By Karen Haave

Tractor Supply Company … It’s not just for farmers anymore.

If you don’t believe it, just ask Darlene Krueger, manager of the new shop at 5433 W. Monee-Manhattan Road.

“TSC is way more than farm store,” she smiled, fresh on the heels of a festive grand opening.

“We have a nice line up of mowers — from front engine riders to zero turns — electric golf carts, home decor, candles, boots, clothing, gardening supplies, cat and dog food, livestock feed, tools, truck boxes, gun safes, Yeti coolers and mugs, bird houses and bird seed, and most of all … everyone loves baby chicks, and we have them and all the supplies needed to care for them.

“A couple of unexpected items you can buy at Tractor Supply are well pumps, generators, sump pumps, Kayaks, RV supplies, mini-bikes and go karts, and the do-it -yourself pet wash for $9.99.

“I think the best thing about Tractor Supply,” she continued, “is that we stand for our brand and we provide legendary service to help people find what they need to live life out here.”

Although she is not a resident of Monee herself, she hired 16 team members “and most of the team members are Monee residents …

“ I have been with TSC for 7 years and I am excited to be the Store Manager of the new store. Our store hours are Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We are also open on Easter from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., perfect time to come in and get your baby chicks.

“What I want readers to know about the Monee Tractor Supply is that we are here for you, we will do anything we can to make your shopping experience a good one. Tractor Supply is much more than a farm store.

“Please come in and see what we have; it is a fun store to shop in. Just ask for Darlene and I will be happy to help.”

Tractor Supply Company began in 1938, when Charles E. Schmidt Sr. of Chicago established a mail-order tractor parts business from his kitchen table. By 1940, it had grown into a successful retail store in Minot, North Dakota.

Today, with over 2,200 stores in 49 states, it is the largest operator of rural lifestyle retail stores in the United States, committed to being the most dependable supplier of basic maintenance products to home, land, pet and animal owners.

The $5 million Monee store’s opening has been three years in the making. It features a 22,000-square- foot interior, with a 12,000-square-foot Garden Center by developers PrimeX and SpaceCo, along with contractor Wimco.

Monee Mayor Dr. Therese Bogs welcomed the new business during the grand opening ceremonies.

“It’s a pleasure to be here today as we celebrate the grand opening of Tractor Supply Company right here in our community,” she said. “This is an exciting moment for our village.

“Tractor Supply represents more than just a new store, it’s an investment in our local economy, a source of new jobs, and a place that will serve the needs of our farmers, homeowners and hardworking families.

“We’re proud to welcome a business that understands the values of communities like ours—hard work, reliability, and neighborly support. Your presence here strengthens what makes this village special.

“On behalf of Monee, I want to thank everyone who helped make this day possible, from the company leadership to the construction teams and local partners.

“We look forward to a long and successful partnership. Welcome to the community, and congratulations on your grand opening!”

Monee Economic Development Director Bill Barnes said Tractor Supply’s investment in the village is significant.

“Having been in my position as Economic Development Director for the past four and a half years and working with such a professional and well-run administration and board, it makes my job all the better.

“Tractor Supply Co becoming the first major retailer to spend $5 million in our Towne Center is exciting, and there will be more to come!”

Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.

Monee Mayor Dr. Therese Bogs welcomed the new business during the grand opening ceremonies.

Employees at the new Tractor Supply store in Monee welcome new customers.

Tractor Supply had a bright, shiny day for its recent grand opening.