Community Puts Stock in it's Own Market - Mosaic - Spring 2009 Edition

Community puts stock in its own market
by Alison Egan-Lodjic Photos by Chris Pollard — last modified 2009-06-03 13:48

Economic consciousness fuels support of local artisans and farmers at the Saturday Market.
Home to the original Saturday Market, Eugene tries to live up to its motto as “The World’s Greatest City of the Arts and Outdoors” from the first Saturday in April to mid-November.Despite the shrinking economy, Eugene’s tight, close-knit community has proved that a “succeed together or fail alone” mentality can fight off these economic woes.

“I think that right now, more than ever before, folks really think about where to put their money,” said Beth Little, general manager of the market for the past 10 years. “Buying local products in order to keep your own earnings in the town you live in is a viable form of economic development. I think folks are shopping at the market on purpose, to ‘walk their talk.’”

The corners of 8th Avenue and Oak Street are filled with customers taking in the sweet smells of hand-made candles and woodwork. The sound of a bluegrass band playing at the International Food Court echoes through the market, and the spicy aroma of Pad Thai and tamales lure shoppers to the booths. The area is buzzing and every booth has a line at least five people long. “This is the strongest start, according to income, we have had under my management,” Little said. Each year, she said, the market brings in millions of dollars to the local economy.The Saturday Market organization has 459 members, and about 250 booths set up each week. By the end of the year, Little expects to have more than 600 members.

This year, the market welcomed Nicole Peltz, chef and co-owner of Field to Table Private Dining & Catering.“As tough as the recession is, it’s not about closing businesses; it’s also about opening businesses,” Peltz said of her six-month-old business. Because of the declining economy, it was less expensive for her to jump into the service industry. “We’re making a profit and getting our name out there,” Peltz said.

Michael Bertotti has been selling at Eugene's Saturday Market for 30 years. From his booth, White Light Services, he has noticed the changing face of the market. Field to Table Catering uses local products, and Peltz attributes its success to Eugene’s locally focused and environmentally friendly community.

Despite the state’s 12 percent unemployment rate, vendors at the market have noticed only slight changes in sales patterns since opening April 4. Devon Bonady of the Fern Hill Nursery and Botanical Sanctuary has observed a rampant trend of consumer consciousness and buying locally farmed and made. Bonady said this year some of her “regulars” haven’t shown up, but in their stead, a newer, younger population has contributed to her business. “A lot more people are excited about gardening, probably because of the increased food cost,” Bonady said. “The consciousness about local foods will help the local economy.”

Cindia Carrere, jewelry crafter and owner of the Cinderella Lucinda booth, notes other benefits to staying local. “I think people are starving for that community connection,” she said.Carrere said although the news bombards viewers with recession horror stories, many consumers are prevailing.“I make a mental note every time I hear good stories that involve money and nobody crabbing about it,” she said.

For pictures: http://mosaic.uoregon.edu/newsmagazine/business/community-puts-stock-in-its-own-market/?searchterm=None