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Published March 26, 2010, 07:55 AM

Business notes 95 years as local farm dealership

It’s been a week of celebration for owners, employees and customers commemorating the 95th anniversary of Scott’s Supply.
For Chris Scott, sales manager and fourth-generation family member in the business, 95 years in business is quite an accomplishment.
“There aren’t that many businesses that are around that long,” Scott said. “When you start talking about that many years and that many generations, we’re probably in the minority.”

By: Austin Kaus, The Daily Republic

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    Farmer Rod Clarambeau, of Letcher, left, Chris Scott, of Scott Supply, center, and agriculture expert Brian Hefty chat Thursday at the Scott Supply open house in Mitchell. Scott said the event is his family’s 95th anniversary celebration. About 700 area farmers and their families came to hear Hefty speak and eat a complimentary dinner. Hefty advised his audience to invest cautiously in farmland, to keep an eye on rising interest rates and to improve yields by adding drain tile to waterlogged spots in fields. (Ross Dolan/Republic Photo)

It’s been a week of celebration for owners, employees and customers commemorating the 95th anniversary of Scott’s Supply.

For Chris Scott, sales manager and fourth-generation family member in the business, 95 years in business is quite an accomplishment.

“There aren’t that many businesses that are around that long,” Scott said. “When you start talking about that many years and that many generations, we’re probably in the minority.”

The business was founded by L.E. Scott in Mount Vernon in 1915.

Wally Scott joined the International Harvester dealer in 1936.

After the business relocated to Mitchell in 1962, current owners Robert and John Scott joined the company in 1963 and 1973, respectively.

Scott Supply began selling Case equipment in 1985 and New Holland equipment in 1992.

In 2007, the business was named Farm Equipment Magazine’s “Dealership of the Year.”

This week, Scott Supply has been running parts discounts, serving food and bringing in farm equipment company representatives to commemorate the anniversary. The celebration culminated Thursday with a free steak sandwich dinner and appearance by Brian Hefty, one of the Hefty brothers who host the Ag Ph.D. radio and television programs.

To prepare for the meal, Scott Supply workers transformed their shop into a dining room and showroom.

Scott said the festivities offer area agricultural producers a chance to have a little fun before they dive into their regular spring routines.

“This is a chance, before they get to the field, to maybe slow down a little bit,” Scott said.

“People can talk with their fellow farmers. It’s really a neat event.”

Although the Thursday event was designed to cap off the celebration, Scott said the positive reception of the week’s events may lead to the extension of festivities.

For Scott, the annual celebration is a chance for the family and employees to thank customers for their support.

“We’ve probably dealt with some of our customers through three or four generations,” Scott said. “We’re going to continue to be around.”

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