The SCTCDB was created this year to serve as the certification entity administering South Carolina’s portion of the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust.

Lieutenant Governor Bob Peeler said, "Tobacco farmers are a fundamental part of our state’s agricultural industry and deserve this relief. Senator Leatherman is a clear choice for this critical board because of his experience and working knowledge of tobacco issues. He will be instrumental in representing the interests of the Pee Dee."

This board was established to assist tobacco farmers and their communities that may suffer as a result of the national tobacco settlement. The term of this appointment will last four years.

Senator Leatherman said, "I am excited that I will have the opportunity in a public forum to voice the concerns I have been hearing from the tobacco community about this national settlement and to bring some assistance to these farmers and the Pee Dee community as a whole."