Deadline for Phase II Tobacco Funds is Friday, November 19

RICHMOND (November 15, 1999) -- The Virginia Tobacco Trust Certification Board, Inc. is reminding all burley and flue-cured tobacco operators that completed applications for a share of the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust (Phase II) must be postmarked by Friday, Nov. 19. Applicants are also reminded to include any supporting documents and make sure all necessary signatures have been obtained.

Virginia will receive approximately $25 million this year, the first payment of the nearly $340 million to be administered over the next 12 years. The settlement was negotiated between the tobacco growing states and cigarette manufacturers. The board has retained McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe LLP to provide legal counsel and Chase Manhattan Bank to process and disburse the settlement funds. Chase Manhattan Bank has set up a toll free application assistance number at 1-800-736-7197.