Resilience after disaster
Smoky Mountain Farmers Cooperative debuts renovated Co-op in Mountain City
Story and photos by Glen Liford
Smoky Mountain Farmers Cooperative Directors Brian Taylor, left, and Cody Stout represent the Mountain City area on the board. They had both served on the Tri-State Growers, Inc. board before the two entities merged. Both were thrilled to be on hand to celebrate the renovation of the Mountain City store that was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Just a year and a half ago, Smoky Mountain Farmers Cooperative’s store in Mountain City was devastated on Friday, September 27, 2024, as Hurricane Helene dumped torrential rain on the region. Streams and rivers throughout the area overflowed, and East Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia experienced historic flooding. In Mountain City, nearby Furnace Creek swelled, sending flood waters rushing through the community. The Co-op store and warehouse took on two feet of water and were overwhelmed by the mud, muck, and debris.
Despite the disaster, the store barely missed a beat. Employees were released early that day as the streams and rivers began to rise. By Monday, the store was operating out of the parking lot, later moving to the warehouse to keep the business moving.
Tri-State Growers, Inc., had recently merged with Smoky on September 1 prior to the flood. The location in Mountain City became the fifth retail store in the Smoky Mountain Co-op network, in addition to two ASM stores in Virginia, owned jointly with Augusta Cooperative Farm Bureau in Staunton, Virginia.
Smoky Mountain Farmers Cooperative Chief Executive Officer Chris Cox acknowledged that he and the rest of the employees were overwhelmed at the sheer scope of the damage. But the Co-op community came together from across the state — some as far away as Mississippi — to help with the cleanup. Despite the utter devastation that the event had on his store, staff, customers, and the community he calls home, Cox said the value of the Co-op community and system provided much-needed inspiration in the midst of the overwhelming destruction.
“Some joined us for a day,” Chris said. “Some stayed for a week. We had one guy stay for two weeks. We got help from all over the state. We’re so very thankful for the way the Co-op community and our local neighbors responded. We’re thankful to the employees who stuck it out and worked long, hard, nasty hours to get everything up and going.”
The devastating memories of deep loss associated with the disaster and its ensuing damage were gradually pushed aside, however, at the first glance of the new, renovated store during the long-awaited grand opening event on Saturday, March 28. The drastic difference in the store’s condition made the moment that much sweeter, as the community and employees reflected on how far the Co-op has come.
The gleaming white showroom was chock-full of new product lines and farm supply staples and filled with customers happily perusing the displays. The red brick façade was also painted white with stylish black lighting fixtures and adorned with the colorful Smoky Mountain Farmers Cooperative logo, which is also a nod to the community’s mountain heritage.
“We’re so proud to see everyone coming out today,” said Store Manager Heath Elsea. “The response has been amazing, and it shows how much they appreciate the Co-op. We’re proud of the renovation; we’ve been looking forward to sharing this with the community.”
The first 200 shoppers were invited to fill 5-gallon Co-op buckets for 15% off their purchases, and many continued shopping after their bucket space ran out. Lines were deep at the sales counter, but no one seemed to mind. Even customers who had already checked out seemed to linger, soaking up the festive atmosphere with neighbors and friends while enjoying complementary popcorn, hot dogs, and drinks.
A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony was among the highlights of the day as Co-op employees, local dignitaries, and 4-H and FFA members celebrated the Co-op’s new beginning.
Co-op employees gathered with area 4-H and FFA members, local leaders, and dignitaries for a ribbon-cutting to officially recognize a new era of the Co-op’s business.
“Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than just the opening of a business,” said Gina Meade, president of the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. “It represents collaboration, local investment, and a shared commitment to strengthening our county. We are proud to support businesses like this that reflect community, sustainability, and innovation.”
“We’re excited to see all that you will accomplish in the years ahead,” Gina added before introducing Cody Stout and Brian Taylor, directors of the cooperative, who represent the Johnson County area.
Cody opened his remarks with a heartfelt prayer, acknowledging God’s blessing on the business and community during the rebuild and asking favor for the farmers and Co-op employees, before turning the podium over to Brian.
“This is a great day for Johnson County and Mountain City,” said Brian. “It’s something we have needed for a long time. The Co-op has a long tradition of serving the farmers and this community. It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm that everyone has here today.”
Brian detailed the significance of the Co-op to the area, explaining how Tri-State Growers, Inc. was founded in 1945, months before the establishment of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative.
At the time, the region was known as the “Green Bean Capital of the World,” he said. Depot Street, where the store is located, served as a hub for collecting, processing, and shipping the beans. The growers needed seed, fertilizer, and other inputs to sustain their operations. It was this shared need that led them to establish the Co-op. In the early years, the cooperative endured a fire that destroyed the store and some adjacent buildings, but the Co-op bounced back.
As the area’s agriculture evolved, local farmers shifted from growing green beans to potatoes and green peppers, then later tobacco, corn, hay, and cattle. The Co-op expanded offerings into tires and fuel and continued to be shaped by its clientele’s changing needs, including offering more items that appeal to a broader community base, said Brian.
Smoky Mountain Farmers Cooperative was established in 2019 when the Co-op membership of Sevier Farmers Cooperative and Cocke Farmers Cooperative voted to merge. Five years later, in 2024, the Tri-State Growers, Inc.'s membership voted to join the Smoky Farmers Cooperative network.
Local dignitaries and leaders joined in to congratulate the Co-op crew during the grand opening, acknowledging the area’s strong sense of community.
“It’s an honor to be here today,” said Mountain City Mayor Jerry Jordan, who noted that his father, S.D. Jordan worked at Tri-State Growers for 51 years, driving a fuel truck, among other duties. “It’s a thrilling moment for all of us. It’s great to see the huge crowd here today. A tremendous amount of time and money has been spent to upgrade the facility, and the building looks fantastic. Plus, the Co-op has a lot more [product] selection.”
“This is a great turnout,” added Mike Anders, Smoky Mountain Farmers Cooperative board member. “You can see all the community support from the farmers and people here in town. The community is proud of this store, and the rest of Smoky Mountain Farmers is, too. We’re here to help one another. It’s been a wonderful day.”
In their welcoming remarks, Smoky Mountain Farmers Cooperative Chief Executive Officer Chris Cox, left, and Director Brian Taylor shared details of how the Co-op in Mountain City was formed to serve area farmers and how it has evolved to become a cornerstone of the community today.
Shoppers were able to enjoy special-event pricing on products from the Co-op’s well-stocked shelves.
From left, Cason Osborne, Belle Baumgardner, and Serenity Roarke were drawn to the Co-op’s display of baby chicks.
Smoky Mountain Farmers Cooperative Chief Marketing Officer Stephanie McQueen was among Co-op employees interviewed by Dave Haynes during a remote broadcast of WMTC radio from the grand opening.
Story by Glen Liford,
Contact gliford@ourcoop.com