FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 6, 2005

Smith Provision Hams It Up!
ERIE, PA (December 6, 2005) - Smith Provision Co., Inc., a fourth generation family-owned ham, wiener, sausage, deli meats and bacon processor headquartered in Erie, PA today announced that their boneless ham was voted the national champion at the 2005 American Cured Meat Championships held in Buffalo, New York, in conjunction with the 66th Convention of the American Association of Meat Processors.

This year there were a total of 506 entries in 28 product categories. Smith Provision was awarded "Champion in the Boneless Ham – Commercial Class", judged on the basis of aroma, flavor, eye appeal, color and texture.

"Each of our hams is individually selected, hand trimmed and slowly smoked over hardwood embers at our smokehouse right here in Erie," explained Mike Weber, Smith Provision’s President. "Certainly, we’re thrilled to be voted the nation’s number one ham. But what means the most to us is knowing that we provide our customers with a tender, juicy and flavorful ham that is now proven to be "second to none" – something weÕve always known! In fact, each of our hams is registered and fully guaranteed. They’re fully cooked and only need to be heated to be enjoyed."

Founded in 1937 and currently headquartered at 1300 Cranberry Street in Erie, PA, Smith Provision sells its ham, wiener, sausage, deli meats and bacon to distributors and retailers regionally in Western Pennsylvania, Western New York and Eastern Ohio. "We will aggressively continue to hold true to our rich heritage and tradition started in 1937 by our grandfather, Tony Weber ... to make fine quality meats and provide consumers with a quality, affordable, flavorful product," said Weber. Smith Provision employs in excess of 40 professionals full time. Holiday recipes can be found at http://www.smithshotdogs.com/recipes.html.

Holiday hams are being smoked now; tours of Smith Provision’s smoke house are available on request. Interviews and photography of the award-winning boneless ham are also available on request.

"Good Taste Never Goes Out of Style!"