Note from Dave ~ April
April 16th, 2009 by DaveDear North Market Shoppers,
I had the opportunity to speak at a conference in Greenville hosted by Heritage Ohio. The subject of the gathering was, “Nourishing Downtown, Connecting Local Foods to Downtowns.”
Every time you have to give a talk it causes you to slow down and do a little research about the topic. It also gives you the opportunity to think a little more clearly about why exactly the hosts have asked you to speak.
The meeting was attended by downtown planners, chamber leaders, farmers market organizers and main street managers from all over the state.
While it’s always great to talk about the Market and our role in the community, it was also inspiring to see such widespread support and understanding of “local.” It’s no longer a “movement,” it’s really become mainstream.
With the challenges in our economy, I think it’s become easy for everyone to see that bigger is not always better. It’s tough to watch brand new big box retailers succumb to the economy and leave in their wake hundreds of thousands of square feet of empty retail space that has no hope of being reclaimed.
With this in mind it seems that people are moving back to things that inspire romance, memory and trust versus things that are fast, convenient and cheap. When you buy locally you support local economies, local families and local businesses. That support translates into products and services in which you can trust.
When you support places like North Market you’re supporting people like, Jeni, Annemarie, Amy, Pam, Cheese Mike, David, Cheryl and The Fish Guys. And what you get in return are products that are second to none. The best of the best.
In just a few weeks our growers will start to arrive on Saturday mornings with fresh produce that they grow with their own hands. There’s nothing better in this world than fresh grown produce…there’s nothing more local, either.
The local movement is alive and strong here at the North Market. We’ve been doing it for 133 years. It’s nice to know we’re about 130 years ahead of the trend.
See you at the Market.
Dave
Tags: A Note from Dave
