New Farmers Market Project

This came in from Mary Beth Henry in Polk Co. and she asked if I would share with my growers.

Four Corners Green Market

Have you ever visited Pike’s Place Market in Seattle? (http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/ )
Ever considered the economic impact a robust market such as this has on the surrounding community?

UF/IFAS Polk County Extension has been contacted to participate in and gather growers for discussion on a proposed green market in Polk County. The developer would like to pick the brain of those most likely to participate as vendors in the market. His vision is big and hopes for public funds to help make the vision a reality. The discussion is designed to draw feedback from producers as to the likelihood for producer participation as an indication of the feasibility and ultimate success of the project. The proposed market would be located in Polk but bordering Osceola, Orange and Lake Counties at the intersection of Highway 27 and 54 (Four Corners). The proposed scale is designed to draw vendors from all over Central Florida. See the location and scale of the project below and attached (attached also available at http://polk.ifas.ufl.edu/AG_Safety/files/pdf/publications/PolkFourCornersMarket.pdf.)

I’m contacting you to ask your participation in the meeting and request that you pass the invitation on to as many as possible that may be interested.

The meeting will be held January 18th at 10 am at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823. We expect the meeting to last about 2 hours. See directions here http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?e=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=217964219781809525293.000453181969471143ab2

Contact for more information:
Quen Wilson, AICP, CPM
Concurrency and Entitlements Director
Polk County Office of Planning and Development
(863) 534-6792
quenwilson@polk-county.net

This is a big idea that could change the scope of direct to consumer marketing in Central Florida. We appreciate your time and hope you will be able to attend!

If you are not able to attend but are willing to provide comments on the project, please comment on the Polk Small Farms blog posting here.
http://polksmallfarms.blogspot.com/2012/01/proposed-green-market-in-polk-county.html
Thanks again for your time!