posted on August 20, 2009 17:36
Jodie Willobee
Promotion, Arts & Culture Specialist
Michigan Main Street Center
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Maybe the late Napoleon Hill would have titled his classic book this way had he been able to write it amidst this 2009 culture growing rich with the potential of local farming.
It seems nearly every day, all kinds of media sources are reporting about how the growing number of local farms are positively contributing to the local economy. Romantic notions of an up and coming generation who will mix low-tech, organic gardening techniques with high-tech social media marking abilities and entrepreneurial tenacity make me smile for the future.
Now, for those of you who are coming to the 2009 Michigan Downtown Conference (September 15-16th) there is something you need to know. This topical issue and many more will be discussed at great length. Register, join us, and contribute to the conversation….
For example, on September 16th conference attendees will get the privilege of hearing from an educated and experienced mix of panelists whose love for healthy food may only run second to their love of community. During a session titled, “Finding, Promoting and Using Local Foods in your Downtown” you will hear from panelists:
o Joan Nelson, Director of the Lansing-area Allen Neighborhood Center who helped create a center of healthy activities and a culture of compassion around this exceptional farmer’s market.
o Dan Carmondy, President of Detroit’s Eastern Market Corporation – the largest historic public market district in the United States. Under Dan’s charge, the Eastern Market will host upwards of 40,000 visitors each Saturday!
A case in point – check out this recent article, “Saturday Morning Marketing: Entrepreneurs Use Eastern Market to Grow” by Mike Gentile-modeldmedia.com
o Eric Patterson and Jennifer Blakeslee, co-owners of renowned The Cook’s House in Traverse City billed as “local, sustainable cuisine” and who deliciously support a mission to use, promote and celebrate local sustainable foods.
Oh! And did I mention that in the spirit of promoting local food our host for the 2009 Michigan Downtown Conference, The Lansing Center, will immediately follow this session with a “Michigan Lunch”, short on carbon footprints, long on fresh taste. Walking the walk and talking the talk never tasted so good!
See you in September!