ag-formation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2002

Coleman, new market manager of the Pee Dee State Farmers Market

FLORENCE---In addition to his duties as director of the cotton and tobacco marketing programs at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Tommy Coleman, Senior Marketing Specialist, has been named to serve as the new Manager of the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, 2513 W. Lucas St., Florence, SC.

"Tommy Coleman has been a loyal employee of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture for the past 21 years, and he is dedicated to serving the agricultural community," said Wayne Mack, director of marketing.

A native of Latta, SC, Coleman is a graduate of Latta High School and the NC State Agricultural Institute School. He served in the 108^th Regiment of the Army Reserve and received his Honorable Discharge as a Staff Sergeant in 1969. Coleman farmed with his father in the Latta area for 12 years and worked with the SC Farm Bureau as the Pee Dee District Field Representative for 5 years.

Coleman also serves as the Department of Agriculture’s liaison to the SC Farm Bureau Tobacco Committee, SC Tobacco Growers Association Board, Seven States Tobacco Leadership Committee, Flue-cured Tobacco Committee, and SC Farm Bureau Cotton Committee as well as the Secretary of the SC Committee of Southern Cotton Growers.

Coleman has served as a member of the Selective Service System Board for Dillon County, Dillon County District #3 School Board, and the SC-USDA Farm Service Agency (formerly known as the ASCS) local board for Dillon County. He is active in the Latta Baptist Church where he has served as Deacon, Sunday School director, and Sunday School teacher.

Coleman and his wife, Gayle Merchant Coleman, have one daughter, Julie C. Swartz, and one son, Tre’ Coleman.

Coleman began his additional duties as Market Manager on November 2, 2002. For more information about Tommy Coleman or the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, call 843-665-5154.

*** 30***