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Corner Farmers Market asks DDA for $1,500 after year of vendor growth; board approves donation
Summary
Kim Cole, manager of the Corner Farmers Market, reported increased vendor participation and attendance in 2024 and asked the DDA for a repeat $1,500 donation. The board approved the donation and noted an abstention for a conflict of interest.
Kim Cole, manager of the Corner Farmers Market, presented the market’s 2024 results and requested a $1,500 donation from the DDA at the April 23 meeting.
Cole told the board that produce vendors reported near‑doubling of sales year over year and that the market was “full” most weeks in 2024. She said vendor diversity increased, noting “3 or 4” Arabic vendors had joined, and that the market drew regular weekly attendance — she reported two manual head counts around 650 and 800 attendees on sample days. Cole also described successful promotional efforts last year that included a YouTube ad which she said reached about 50,000 people and generated roughly 1,300 clicks. She reported the market ran Project FRESH (senior coupons) and made 420 (84 coupons) and that she is “in the final stages” of USDA approval to accept EBT, which would allow the market to also participate in WIC benefits.
Cole said last year’s DDA donation funded vendor appreciation and outreach activities, including a 10‑year celebration breakfast and promotional materials. She requested the same $1,500 amount for the coming year.
Board action
A motion to donate $1,500 to the Corner Farmers Market was made, supported and called for voice vote. One board member (Courtney Pizier) requested an abstention on the record because of a conflict of interest; the board supported permitting the abstention. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records board members responding “Aye” and the chair noting the abstention.
Why it matters
The market manager’s report highlighted vendor revenue growth, higher vendor counts (31 vendors in 2024, including drop-in and seasonal participants), stronger social-media reach and the market’s progress toward accepting electronic benefits. The DDA donation is intended to support vendor services and market operations for the upcoming season.
