Market Manager
What Does the Market Manager Do?
To assist it in implementing its mission and vision, and carrying out its overall responsibility for operating the Eastern Ingham Farmers Market, the non-profit Sowing Growth engages the services of a Market Manager. Among other duties, the Market Manager secures vendors and music entertainment, and coordinates with Sowing Growth to promote and raise money for the Market. The Market Manager attends all Markets, prepares a weekly vendor site map, oversees volunteers who assist with set-up, operation, and take-down/storage of Market booths, signage, supplies. The Market Manager also administers nutrition assistance programs, and generally engages with vendors, volunteers and customers in a manner supportive of a positive Market experience for all.
Meet our Market Manager, Krysta James
Ms. James grew up in the nearby farming community of Morrice and currently lives in East Lansing with her husband and brother. Her work experience in the housing and banking sectors required effective organizational and management skills. She brings to Sowing Growth and the Market her strong interest and experience as an employee of and volunteer for, non-profit organizations. She holds a firm belief in the value of local and small businesses.
James is thrilled to be the new Market Manager with the Market, noting, “It has been wonderful meeting the Sowing Growth team who are volunteers supporting the Market. I applied for this role with the hope that I could bring my operation and program management skills to a local farmers market and the communities it serves. I am service minded at heart. After several meetings with the Sowing Growth team, I knew this family of hard-working people was an excellent fit for me and I accepted their offer to serve in this role!”
James is learning there is lots of work involved during the winter ‘off-season’ months, including updating operational forms and the Market calendar, confirming vendors who will be returning and recruiting new vendors whose products will bring greater variety to the Market. She has completed the 2024 Farmers Market Certification course.