Co-op Corner: Central Alabama Farmers Co-op - Demopolis Voted Best Feed/Seed Store of 2021

BY JESSIE SHOOK

In 2021, Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative of Demopolis, Alabama was voted “Best of Marengo” feed/seed store in the Demopolis Times. This award was voted on by the Co-op’s community. “It means a lot to our Coop and we are honored that our community appreciates the service we provide for them,” said Tom Eunice, Manager of the Central Alabama Farmers Co-op, Demopolis location.

This year, the “Best of Marengo” awards were determined differently than years past. Instead of candidates being handpicked by the Demopolis Times, each candidate had to be nominated to be on the ballot. “When talking to winners, they were so humbled by the fact that a customer thought enough about their business to nominate them,” said Christi Kennedy, Marketing Consultant for the

Demopolis Times. “It made it so much more special, I even had winners cry happy tears.” There were over 120 different categories and Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative made the list and was nominated by the community. “Some categories were very close in winning votes, but others won by a landslide such as the ‘Best Feed and Seed Store’ category that was won by Central Alabama

Farmers Co-op in Demopolis,” Kennedy added. Tom believes that customer service played a big role in their being nominated and winning the category. With plenty of farming, gardening and pets in their community, this

Co-op has been able to fulfill the needs of their customers. “We do everything we can to ”

Employee Priscilla Johnson, Manager Tom Eunice and employee Joseph Hinton stand in front of the Demopolis Co-op with their award for “Best of Marengo” Feed and Seed Store of 2021.

keep our customers happy and coming back,” Eunice said. “We aim to keep products in stock and at a fair price, and we always provide friendly customer service.”

For Tom and his employees, customer service does not just end at the store. “We meet the needs of our community by talking with the residents of the community and surrounding areas about their expectations and needs,” Tom added.

This is the first time this Co-op has won this award and they hope it won’t be the last. “We always maintain the attitude that customers come first and make sure we do everything within our power to fulfil their needs and expectations is the priority,” Tom said.