TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR ELIZABETH "HEIDI" TRULL OF SAYLORS CROSSROADS FOR HER VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO HER COMMUNITY AND STATE AND TO CONGRATULATE HER ON BEING NAMED SOUTH CAROLINA'S UPSTATE CHEF AMBASSADOR BY GOVERNOR NIKKI HALEY.

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that Elizabeth "Heidi" Trull of Saylors Crossroads, chef extraordinaire, has been named South Carolina's Upstate Chef Ambassador by Governor Nikki Haley; and

Whereas, having grown up on a large farm in Sumter, Heidi came to her love for fresh, delicious food from the countryside naturally, and her delight in such fare grew into the desire to become a chef. In 1989, accordingly, Heidi earned her bachelor's degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston; and

Whereas, today, Heidi, her husband, Joe, and their son, Tom, call a farm in the Saylors Crossroads community near Belton home; and

Whereas, Heidi and Joe Trull transformed an old country store into a restaurant with state-of-the-art equipment while preserving the historical value of the structure, and in 2010, the building became a landmark on the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and a treasure to the community and this great State; and

Whereas, Heidi opened Grits and Groceries in 2005 as a place where locals and tourists alike can gather to fellowship and enjoy authentic Southern cuisine; and

Whereas, because she believes strongly in purchasing locally, Heidi has pledged to a self-initiated eighty-twenty rule: she makes eighty percent of her purchases with farmers and vendors in the community. For her committed sourcing of local business, she has garnered numerous honors and recognitions; and

Whereas, further, Heidi's creative Southern recipes and emphasis on buying local have enabled her to encourage other South Carolinians to follow her example and so impact the agricultural industry, as well as the economy; and

Whereas, appreciative of her dedication and skill (and, of course, her delectable culinary creations!), the Senate takes great pleasure in saluting Heidi Trull on being named South Carolina's Upstate Chef Ambassador. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Elizabeth "Heidi" Trull of Saylors Crossroads for her valuable contributions to her community and State and congratulate her on being named South Carolina's Upstate Chef Ambassador by Governor Nikki Haley.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Elizabeth "Heidi" Trull.