CENTRAL MARKET REVITALIZATION EFFORTS

Read the editorial submitted to the York Daily Record below and additional information about the Board of Director's Revitalization efforts here.

OUR MARKET, OUR HEART
September 2009

In many ways, Central Market has been the heart of our community, a place where we gather, take our relatives and enjoy the bounty of local farmers.  Yet many have noticed that our market is not as thriving as it once was.   This seems paradoxical since we’re in an era when “fresh, green and local” is a national mainstream trend.  A recent cover of Time Magazine celebrated this ever-broadening demand. 

With so many people desiring fresh local food, shouldn’t Central Market be bustling?

The answer is a resounding YES!  Since joining Market’s board, I’ve realized that with some strategic changes, our market can be a thriving destination. Together, we can make this market a great success.  Here’s an update of what’s happening to achieve that end:

There is a committed and talented team working to help revitalize our market.  The addition of five new board members in the last year has infused a lot of energy into the effort to achieve a market renaissance.   Detailed revitalization plans have been developed that are specific to our local situation, plans that have been seconded by the Food Trust which has helped revitalize other markets around the country.

Some changes are already noticeable.  A new operations manager was hired (Annette Fisher) whose enthusiasm and hard work are beginning to pay off with new vendor stands and participation in downtown events like “Go Green in the City” and YorkFest.

Today we are unveiling our new multi-phase FRESH LOCAL FLAVOR campaign which has already won a national award for its design.  In addition to the new logo, tagline and website, we’re networking with key organizations to help Central Market become the center for all things fresh, green and local – a place where York’s past meets the future, where historic meets hip.

We recognize that small less visible changes are just as important as the big eye-catching ones and we’re being careful to balance the needs of the future with the realities of today.  Like many organizations, we’re working with limited funds so we’re working hard to identify innovative ways to achieve maximum impact with minimum expense.  At the same time as we’re doing what we can with what we have, we’re also pursuing outside funding to make larger improvements.

Internally, we are reviewing Market’s rules, regulations, hours, days of operation, vendor mix and vendor recruiting practices.  The past ten years have actually seen an increase in the number of small farms in York County so we anticipate attracting some great new vendors with our new recruiting effort. 

In addition, we’re aggressively pursuing funding for more tangible physical building upgrades and a more comprehensive marketing effort.  Indeed, the market needs to make strategic changes both large and small to grow strong as a business and capture the attention of the army of consumers out there who want fresh local food.  They’re ready and waiting.  The great part is that they want more than our food.  Shopping at Central Market is an experience that no grocery store can match.

As you may be aware, nationally-known consultant Roger Brooks recently spent time in our community and advised the creation of a Market Square District downtown - a vibrant one-block area surrounding our Market.  We relish the opportunity to strengthen the market and play an active role in our neighborhood.  We take heart from recent successes downtown that many doubted were possible.  Again and again, we’re finding that our downtown is much more of a draw than some thought:  The stadium is consistently beating attendance projections, Codo has already rented 33 out of 35 apartments, and the Strand-Capitol is attracting a wide audience with its new live music series.  Add to that mix a bustling Central Market and we’re well on our way to a vibrant welcoming urban core that attracts and retains residents and visitors.  The lesson is that quality attracts people to our downtown.

As Brooks put it, “I firmly believe that York's Central Market could and should be THE primary anchor business for downtown York.   It easily has that potential.   Markets are increasingly the lifeblood, focal point, and central gathering place for cities throughout North America. In fact, markets are often credited with revitalizing downtowns. York has one of the most historic markets in the nation, and with its new leadership, some needed capital improvements, and some other vendor-related changes, it could be a showcase for markets throughout the country.”

The Central Market board takes very seriously its responsibility to work towards our Market’s revitalization.  We know that in the era of all things fresh, green and local, our market can thrive as a business and become an economic engine that will help power York’s overall renaissance.  Please join us in our effort to strengthen Central Market.  Take advantage of free parking on Saturdays in both nearby garages and check out our new vendors as well as your old favorites.  Choose to buy your fresh produce and meats at Market.  Stop by for a fantastic breakfast or lunch.  If you are considering opening up a market stand, join in the fun and be a part of York’s destination for fresh local flavor!   To offer comments or suggestions or to learn more about Central Market’s history and revitalizations effort, please contact us today.

 

We want to hear from you!
Submit your ideas, suggestions and encouragement for Central Market by emailing CentralMarketYork@gmail.com.