieldfoods.com/helpingcommunities.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Nathan's Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, Farmer John®, Kretschmar®, John Morrell®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, Carando®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Healthy Ones®, Morliny®, Krakus® and Berlinki®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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