This past week the farmers’ market board of directors met to set a strategy for transitioning the market management from volunteer to a paid position. Market volunteer manager and founder Fritz Seefeldt is stepping down and applications will be accepted for the position.
PRESS RELEASE:
FARMERS’ MARKET CHANGES MANAGEMENT
After 18 years at the Haymaker Farmers’ Market, founder Fritz Seefeldt has decided to step down as the volunteer manager. “I am committed to the long term success of the market and look forward to continuing to serve in an advisory role and on the market board of directors. The market has been an integral part of our lives for so many years and I see this transition as something healthy for the market and for the Kent community.” said Seefeldt, who has brought the market to its current success after co-founding it with his wife Jo Anne and architect Rick Hawksley. The market on the corner of Summit St. and Franklin Ave. is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in NE Ohio.
Customers and vendors alike have enjoyed Seefeldt’s easy-going approach, which made the market a Saturday morning mainstay of healthy shopping and entertainment. The board of directors of the Haymaker Farmers’ Market, an incorporated non-profit organization, will be searching for a replacement to take over the reigns for the 2011 market season, which starts May 28.
“We’ve got big shoes to fill,” said board member Cary James. “The comfortable ambiance of the market has been developed by a lot of hard work on Fritz’ part.” Other members of the board agree that some attributes will be easy to find in applicants, like having a car, or the ability to lift 40-lb umbrella stands. Other things can be learned, such as agricultural and health regulations, and writing grant applications. “But we’ll also need to find someone with good organizational skills, an interest in the market and Kent, and the ability to enforce our rules to keep market harmony,” continued James. “We’d hate to lose the great atmosphere.”
Applications for the Market Manager position will be accepted by the board until March 15.
More information is available on the Haymaker Farmers’ Market website, www.haymakermarket.com or the HFM’s facebook page.
for a copy of the market manager job description, please follow this link.
Send resume and cover letter to Kristen Pool, 9519 Nichols Rd., Windham, OH 44288 or blackdogacres@gmail.com by 3/15.
