Birmingham Farmers Market Manager Receives State Certification

Lori Rondello, market manager of the Birmingham Farmers Market, was recently named a Certified Market Manager by the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA).

The Birmingham Farmers Market will kick off its 10th season on Sunday, May 6 in Parking Lot No. 6.

Rondello was one of only 29 farmers market managers to be certified this year. During her training, Rondello took classes in topics such as Market Growth Management, Market Governance, Policy and Enforcement, Marketing, Outreach and Fundraising.

"MIFMA was thrilled to work with and certify so many qualified farmers market managers for this program committed to growing and improving their markets," said Dru Montri, MIFMA director.

Rondello has worked for the city of Birmingham for three years and is actively involved with the Birmingham Farmers Market.

"I gained a lot of knowledge from MIFMA's program and enjoyed networking with other market managers," said Rondello. "My enrollment in the program illustrates how dedicated the Birmingham () is to improving the market and continuing its success in the community."

Rondello isn't the only Birmingham resident to receive a nod from MIFMA. In 2011, Richard "Cousin Don" Hobson received certification from MIFMA last year.

Michigan is the only state that has a program to certify farmers market managers.

Now in its 10th year, the Birmingham Farmers Market has 70 vendors in 2012 and takes place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday through Oct. 28.

Shoppers can access the most up-to-date information about the market by liking the Birmingham Farmers Market Facebook page, following @BhamFarmMkt or by visiting www.birminghamfarmersmarket.org.