The Whistler Farmers' Market (WFM) is looking to the future with the election of six new board members at its Annual General Meeting on Nov. 13.
"There was probably 40, 42 members came out, so it was a good turnout," said outgoing board chair Nathan Hawkins, adding that a new chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer will be elected at an upcoming meeting.
New board members Jordan Sturdy, Alyssa Belter, Steve Gourley, Carola Moore, Bruce Steier and Laura Zgud will join incumbents Hawkins, Joanne Thomas, Agnieszka Warzybok, Kerry McCann and Heidi Denessen.
Despite some turmoil between the board and market manager Chris Quinlan last summer ("A tale of two farmers' markets," Pique, May 16), it was another good year for the market, Hawkins said.
"The market itself is still good. Numbers are good. Obviously down a little bit because of the gondola (construction in the Upper Village)," he said.
"We noticed that (impacted the numbers), but again, the vendors, everyone was good and happy. We just want to stay up in the Upper Village and secure that for next year as a not-for-profit."
The WFM works with Vail Resorts on a year-to-year basis to use the Upper Village space, though no contract is in place for next year at this point, Hawkins said.
A spokesperson for Vail Resorts said Whistler Blackcomb has supported the market for over 20 years and intends to continue that support, adding that the contract will be reviewed in May.
"Historically it's never been done before May, but I'm hoping to get that sorted out this year a little bit earlier," Hawkins said.
With Quinlan moving on, the WFM is in the process of hiring a new market manager—the job has been posted in various places and is generating good interest, Hawkins said.
Overall, Hawkins said his main comment is that the board of directors remains committed to ensuring the WFM remains a not-for-profit dedicated to the betterment of the community.
"We're just trying to make sure this is a not-for-profit society that remains for the community," he said.
"It's a community market, so it should stay that way."
