National Association of Produce Market ManagersFounded in 1947, NAPMM strives to help market managers improve facilities and increase services while encouraging cooperation and exchange of ideas between members and partners. Don't forget to renew your membership for 2022 by paying your renewal invoice! If your membership was current 2021 and you did not receive a renewal invoice, please contact Linda Best at [email protected]. New members please click here to Join NAPMM by completing the application. Memberships to NAPMM remain affordable at only $95 a year per individual. We have recently implemented a new membership management and payment system that provides you the option on the invoice to pay by credit card, and if you have any questions, contact [email protected] Congratulations to Mark Smith, Winner of NAPMM's Market Manager of the Year Award!
![]() Congratulations to Mark Smith, winner of NAPMM's Market Manager of the Year Award!
Joining the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market (PWPM) as General Manager in the fall of 2018 and NAPMM in 2019, he arrived in a tough year. A Market plagued with internal issues, including financial improprieties and low morale, the Board took a chance at bringing in an individual with no past experience with produce. Mark was savvy enough to translate his knowledge of business, design, government, mechanics, and people and parlay that into many successes for the entire Market. He quickly proved that through listening and innovative thinking, problems can be addressed and solved. As a result, he gained the trust and respect of not only the Board of Directors, but of each and every merchant on the sales floor.
While operating as a for-profit Wholesale Market, their services are also open to the public, and anyone can purchase by the case/carton. The Market is owned by Philaport, the Port of Philadelphia and the Market Manager's supervisor is their Board of Directors (BOD), headed by Chairman George Binck, COO of Procacci Brothers. While the BOD oversees the finances and overall operation, over the last 3.5 years, Mark has supported the BOD in rebuilding the Market's finances to ensure short and long-term financial success for the market and for the 19 merchants who occupy the facility. Two years ago, PWPM set out on a path to reduce costs and eliminate landfill waste. They partnered with various organizations to meet these goals and currently, their landfill diversion rate is about 65%. As a result, there has been a 50% reduction in waste costs, and, in 2021, new partnerships with area food banks, led by Sharing Excess, increased food donations and further decreased waste. Sharing Excess has taken a spot in their Market breezeway and sorts through produce everyday from 7AM to 11AM, which it in turn shares with various food banks and community hunger organizations. Since July of 2011, they have received over $2.5 million pounds of produce donations from PWPM merchants. In terms of facility improvements, Mark oversees a 676,000 square foot facility that is fully-enclosed and fully-refrigerated and secured a $1.2 million grant from the State of Pennsylvania to replace the refrigeration system. This is the largest of its kind in the world. Mark and his team team have also implemented a program for the entire facility which included new maintenance software to manage thousands of preventative maintenance tasks per year and implemented a cleaning protocol that supports all of our merchants with all of their inspections. Beyond daily operations and strategic improvements, Mark prioritizes promoting all the good work done at his Market. Every year, PWPM participates in the New York Produce Show in December. Hosting conversations at three different booths, their staff meets with current and potential customers and gives out hoagies directly from the City of Brotherly love. They also give out beanie hats to symbolically represent their chilled marketplace. On social media, followers can see beautiful produce and read about customer experiences or various merchants. On-site, they host approximately 25 tours for various groups throughout the year, including culinary schools, restaurants, supply chain students, international groups, industry trade groups, etc. Thanks to Mark's leadership, PWPM have cut costs and waste, and increased efficiency in security, maintenance, and operations. In a short time, he's earned the respect of everyone at his market through his approachability and his eye toward the future. Outside of the Market, he attended the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan and studied Industrial Design. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and is certified in Project Management. He is seeking his Master's Degree in Management and Leadership. Mark previously served under Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf in various roles since early 2015, including planning the Pope's historic visit to Philadelphia, which included the largest national security event in the U.S. He was also named as Executive Director of Broadband Initiatives to develop and execute a state-wide strategy to increase broadband across PA. Congratulations again Mark, and thank you for all you do! NAPMM New Orleans Conference Highlights - March 7-10, 2022This past month the organization finally broke free from the confines of FaceTime, and reunited face to face in the beautiful city of New Orleans. We were submerged in the rich culture and history of the city that is deeply rooted in markets and curbside merchants. In addition to the rich history and culture, members of the organization were able to dive deep into discussions of local food systems, what is entailed in recovery from natural disasters, and how markets can be so important as the heart of a community to drive the recovery process.
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PO Box 1617 | Garner, NC 27529
Linda Best | NAPMM Administrator
919-779-5258 | [email protected]