Farmers IGA has been an integral part of the Opp community for nearly 70 years, a feat that has earned them the Opp and Covington County Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year award.

The business will be honored at the Chamber’s banquet on May 9.

John W. and Lena Manring opened Farmers Supermarket in 1945, between Hwy. 331 and Perry Store Road.

In 1970, the business relocated to a location between Hwy. 331 and Hwy. 52, and moved to its current location in 1992 after many expansions at the previous location.

The business has been a family-run store with members of the family still active in the business today.

Scott Simmons, the grandson of the Manrings, is the current store manager.

Farmers IGA has long been an employer of local high school and college students, offering them work experience to help prepare them for the future.

Currently, they employ 70 people, 17 of whom have worked there more than 10 years.

Its slogan is “The Hometown Grocer” and maintains a vital interest in the City of Opp, and surrounding community.

Since the store is locally owned and operated, it can sponsor and promote school and civic programs without the red tape associated with corporately owned businesses.

IGA offers a variety of services for its customers, including a large selection of grocery, dairy and frozen food items, a large meat market, bakery, deli and non-grocery health and beauty products, auto supplies and baby items.

“Farmers IGA is humbled to serve the citizens of Opp and surrounding communities, and is grateful for the support of loyal customers,” a press release stated. “They look forward to many more years of serving this community. They contribute their success to the grace of God and thank Him for blessing their business.”

Tickets are on sale for the banquet, which will begin at 7 p.m., at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Cost is $15 and can be purchased at the Opp Chamber of Commerce.