Think it's a bad time to start, expand or move a business?  Think again!

For one thing, this economy can only go up from here!  Over the last two years, cottage industry businesses have exploded as folks have been getting laid off across the nation and looking for new ways to make an income.  Viva the American Spirit!  Americans everywhere are taking matters in to their own hands where politicians repeatedly fail, but we won't get into that here.

What's more is that folks are not traveling as far, but instead opting for shorter, closer excursions.  They are still looking for unique experiences, and are interested in places with enough to keep them and the kids busy for a few days.  Folks nearby the farmers' market have money to spend, but are traveling to nearby cities where they can find the products they need.  How great it will be to provide a closer alternative!

The Mount Jackson Farmers' Market will serve as a place for such small businesses to come together in one place, and be that closer alternative.  This means that while you may have trouble attracting business to your location as a single retailer, whether you are in a storefront or out of your home, the Market will provide a place for you to benefit from the traffic of fellow retailers. 

(By the way, if you are following us on Facebook, you know that we have begun the application process for Directional Signage at the I-81 Exits, which will direct Highway traffic directly to you if you're at the Farmers' Market!  And if you're not following us on FB, we can be found here: www.facebook.com/mjfarmersmarket.com) 

By now, you may have gathered that we:

1. Love old buildings
2. Are sort of foodies
3. Have a passion for our community
4. are intensely interested in business.

As the days, months and years go by, we will be sharing as much as we can about all these, and hopefully learning as much as we can from you too!

Indoor tenants at the market will have ample utilities (we have a 3-phase electric!), get collective advertising, trash pick-up, an on-site market manager, and foot-traffic spill over from fellow vendors.  In addition, if there is an interest from the retailers, we expect to hold a "small business building series" as well, to help YOU build YOUR business!  These sessions, of course will be optional, but also will be FREE of charge.  For an example, I'd love to share how I created this site.  I am NOT a website designer, nor a website coder, but I did this site ALL for FREE (well, okay, for a small fee - I upgraded the free site to remove the little free website logo from the bottom of the page because I didn't want to appear cheap!)  ;-)   We'd love to teach you a little that we've learned about promoting through Facebook as well. 

This is just a bit of what you can expect as a business tenant at the Mount Jackson Farmers' Market.  But we need to hear from you!  If you are interested in an indoor space, fill out the contact form on the website and let us know what you have to offer, how much space you think you'll need, and so on.  There is no commitment at this stage.

"Lettuce  turnip the beet" (let us turn up the beat) on this project, and work together to achieve a quality community experience!

So...You know the "Where" and "What" by now, but I have been getting tons of questions about Who and When.  That's encouraging.  The whole community seems very excited about this project!

The idea for a Farmers Market in the heart of Mount Jackson, specifically in this building, came years ago.  Just like "slow food", the fruition of ideas also take time.  A few months ago, something began to happen ... it seemed like NOW was the time. 

On Friday, several weeks of negotiations were complete with the sellers (a very nice local couple, who are as excited about this as we are), and the contract was signed.  An hour later, a letter of intent was sent to the Town; an hour after that, press release was sent to the papers; then the website (www.mjfarmersmarkets.com) launched; and finally our Facebook page went live (search for Mount Jackson Farmers Market).  Not to mention all the phone calls to set times to meet with various trades who will be doing work on the building.  What an exciting Friday afternoon before a three-day weekend!  (Thanks to all our Vetrans who have served our country.)

What:  Well, there is a LOT that has to happen in a short amount of time.  However, beginning on or about July 1, we plan to lease 10' x 10' outdoor spaces on Wednesdays (Noon to 6 PM) and Saturdays (8 AM to 12 noon).  Now, this ain't too fancy right now, so bring your own table and tent.  ;-) 

In regards to the WHO:  We are taking vendor applications now.  The best way to contact us right now is through filling out the form.  We will email you information as it becomes available.

Wow!  This is going to be a wonderful journey for everyone involved!  We really look forward to meeting you, whether you come by to visit the market, or become a retailer or vendor.

SEE YOU SOON!