by Janet Grella
The Waterland Blog recently sat down with Wayne Corey, President of the Des Moines Farmers Market (DMFM) Board, a non-profit, all volunteer position.
As part of his role as President of the board, Corey’s a man on a mission. And that mission is to rally his board to sign up enough sponsors to make the 2010 market and beyond self-sustaining.
“To keep the market going and viable for next year and beyond, the board has begun a campaign drive to obtain sponsorships to cover the costs which generally begin after the first of the year or before,” Corey said. “Between now and through December, board members will be contacting local business and individuals who may want to be market sponsors.”
If you would like to become a sponsor or would like more information, please contact Wayne Corey at 206-824-1066 or email at wayne@corey.cc.
The following have so far stepped up to be 2010 sponsors:
- Des Moines Legacy Foundation
- Des Moines Rotary
- The Print Place
- The Waterland Blog
- Char Schulz Insurance
Des Moines Farmers Market Board President Wayne Corey
2010 will be the fifth year for the DMFM in its current waterfront location. And if Corey and the board have their way, it will be the best ever.
Historically DMFM has been funded, in part, by the City of Des Moines in conjunction with sponsorships from local business (including The Waterland Blog) and private citizens.
“Since this was the last year the city sponsored the market, a board was formed in early March by unpaid volunteers to work with the city this season and then take over the market for next year. The city will still be a very visual partner in supporting the market in 2010″, explained Corey.
The non-profit DMFM board consists of nine members, including four officers:
- President Wayne Corey
- Vice President Dr. Genie Markwell
- Secretary Kim Trapp
- Treasurer Kathy Russell
Other members include:
- Char Schulz
- Del Rivero
- Gary Hisel
- Catherine Barashkoff
- Greg Fox
Councilwomen Carmen Scott was the city’s liaison. Helping the board are many volunteers who have given up their Saturdays during the summer.
“With the Chili Cook-Off marking the final day of the 2009 market on October 31st, the board declared it a very successful season with revenues and attendance both up over the previous year,” Corey added. “It was felt that having expanded the number of vendors and having a better mix of vendors were the primary reasons. Many of this year’s vendors stated that Des Moines was the best market for them and, one flower vendor said ‘we do more business here than we do downtown and Pike Place market.’”
Wayne added that “on a personal note, I would like to thank the board members for all their help and especially Market Manager Rikki Marhol and Assistant Manager Debra Jackson for all their hard work and dedication to make sure the market had a successful season. Also a great big thank-you to the many volunteers who showed up every Saturday to help the market as well as city employees from Parks and Rec and the marina.”
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