"The Elephant in the Room" presented by John Edd Wampler, Vice President, Wampler's Farm Sausage

“Don't say sausage just say Wampler's, it's the best in quality.” That jingle will live on forever in our hearts! How could you not love everything about Wampler’s sausage and the family behind it? Still, we’re convinced you’ll admire them even more when you get this rare look behind the curtain at one family member’s courageous story that God has used to save countless lives.

Born in the hills of East Tennessee in 1937, Wampler’s Farm Sausage is a 4^th generation family owned and operated business, steeped in tradition and committed to responsibly producing the best sausage—"On The Farm" where it all began almost 90 years ago. The Wampler family could be a poster child for the very best of family enterprises, but their success has not been without struggle and heartache. From very humble beginnings to great success sprinkled with seasons of unimaginable loss personally and professionally, the Lord has called this family to be set apart and a blessing to others.

Join us on Thursday, October 22, to hear John Edd Wampler’s powerful story of perseverance, faith, and hope. His story compels us to think deeply about those around us—our family, employees, and even strangers in our path—and how we might serve them when they need it most.

Because that person in the water, who appears to be waving, might actually be drowning. Maybe it’s you or someone you know who needs to be lifted out of the deep waters of depression. John Edd’s story might just be the lifeline that could help someone make it safely back to the shore.

Reserve your seat today! Your RSVP is kindly requested by October 19th to reserve your seat and meal.

Note: This is an in-person event with a full breakfast. To help us reserve the appropriate number of seats and food, please ensure your registration is firm. Thank you! 

Meet Our Speaker: John Edd Wampler

John Edd has been married to Kathy (Matlock) Wampler for forty-three years, with three children, five grandchildren and a sixth one on the way. He and Kathy were in the same classes together starting in the first grade, but they knew each other even before that.

He is Vice President of Wampler’s Farm Sausage and President of Northwind Cove. He formerly worked at Family Brands International where he served as President and COO for the last thirty of his forty years there, before returning to the family business.

John Edd is active in his church (Crossroads Nazarene) where he serves as the Sunday School Superintendent and Board Member, as well as running the sound booth.

He is also a member of the Loudon County Camp of Gideons International, Lenoir City Committee of 100, the American Meat Institute, the Southeastern Meat Association, and the American Association of Meat Processors.

John Edd has previously served in many organizations in various capacities, including Past Chairman - Tennessee Grocers Convenience Store Association, Past Chairman - Loudon County Board of Education, Past Board of Trustees and Past Chairman of the Finance Building Committee and Past Chairman of the Investment Committee – Trevecca Nazarene University, Past President - Lenoir City Rotary Club, Past Chairman - Kids Voting of Loudon County, Past Board Member - East Tennessee District Church of the Nazarene Advisory Board, Past Board Member - Junior Achievement of East Tennessee, Past Board Member – Tennessee Grocers’ Education Foundation, Past Board Member – Barnabas Ministries, Past Member - College of Business Administration Foundation at Tennessee Technological University, Past Chairman - Fort Loudon Medical Center Development Council Past Board Member – Boys and Girls Club of Loudon County, Past Member – Overlook Mental Health Center Community Advisory Board, and Past Member – Knoxville Food Policy Council

Presenting Sponsor:



Coffee, full breakfast, and TLC served.