SMITHFIELD, Va., March 14, 2019 – Smithfield Foods, Inc. has donated $100,000 to American Evolution which commemorates the 400th anniversary of key historical events that occurred in Virginia in 1619 that continue to influence America. The commemoration features a year-long series of events, exhibitions, and educational programs that inspire local, national, and international engagement in the themes of democracy, diversity, and opportunity.
“We are honored to have Smithfield’s support to commemorate these formative events in Virginia and American History,” said Paul Koonce, president of 2019 Commemoration, Inc. “Smithfield has a long and storied history in Virginia, and we are grateful to have them as one of our major partners to amplify this important history.”
Smithfield Foods started as a small meat-packing company in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, building on a tradition of producing specialty hams and meats in the town of Smithfield that dates back to the eighteenth century. Now, more than 80 years later, the $15 billion global food company employs more than 3,200 Virginians and remains headquartered in Smithfield, with more than 54,000 employees worldwide.
“Smithfield is proud to be a part of this program recognizing Virginia’s influence in American history,” said Keira Lombardo, executive vice president of corporate affairs and compliance for Smithfield Foods. “Heritage is important to Smithfield. We were founded in Virginia and remain headquartered in the town where it all started. Our Smithfield Family is deeply rooted in communities throughout this great state and this commemoration honors their history as well.”
American Evolution has partnered with notable Virginia institutions and national partners to commemorate formative events that occurred in 1619 Virginia, including the first representative legislative assembly in the New World, the arrival of the first recorded African in English North America, the recruitment of English women in significant numbers to the Virginia colony, the first official English Thanksgiving in North America and the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of the Virginia colony. A full schedule of American Evolution programming, upcoming events, and educational initiatives can be found at: https://www.americanevolution2019.com/events/.
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, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About the American Evolution
The 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution", highlights events that occurred in Virginia in 1619 that continue to influence America today. Featured programs, events and legacy projects will position Virginia as a leader in education, tourism and economic development. American Evolution commemorates the ongoing journey toward the key ideals of democracy, diversity and opportunity. Dominion Energy is an American Evolution Founding Partner and Altria Group and TowneBank are Virginia Colony Partners.
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Media Contacts:
Smithfield Foods, Inc. American Evolution
Lisa Martin Yuri Milligan
lvmartin@smithfield.com yuri.milligan@jyf.virginia.gov
(757) 365-1980 (757) 253-4470