July 1, 2009 - Woodland Mills, Tenn.—U.S. Representative John Tanner and USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Robert Connelly, Jr. today announced a new public/private partnership with Gibson Electric Membership Cooperative that will invest $740,000 to create new jobs by expanding the capacity of the Williams Sausage production facility. The announcement was made at the Williams' plant in Obion County.

"We are proud to announce initiatives that will help create private-sector jobs in Northwest Tennessee," said Rep. Tanner, a Union City resident. "Small businesses are the keys to recovery, economic development and job creation."

A Rural Development zero-interest loan of $740,000 will be used by Gibson Electric Membership Corporation to provide a zero-interest loan for Williams Sausage to help the company meet growing demand for its products with an expansion of their facility by 40,000 square-feet. Roger Williams, president of the family-owned business said the company is investing $7.5 million in cash and operating capital for a total investment of more than $10 million in jobs for Obion, Lake, Gibson, Dyer and Crockett Counties.

"It's great to see a family business prosper and give back to its community the way the Williams' company has," said Connelly. "Thanks to the support of Congressman John Tanner, Rural Development has the financial resources to help the Williams' business stay competitive and grow in our rapidly changing economy."

2008 marks Williams Sausage Company's Fiftieth anniversary, now in its second generation of operation. The company's founder Harold Williams was an experienced meat processor who back in 1958 recognized the growing popularity of a specialized pork product, whole hog sausage. The original production facility was built on his family farmstead outside Woodland Mills in Obion County.

Others participating in the presentation included GEMC representatives Dan Rodamaker, Emily Sullivan and members of the Board of Trustees; Williams Sausage Vice President David Williams; Sen. Lamar Alexander's representative Matt Varino; Sen. Bob Corker's representative Nick Kistenmacher; State Representative Judy Barker; RD Area Director Bobby Goode and staff.

The Rural Development rural economic development loan program provides funding to local electric cooperatives that they pass-through to businesses within their service area. The program promotes a healthy economic environment and supports the creation of good private-sector jobs in rural communities.

Gibson Electric Membership Corporation (GEMC) provides electricity for homes and businesses in Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison and Obion counties.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural communities through business development, community infrastructure and homeownership programs. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses investing more than $435 million through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

For more information on Rural Development programs available in Northwest Tennessee contact the Rural Development Area Office in Union City at 731-885-6480, toll free at 800-342-3149 ext. 1497 or visit us online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.