Northbrook Farmers Market Manager Receives Certification

Northbrook IL

01 April, 2021

9:30 PM

Description

Press release from The Illinois Farmers Market Association: April 1, 2021 The Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) along with Northbrook Farmers Market Association, are pleased to announce that Dale Duda of Northbrook recently completed the 2020-2021 Illinois Certified Farmers Market Manager Program. Sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau and the University of Illinois Extension, the class launched last December. A total of 20 managers from all across Illinois were certified as an official "IL-CFMM," Illinois Certified Farmers Market Manager. This inaugural program required 30 hours of classroom training focused on basic and advanced leadership skills and professional development topics essential to successful farmers market management. The Illinois Certified Farmers Market Manager Program acknowledges that the Northbrook Farmers Market market manager is a trained professional. Amid a global pandemic, farmers markets have been scrambling to continue operations for the farmers and communities that depend on them. Market managers have been at the forefront of adapting rapid solutions and innovation to protect staff, customers, and their community. "Farmers markets are essential to the life and livelihood of farmers, producers, and communities throughout Illinois," says Janie Maxwell, ILFMA Executive Director. "Farmers markets don't just happen, and it takes the planning, organization, community organizations, and dedicated individuals for them to be successful. Farmers markets may be the safest place to shop for fresh local food. " Duda had the opportunity to network with fellow farmers market managers, share ideas, suggest creative solutions, and learn from each other. The networking proved to be a valuable component and a highlight of the overall experience," said Maxwell. "This was a great program to learn more about developing and maintaining a sustainable farmers market, especially during these challenging times," said Duda. "I was thrilled to be in the state organization's inaugural class." To learn more about the farmers market visit www.northbrookfarmersmarket.org. This press release was produced by The Illinois Farmers Market Association. The views expressed here are the author's own.