Tractor Supply Co. opened as usual at 6:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 4, 2024. As it had been on the day of the Saturday, November 30, Soft Opening, (above), it was a cold, but sunny, morning forthe Grand Opening, at 15700 E. Lincoln Road, Morrison, IL. A few people in cars awaited doors to open, but “about 20 minutes later,” people began to arrive in large numbers. The Grand Opening had begun in earnest!
Light snow had set the scene. As shoppers entered, four snow blowers indicated discounted pricing. Adjacent was a RACKA Electric Utility Cart (UTV) at reduced cost on the day.
Manager Michael Everly assisted Team Member Amber at the cash register.
Corporate guests included Team Leader Chase Ramsey of Bloomington, IL, who has worked at Tractor Supply Co. for four years. He “trained all of Morrison’s management,” including Michael Everly. “The Bloomington store started in 1947. It is the longest, single location of TSCo. stores. We get new customers every day,” Ramsey said. Tractor Supply Co. District Manager Kevin Stencil attended from the Chicagoland, metropolitan area.
P & C Little Rascals from Chadwick, IL, gathered attention with its petting zoo. Chris McCauley holds “Shadow,” and Paula Adams cuddles “Graham Cracker.” “Pixie” the goat is almost one year old. One domesticated Crested duck sports a tuft of white feathers, just as the poultry pair does. Adams stated baby rabbits are “kits,” not bunnies. She has wee ones at home, but they will be for sale soon. Buyers can “follow P & C Little Rascals on Facebook,” if they are interested in a purchase.
Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting at noon. The Manager’s son, Jackson, age 8, helped with the scissors. Left-to-right are District Manager Stencil; Chamber Board Member and Extreme Image Salon Cosmetologist Callie Hamstra; Team Member Gary; Board Member and Junior High Principal Joe Robbins; Board President and Farmers National Bank Marketing Director/Training Coordinator Tiffany Tipton; Vice President of Regional Media (Radio) Sales Jason Gilbraith; Store Manager Everly with Jackson; Board Member and Morrison Community Hospital CEO Pam Pfister; Team Leader Ramsey; Board Treasurer and Farmers National Bank Deposit Service Specialist Angela Reamer; Team Member Tammy; thecity1.com Editor Stephanie Vavra; Team Member Amber.
A second Ribbon Cutting included, left-to-right, Stencil; Gary; Robbins; Tipton; Gilbraith; Everly; Pfister; Ramsey; Tammy; Reamer; Amber.
From noon to 2:00 p.m., Tom Katz broadcast live interviews on local radio station WZZT “Hog Country” 102.7. On their Facebook feed, giveaways included Chicago Bulls tickets and a trip to the Wisconsin Dells.
The winner of the BlackStone Griddle raffle was determined on Sunday, January 5. Fenton, IL, resident Lynn Brown was the recipient.
