Walt Helmick Receives Support of State Business Leaders

CHARLESTON, W.Va., April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The political action committee for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Walt Helmick in his race for the Democratic nomination for commissioner of agriculture.

"The Chamber PAC recognizes that agriculture policy affects everything from our economy to our health, and we are encouraged that you have chosen to seek this office," Steve Roberts , president of the chamber, wrote in the committee's letter of endorsement.

Helmick is the owner of a family-run agricultural business and has worked on many economic development efforts both as part of and outside of his work in the Legislature. He has served more than two decades as a senator from Pocahontas County, including several years as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

"I am pleased that the Chamber PAC recognizes the importance of agriculture to West Virginia's economy and other facets of life in West Virginia development and has given me this endorsement," Helmick said. "We can move agriculture from the back page to the front page and increase agriculture-based manufacturing in West Virginia."

This is the second endorsement Helmick has received from a major business organization. He previously received the endorsement of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association.

SOURCE Helmick for Agriculture Commissioner