2016-01-20 - Farmer's Market Committee - Minutes Farmers Market Meeting 1120H16
In attendance: Paulette Greenberg Chuck Posniak
Larry King Ed Muldoon
Lea Pinshower Tess Baker
Peggy Starczowski Andy Stein
Not in attendance: Fern Russell, Mickey Katz
Meeting called to order at 7.00 pm.
1) Discussion of last year's market: Paulette passed around list of committee contact
information for needed updates. Ed said that Presto Pesto's music in the early morning is
too loud and expressed concern that it may be disturbing nearby residents. All agreed that
Presto Pesto should be asked to lower music volume. Paulette said she is not sure yet if
Presto Pesto will be returning to market.
Paulette said we would continue accepting the LINK card as we have 3 years of funding.
However, in last year's market LINK card program was used only six times.
Lea asked if committee members would like to continue the use of a rotating schedule
with two teams, to cover the early morning set up shift and break down shift. All agreed
to continue using this type of schedule. Committee agreed the market could use more
volunteers (2-3 preferably). Paulette said the BG Village emails have included a request
for volunteers for the market as well as a notice to high school students who need
volunteer hours to consider the market as an option. Ed will include a request for
volunteers on the market Facebook page as well.
Peggy said in 2015 the market spent a total of$2281 and took in over$7000.
2)Invite to Vendors: Paulette said most of last year's vendors have indicated they plan
to return. Wildflower is unsure if they will be back for 2016 season. All agreed the
market could use a bread vendor. Chuck said he has a few ideas for new vendors. Ed
suggested lowering vendor costs from $225, but Chuck and Paulette said this amount is
in line with other markets. Peggy said she does not think cost is a barrier to vendor
participation.
Chuck will be sending out vendor invites along with current Market rules in February.
3) Hand-outs for Opening Day: Paulette noted that we still have plenty of grocery lists
and flags so all agreed we will use this for the time being for opening day hand-outs.
Committee discussed a date for Opening day 2016. After some discussion, it was decided
to open on June 12 with last date of market being Oct. 9. This would be 17 weeks.
Chuck and Paulette said that the 2016 BG days would be held on the grounds used by the
BG Farmers Market. Paulette had said they had hoped we could hold the market that
Sunday and use one of the grassy areas, however it is unlikely this will be an option as
5K stampede race will be held in this same location that Sunday morning. Paulette noted
that if farmers market could be held at site of BG Days, we might attract new patrons.
4) New Shirts: Paulette said she plans to order new shirts for committee members as
shirts from last year have become faded and stained. All agreed we should order polo
shirts in same color and design as 2015 shirts.
5) Entertainment: Fern has indicated that she will continue to handle entertainment for
this year's market. Fern will also continue to do eBlasts to all of our media outlets, PT
and other free advertising for the market.
6) Non-Profits: Andy expressed a concern that market would be inundated with requests
from politicians, as it is an election year. Larry said we limit to 4 non-profits per week,
with no more than two political reps. Chuck asked if we still wanted to continue a
business of the week-with cost of$125. All agreed to keep the business of the week and
that cost may naturally limit numbers of requests from businesses.
7) Mise: Ed discussed the budget for Facebook this year and indicated it was $299 last
year. Peggy will inquire about the budget for this year. All committee members agree that
Facebook has been very effective. Ed said the average user is 30-60 years old and mostly
women.
Peggy reminded everyone that all volunteers must have filled out applications and been
appointed. Peggy will check to ensure we have all completed applications.
Chuck said there is a scheduled farmers market seminar in Dekalb, with a cost of$25.
This seminar appears to be about"How to Run a Farmers Market", so unclear how useful
it would be. Paulette noted that the workshop at the Chicago Cultural Center in Feb.
might be the best one to attend. This is the workshop that Paulette and other committee
members attended last year and Paulette said they found it to be helpful and was also a
way to identify new vendors.
Tess Baker has rejoined the committee after her 2015 hiatus-welcome back Tess!
Our next meeting is set for March 9, 2016 at 7 PM.