The Alger County Chamber of Commerce, along with the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), is proud to announce that Market Manager, Hilary Ludecke recently completed the MIFMA Market Manager Certificate Program on Wednesday, February 15. A total of 22 individuals participated in the program and were certified, making Ludecke one of 394 total individuals who have been certified since the program’s inception in 2011.
The MIFMA Market Manager Certificate Program is the first program of its kind developed in the country that acknowledges that the market manager is a trained professional. The program is voluntary and designed to encourage market managers to pursue leadership skills and professional development in topics essential to market management.
Ludecke completed 30 hours of virtual training focused on leadership skills and professional development in topics essential to market management. Key learning objectives covered in the program include: Mission-Driven Market Management, Supporting Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Farmers Markets, Governance and Market Policies, Working with Vendors, Michigan Licensing and Regulations for Vendors, Food Safety, Conflict Management and De-escalation, Food Assistance Programs, Working with Volunteers, Earning and Managing Financial Support for Your Market, Building Market Capacity and Data-Informed Decision Making, Managing Risk at the Market, Marketing and Outreach, and Planning for Events and Entertainment. Each certified market manager had the opportunity to network with other market managers over the course of the program. A final manager- to-manager education and networking opportunity completed the program focusing on sharing experiences and lessons learned.
“This training was such a great opportunity to learn and refine new management skills,” explained Ludecke.
The Munising Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market will return on Mondays starting May 22nd from 4-7 PM at Bayshore Park in downtown Munising.
Questions can be directed to Hilary Ludecke, Market Manager at munisingmarket@ gmail.com
