Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster has proclaimed March as UT Extension Month.

The proclamation is as follows:

Whereas, the University of Tennessee is Tennessee’s land grant university and has a three-part mission of teaching, research, and extension; and

Whereas, Extension is the outreach arm of the university and an integral part of the land-grant mission extending the knowledge and expertise of the university to the people of Tennessee through education delivered by agents, specialists, and volunteers in all 95 counties of the state; and

Whereas, Extension is a valuable resource for helping citizens to solve problems providing real-life solutions in the places they live, work, and play through hundreds of programs; and

Whereas, Extension’s efforts are based on local needs, research, and a commitment to improve the quality of life.

Whereas, Extension’s educational programs in 4-H youth development, agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer science, and community economic development produce substantial returns to the state.

Whereas, using research, questionnaires, observations, and sales records, an economic impact was estimated at more than $553 million from January 1, 2023, through December 30, 2023, for statewide educational programs.

Whereas, a recent assessment indicates that every $1 in public funds invested in Extension programs returns an estimated $8.29 to the people of Tennessee.

Now, therefore, I, Allen Foster, Mayor of Cumberland County, do hereby proclaim March as UT Extension Month and encourage all citizens of Cumberland County to participate in Extension’s educational programs and to learn how Extension benefits them.