Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Telephone (251) 937-7176 or

928-0860/943-5061 ext. 2222

FAX (251) 937-7285

Cynthia G. Knowlton

Regional Extension Agent/4-H

April 13, 2010

Baldwin County 4-H Youth Get Boost from

National Paper Clover Campaign, Tractor Supply Co.

The Tractor Supply Company (TSC) store in Summerdale joined 4-H in support of local youth with the TSC Paper Clover Campaign, a national in-store fundraising effort to benefit state and local 4-H programming in each of the communities where a Tractor Supply Company store is located.

Beginning Friday, March 26, through Sunday, April 18, shoppers at the Summerdale Tractor Supply Company will have the opportunity to support 4-H in Baldwin County by purchasing paper clovers for just $1 at checkout.  All funds raised through this local TSC Paper Clover Campaign will be donated to 4-H, and will support local camps, after-school programs and other 4-H youth development program activities in the county.

“Alabama 4-H is appreciative for the local support Tractor Supply Company is providing through this campaign across Alabama.  Alabama 4-H youth will benefit from the generosity of Tractor Supply customers and the money donated will have a direct impact on youth in that community,” says Lamar Nichols, Assistant Director for 4-H and Youth Development with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

“Many of our stores have been involved with 4-H clubs for years. Now, Tractor Supply Company is proud to have an official chain-wide relationship with 4-H.  For us, this is an outstanding way to support our current and future customers and future team members, and it’s a way to give back to the 900-plus unique communities we serve,” said Tractor Supply Company Chairman and CEO, Jim Wright.

“We are thrilled to have the generous support of Tractor Supply Company for our Paper Clover Campaign. This new partnership will help provide funding to 4-H programs in more than 900 Tractor Supply Company communities across the nation, providing opportunities for youth to participate in activities that will in turn help them make positive contributions and become strong, confident adults. We look forward to a successful TSC Paper Clover Campaign this year,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., President and CEO of National 4-H Council.

About 4-H

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. The 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 Land Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org.

In Alabama, more than 65,000 youth are 4-H members who participate in competitions and activities through in-school program, community clubs and special interest groups. For more on Alabama 4-H, go to www.Alabama4H.com.

About Tractor Supply Company

Tractor Supply Company operates more than 900 stores in 44 states. The Company's stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers. The Company also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise in:

• equine, pet and animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment
• maintenance products for agricultural and rural use
• hardware and tool products
• seasonal products, including lawn and garden power equipment
• truck and towing products
• work/recreational clothing and footwear for the entire family

Check out our Baldwin County 4-H/TSC video on the 4-H Facebook Wall. Vote for us! The video that receives the most thumbs up "likes" and positive comments from the 4-H community will win the nation-wide contest. The contest goes through April 18th. Contact Cynthia Knowlton, 4-H Regional Extension Agent, for information about Baldwin County 4-H at 251/937-7176 or at knowlcg@aces.edu

In front of the 4-H Exhibit is Aubrey Watson, TSC manager, and Heather Knowlton, 4-H State Council Representative, at the Tractor Supply Company Grand Opening in Summerdale March 27th.

Email address: cknowlto@aces.edu

Phone number: 937-7176 or 943-5061, 928-0860, ext. 2222

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.