LITTLE ROCK, AR, FEBRUARY 6, 2012 -- New building plans for the Little Rock office of The Poultry Federation were announced today by Marvin Childers, President, on behalf of the association’s Board of Directors. Plans are underway to raze the current structure, located at 321 South Victory, and replace it with a new single story structure on the same site. A gift of $1million has been received from Tyson Foods, Inc. to initiate the capital campaign.
“The gift from Tyson Foods will be used to begin the footprint of the Poultry Federation building,” stated Donnie Smith, Tyson Food’s Chief Executive Officer. “This gift stems from a commitment Don Tyson made in 2010. Don was always a firm supporter of The Poultry Federation and its mission. He had a vision of a new building using the same location. Tyson Foods is happy to be in a position where we can initiate the campaign for a new building.”
“The generous nature of this gift cannot be underestimated,” stated Childers. “The gift makes certain that The Poultry Federation will build a structure that represents the economic impact the poultry industry has in our state and that will serve our industry for years to come.”
“Tyson Foods is proud to be involved at the very beginning of the construction project,” stated Sara Lilygren, Senior Vice President of External Relations for Tyson Foods and current Board Member of The Poultry Federation. “Looking back at the history of the association and the building, we recognize the importance of the legacy, as well as the future of the poultry and egg industry in the state.”
In addition to the $1 million gift from Tyson Foods, the Federation intends to raise an additional $1.5 million for the new building construction, including office furnishings and equipment.
“A new building is the beginning of new era for the Arkansas poultry and egg industry,” stated Todd Simmons, Chief Operating Officer for Simmons Foods in Siloam Springs, and current Chairman of the Board of The Poultry Federation. “The Simmons family has been a long-time supporter of the association. My grandfather, Bill Simmons served as chairman in 1960 and my father Mark Simmons served as chairman in 1981. I’m proud to carry on that responsibility today. On behalf of our current board of directors representing Arkansas-based poultry and egg companies, we are happy to support the Federation in the construction of a new building. We also thank Tyson Foods for initiating the capital campaign with their generous gift.”
The Poultry Federation staff will temporarily re-locate to another office while the construction occurs. “The plan is for the new building to be ready for use during the 2013 legislative session,” stated Childers.
The Poultry Federation (TPF) is a tri-state trade association representing the poultry and egg industry in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The Arkansas Poultry Federation was established in 1954 in Little Rock. In 1998, the office consolidated with Missouri and Oklahoma to become The Poultry Federation (TPF). The purposes are to promote and protect all poultry interests relating to production, distribution, merchandising and consumption of poultry and poultry products; to disseminate information relating to the various phases of the poultry industry in order to improve and expand markets; to increase efficiency in production and marketing; to encourage and support research in production and marketing of poultry; and to encourage and support youth programs in poultry work.