National Association of Produce Market Managers

Founded in 1947, NAPMM strives to help market managers improve facilities and increase services while encouraging cooperation and exchange of ideas between members and partners.

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72nd Annual Conference in Miami a Great Success

Sincere thanks to Danny Raulerson, Chief of Florida State Farmers’ Markets and his staff with the State of Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services along with NAPMM’s Programs and Policy Committee for hosting a memorable conference in Miami, Florida April 30 – May 3.  Over 60 attendees shared not only the unique attractions of the South Beach area, but also an agenda packed with information and innovations for market managers and others in the market industry.

Classroom sessions included a professional development session on “Connecting Differences for Vitality” presented by Tatyana Fertelmeyster of Connecting Differences,LLC. This session built competencies for dealing with the diversity in our markets and society, increasing awareness, and suggesting tools to assist. Other topics included a session presented by Noel Feliciano with the Doral City Police Department on “Being Proactive Against Public Threats” to suggest strategies for protecting public facilities from threats and terrorism.  Ron Batcher, Architect with USDA Agricultural Marketing Services, facilitated discussions during two sessions with wholesale market partners continuing their work that was begun at the Washington DC USDA-United Fresh-NAPMM summit earlier in the year.  These sessions were based on defining the roles and opportunities for wholesale markets in today’s food system and identifying available resources and support.

Conference attendees participated in a behind-the-scenes tour of the Port of Miami, toured Atlantic Sapphire - an upcoming unique salmon farm, a family operated agritourism center, the Florida City State Farmers Market, an orchid growing,and a state of the art packing house.

Awards Presented at the Conference

Several NAPMM members were recognized at the annual conference in Miami for their contributions to the association or the industry.

The 2018 Annual Conference was dedicated to Guy Vasta, a member of NAPMM for over 10 years who never missed an Annual Conference. Sadly, Guy passed away on March 16, 2018 after a long illness. A native of Fulton, NY where he spent his life teaching and farming, Guy owned and operated Guy’s Garden Produce farm in Volney, NY, and served as an exemplary member of the Central New York Regional Market Authority Board of Directors since 2003. Guy brought his knowledge and energy to NAPMM. Guy was He was always willing to offer his perspective of market operations as well as the challenges of being on “both sides of the table” as a market board member and market user. Guy’s extensive knowledge of the farming industry and business world made him a great asset as a member of NAPMM.

Mimi Fritz, President and CEO of the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids, was named NAPMM Market Manager of the Year for 2018. Mimi has been a member of the NAPMM for 6 years. She currently serves as a board member and member of the strategic planning committee. Mimi was hired in 2012, during the construction of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. In the time she has served in this role, she has not only led the leasing, programmatic, and staffing efforts, but has built solid relationships with all stakeholders of the Market.  Mimi leads a staff of approximately 40 team members who she gives both leadership and management guidance to on a daily basis. Mimi is extremely supportive of all team members’ professional development and creates an environment in which they can all grow and thrive in.

Francis Horne, Development Rep III with the State of Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, received the coveted William Mulligan, Sr.- Service to NAPMM Award. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to support NAPMM. Francis has served the State of Florida for 34 years. He became a Certified Public Manager in 2002 and became one of eight NAPMM Certified Produce Market Managers in 2008. Francis has been an active member of NAPMM since 1983 and has served as a member and officer on the board of directors.  Francis has assisted in co-hosting many Florida based conferences and has always volunteered his support no matter where we were meeting.  Many thanks to Francis for being instrumental in keeping the Florida markets involved in NAPMM throughout the years!

Kristina Stanley from the Overland Park Market in Kansas, Justin Cottrell from the City Market in Kansas City and Mimi Fritz from the Downtown Market Grand Rapids were named Certified Market Managers after completing the requirements of certification.  Guy Vasta of the Central NY Regional Market Authority also received CMM certification posthumously.

NAPMM Welcomes New Board Members