FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Comstock Charter Township takes a big step towards hosting a farmers market
Comstock Township, along with the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), is proud to announce that Market Manager, Katie Bush recently completed the MIFMA Market Manager Certificate Program on Wednesday, February 13. A total of 23 individuals participated in the program and were certified, making Bush one of 417 total individuals who have been certified since the program’s inception in 2011.
The MIFMA Market Manager Certificate Program is the first program of its kind developed in the country that acknowledges that the market manager is a trained professional. The program is voluntary and designed to encourage market managers to pursue leadership skills and professional development in topics essential to market management.
Bush completed 30 hours of virtual and in-person training focused on leadership skills and professional development in topics essential to market management. Key learning objectives covered in the program include: Mission-Driven Market Management, Supporting Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Farmers Markets, Governance and Market Policies, Working with Vendors, Michigan Licensing and Regulations for Vendors, Food Safety, Conflict Management and De-escalation, Food Assistance Programs, Working with Volunteers, Earning and Managing Financial Support for Your Market, Building Market Capacity and Data- Informed Decision Making, Managing Risk at the Market, Marketing and Outreach, and Planning for Events and Entertainment. Each certified market manager had the opportunity to network with other market managers over the course of the program. A final manager-to-manager education and networking opportunity completed the program focusing on sharing experiences and lessons learned.
“I am so excited to manage the market this summer! I know Comstock has been asking for a Farmers Market for years and I hope we can all come together to support our local farmers and entrepreneurs. Our mission is to create an opportunity to sell and buy locally grown/made products through community empowerment and celebration. We will have an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 6 from 6:30-7:30pm and on Saturday, March 9 from 3-4pm. The meetings are not required, and you only need to attend one session. However, if you are interested in being a vender and have never been a vendor at any other market, you will learn about required licensing and regulations” explained Bush.
The market will kick off this summer on Mondays beginning June 3rd through September 30th (except for Labor Day, September 2nd) from 3pm-7pm. The market will be held at Merrill Park, 5817 Comstock Avenue, Kalamazoo. If you are interested in being a vendor or performing at the market, please visit our website for information and to fill out an application.
