Agenda - 01-22-2009 - 6b - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 To: Orange County Commissioners From: Eno River Farmers' Market Working Group Contacts: Rob Bowers, Whitted Bowers Farm 619-6984 Tom Hurtgen,Hurtgen Meadows Farm 616-8371 Date: December 30, 2008 Subject: Orange County Farmers' Market Transition Introduction--Enclosed for your review are documents related to the creation of an independent organization--Eno River Farmers' Market Inc --to manage the Orange County Farmers' Market for the 2009 season and beyond. There are four items included for your review: 1)Market Rules, 2)Market By-Laws, 3)Membership Application, and 4)Inspection Report. Process and Background--All market members who were present selling on more than one occasion during the 2008 season were invited to participate in the creation of the organization. In September of this year, a working group of approximately twelve farmers and artisans was formed. Over the past three months,this group met every other week to craft the overall vision for the market and to draft relevant documents. The working group benefited greatly from the counsel and guidance of the Oversight Committee that was set up last year to help run the market. Our combined efforts created the enclosed organizational documents. We have chosen "Eno River Farmers' Market" as our name and have formally filed for incorporation with the State of North Carolina. Request for Support--While the working group is very confident and excited about the long- term prospects of a vibrant and sustainable downtown market, we respectfully ask for some assistance from the county during the transition. Specifically,the following items would greatly help us: 1) any fees associated with the use of the Public Market House be waived for the Farmers' Market, and 2) an administrative contact in the county offices to help with relevant tasks. Summary--Our proposal contains the most important organizational elements of the best farmers' markets in the region and around the country. In addition,we include a distinct and formal commitment to community representation on our Board. It is our intention to create synergies with other community groups and activities to leverage the nice developments at the River Walk Park on the Eno. We also would like to invite the Oversight Committee to continue advising us in this first year in order to keep strong our connection to the needs of the Hillsborough community. The combination of these elements puts the market in the best position to be an open and thriving place where farmers, artisans and citizens benefit. The farmers and artisans are enthusiastically committed to growing the market at the Public Market House and to providing locally grown food and products, a place to gather, and a spirit of community. We respectfully ask for your support.