CHARLESTON, W.Va., Sept. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sen. Walt Helmick is welcoming the endorsement of the largest organization representing business in the state, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, in the race for agriculture commissioner.

"I'm honored that the chamber has recognized that this race is about jobs, economic development and promoting agri-business," Helmick said. "I appreciate the chamber's understanding of that."

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 Democratic senator from Pocahontas County, including several years as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

"My goal is to be the farmers' advocate and move agriculture from the back page to the front page," Helmick said.

For more information about Helmick, go to: www.helmickforwv.com.

SOURCE Helmick for Agriculture Commissioner