Davidson Farmer’s Market Hires Market Manager
(Davidson, NC) – March 12, 2009 – What started as a seemingly simple enterprise by a dedicated group of volunteers, the Davidson Farmer’s Market has grown into a thriving, year-round operation. In order to manage the increasing responsibilities and provide a point-person for market activities, the DFM organizing committee has hired Davidson resident Mary Jane Leach as part-time Market Manager.
As 2008 Co-Chair of the market, Leach is well acquainted with the intricacies of running the organization. “Mary Jane’s passion, knowledge and dedication were essential to the successful start-up of the market,” said Edie Surratt, DFM Chairperson. “Her leadership as a volunteer, along with her easy-going demeanor and strong work ethic will continue to serve the market and community well.
Leach has a background well-suited for running the market. She has prior experience in the non-profit arena as Business Manager with the Asheville Community Theatre and has participated as a farmers’ market vendor in the Asheville area selling field grown cut flowers.
“I’m excited to continue my work with the market,” said Leach. “It’s critical for a young organization to have stability as it transitions and grows. I look forward to helping further establish the market as an important community entity.”
Opening day for the market is slated for May 2nd and plans are underway to provide a greater array of locally grown products including more organic items, heirloom varieties and specialty fruits and vegetables. Adding to the vibrancy of the market, sustainability education, themed market days and weekly music are also being planned. As Market Manager, Leach will coordinate duties with the organizing committee to ensure that all facets of the market run smoothly.
Even with a manager in place, the strength of the market is still dependent on volunteers. “Mary Jane is an incredible asset for us, but she can’t do it all on her own,” said Carol Mayes, DFM Vendor Coordinator. “With volunteer attrition, there is still a real need for community involvement. We are hopeful that people will step up to make sure that the market will continue to thrive.”
ABOUT DAVIDSON FARMER’S MARKET
The Davidson Farmer’s Market is a producer-only market located next to Davidson Town Hall between Main and Jackson Streets and runs every Saturday 8am – Noon, May through early October. Currently, a scaled-down Winter Tailgate market is operating every other weekend until opening day on May 2nd.
The support of the following sponsors make the 2009 season of the Davidson Farmer’s Market possible: JJ Wade Agency, Davidson Lands Conservancy, DavidsonNews.net, Mayes Wilson & Associates, Baybridge Management, Snap Fitness, Wooden Stone Functional Fine Art, John Marshall Custom Homes, Knox Realty, Lake Norman Embroidery, Roger O’Connell State Farm Insurance, Davidson Family Medicine, Wellbeing Natural Health, LittleFish Marketing, Lake Norman YMCA, Total Bond Veterinary Hospital, Davidson Chocolate Factory, Jorel Association Management, Family Eye Care of Davidson, The Village Store, Carl Kragh and Associates, The Cycle Path, Campania Café, Réa Wright Counseling and Consulting, Summit Coffee, The Fresh Market, Peter Macon and Associates, My Community Connector, Pilates Studio at the Lake, Market Properties, Inc., Lisa Gray Consulting and Smarthinking PR.