60 years in sevier

By Ben Lawson
ben@seymourherald.com
Anyone who has driven into Sevierville along Chapman Highway has likely noticed the Sevier Farmers Co-Op.  But they may not know that the Co-Op has been serving residents for more than 60 years.
Founded in the late 1940s by farmers looking to pool resources, the organization has grown from 11 charter members to 2,500.  
Being a full member has benefits for those in the agricultural business, but is not required to shop for home, farm, garden and pet supplies.
What customers will find when they step inside is a dedicated staff working in areas in which they have a vested interest.  But everyone on the 35 person staff is prepared to answer any question.
“No one is tied to one certain thing,” said Robert Meadows, sales manager.  “We just work to provide the customers with service first.”
Meadows himself is no different, having worked in the Co-Op system since 2001 and at the Sevier store since 2005.  
He joined an employee roster featuring people known in the area like Joe Woods, former extension agent for the county, who has worked at the Co-Op for 22 years.
“It’s almost like a family business,” he said.
Along with the experience of a hometown store, new and old customers will find an expanded selection since the upgrades to the Co-Op building made in the past year.  
The showroom has doubled in size, allowing for more clothing sales and a greater selection of pet supplies, including premium dog food brands not offered anywhere else in the area.  
Expansion of their garden center and outdoor power equipment followed.  They started a pro turf division and still offer full service automotive.
“We’re seeing an increase in foot traffic,” Meadows said.  “People want to come in and see the changes.”
The Co-Op also offers a fuel program, in which account holders have 24-hour access to fuel on site.  The service is currently used by the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, volunteer fire departments and the Solid Waste Department.
Their support of local agriculture also led them to start offering space three years ago for a farmer’s market between June and Oct.  Growing in popularity each season, this year’s market featured 20 vendors and several hundred visitors each day.
“We’ve had to direct traffic,” Meadows said.
Also, on the first Saturday of the month, Pets Without Parents no-kill animal shelter sets up on the property for adoptions, while the Humane Society does the same on the third Saturday.  Meadows hoped to spread the word to help the shelters out.
Sevier Farmers Co-Op is located at 321 West Main Street in Sevierville.  For more information, check them out online at www.sevierfarmerscoop.com.