American Milestones with Joan Lunden to Spotlight Smude Sunflower Oil

PIERZ, MN, May 24, 2012

On Tuesday, May 15th, the American Milestones program will be filming at the Smude Sunflower Oil plant in Pierz, MN. According to owner, Tom Smude, the program will be preparing segments for future use on popular networks such as the Food Network, Discover, and possibly PBS

Smude Sunflower Oil is quickly becoming a choice cooking oil for families who are looking for a healthy, flavorful cooking oil. The premium virgin, cold-pressed oil is a great alternative to other cooking oils on the market.

Recently, Smude Oil was the recipient of a USDA value-added grant. According to the USDA website, value-added grants are used to "promote activities that will improve the customer base for the commodity or product". In this case, the USDA grant money will be used to increase distribution and promote the Smude Sunflower oil.

In 2009, owner Tom Smude started his cold-pressed sunflower operation and by 2010 he was producing, bottling and selling Smude Virgin Cold Press Sunflower Oil. This natural oil offers a flavorful, healthy alternative to cooking oil and is on the shelves in 60 retail locations and available online.

A number of organizations have assisted Smude Oil gain traction in the market: Community Development, the Initiative Foundation, North Central Economic Development Association and USDA FSA assisted with the funding for the building and equipment for Smude's. The Small Business Development Center in Brainerd packaged the application for the USDA Value Added Grant.

SMUDE ENTERPRISES -- Since 2009 Smude Enterprises has been producing its healthy sunflower oil. This cooking oil alternative has led to additional growth and recognition for Smude Enterprises. Honored in 2011 by the Minnesota Jaycees, Tom Smude has been recognized as an "Outstanding Young Farmer" and he prides himself on producing a totally green product. Visit http://www.smudeoil.com to learn more about Tom and his enterprising company.

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