Williamsburg Farmers Market Advisory Board

AGENDA City of Williamsburg Williamsburg Farmers Market Advisory Board Tuesday, September 9, 2025 A meeting of the Williamsburg Farmers Market Advisory Board will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in the Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary Street commencing at 2:00 PM. Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes from the June 10, 2025, WFMAB Meeting 2-7 4. MARKET MANAGER'S REPORT A. Market Update 1. New Vendors 2. Merchandise for Resale 3. Awards/Recognitions/Certifications/Speaking Engagements 4. Market Intern B. Financial Report C. Programs 1. Pop Club 2. Master Gardener Demonstrations 3. Friends of the Market 4. Volunteers 5. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Year-Round Market Operation B. Advisory Board Vacancy C. Consideration of Changing the Start Time of Advisory Board Meetings 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. OTHER REPORTS 9. ADJOURN Next meeting is December 9, 2025 Page 1 of 7  MINUTES City of Williamsburg Williamsburg Farmers Market Advisory Board June 10, 2025 A meeting of the Williamsburg Farmers Market Advisory Board was held on June 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the Stryker Center located at 412 N. Boundary Street. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Renner called the meeting to order at 2:12 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL WFMAB Members present: Mr. Youngs, Chair Renner, and Mr. Smith WFMAB Members absent: Ms. Peffley Staff: Mollie Romero (Market Manager), Robbi Hutton (Director of Parks and Recreation), Taryn Sherrill (Recreation Superintendent), and Jake Ponte (City Intern) 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 11, 2025, was approved. Moved by Mr. Smith, seconded by Chair Renner, to action Carried 3-0-0 by a roll call vote: Ayes: Youngs, Renner, and Smith 202 Quarterpath Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185-3617 / (757) 259-3760 / Fax (757) 259-8064 / www.williamsburgva.gov Page 2 of 7 4. MARKET MANAGER’S REPORT Market Manager’s report is attached. • Mr. Youngs inquired about the process of determining the acceptance of vendors at the market that sell the same products. Market Manager Romero explained the process and gave the example of Moon Dog and Pawfect Sweets. Both are dog treat vendors, but their products are not similar. • Mr. Youngs shared his concern regarding the current uncertainty of federal-issued SNAP Benefits and asked if there was anything that could be done to be of assistance to customers who might lose that benefit. Market Manager Romero shared she has partnered with VA Fresh Match to continue offering SNAP match, and the Friends of the Market has been reimagined to help with food access and equity. • Ms. Renner asked the name of the Farmers Market Intern. Market Manager Romero shared that the intern’s name is Meghan Timmes. • Mr. Youngs asked when does the fiscal year end. Market Manager Romero responded that the fiscal year was July 1 through June 30. • Mr. Smith asked for an explanation on how the credit card tokens worked. Market Manager Romero explained the process of purchasing tokens at the Market tent and how the tokens are used at the Market. She also explained that some vendors do not have credit card machines, therefore the market absorbs the credit card fee for them through token purchases. Ms. Hutton added it was a safe way for patrons to use their credit card for purchases and it did not single out the individuals who use the SNAP program benefit. • Market Manager Romero thanked Mr. Youngs and the Merchant’s Square Association for their sponsorship of the POP Club. 5. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT Chair Renner provided positive feedback that she has heard from the Market and is pleased with the improved social media efforts. She has requested more information to be shared about the Market programming. 202 Quarterpath Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185-3617 / (757) 259-3760 / Fax (757) 259-8064 / www.williamsburgva.gov Page 3 of 7 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There is interest from vendors to move forward with a year-round market (winter market). Currently, there are approximately 22 vendors available to participate; however, that number is expected to grow slightly. The dates of the Winter Market would be December 20 – first week of February (ending the regular Market the week before Christmas). Mr. Youngs suggested maybe having a Holiday Market instead of all of the Saturdays in December. Market Manager Romero explained that most vendors want every Saturday in December versus one date as it would be more profitable for the vendors. Mr. Smith asked if it made sense to hold any Markets in January. Market Manager Romero explained the vendors find it easier when there is continuity versus starting and stopping and the break allows for administrative work, including vendor visits. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Replacing Chairperson Snyder Ms. Hutton said that the position is vacant, and the applicants can apply online. She said the position is elected by City Council. 8. OTHER REPORTS Nothing to Report. 9. ADJOURNMENT At 2:36 p.m., there being no additional business before the Board, the Williamsburg Farmers Market Advisory Board meeting of June 10 was adjourned. Moved by Mr. Smith, seconded Chair Renner, to adjourn the meeting. Carried: 3-0-0 by a roll call vote: Ayes: Youngs, Renner, and Smith 202 Quarterpath Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185-3617 / (757) 259-3760 / Fax (757) 259-8064 / www.williamsburgva.gov Page 4 of 7 Approved: _________________________________ Kimberly Renner, Chair Robbi Hutton, Secretary *The preceding minutes are a summary of the meeting and not verbatim. * Next Advisory Board meeting will be held September 9, 2025 at 2:00pm. 202 Quarterpath Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185-3617 / (757) 259-3760 / Fax (757) 259-8064 / www.williamsburgva.gov Page 5 of 7 Market Manager’s Report – June 2025 Presented by: Mollie Slater Romero A. Market Update a. New Vendors This season, we’ve added several new vendors that are helping diversify the market’s offerings. Recent additions include a produce vendor, a lemonade stand, and a cookie vendor — all of whom have received positive feedback from shoppers. Vendor interest remains steady, with three new applications submitted this past month. We continue to prioritize high-quality, local products that support the market’s mission and maintain its strong reputation. b. Merchandise for Resale The rollout of new market merchandise has been well received. We introduced two new T- shirt designs and four custom market-themed stickers. Sales have been consistent, and the merchandise helps promote market visibility in the community. Looking ahead, we’re exploring additional designs for fall to keep items fresh and appealing. c. Awards / Recognitions / Certifications We’re pleased to report that the market has earned the VAFMA Gold Certification, and we’ll be receiving our official banner soon. Additionally, we were honored with Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Gold Award for Best Farmers Market — a nice recognition of the hard work by vendors, staff, and volunteers. d. Market Intern This summer, we are working with a data analysis intern from William & Mary. Her primary focus will be to help us better understand our current customer base, identify gaps, and develop strategies to increase awareness and foot traffic — particularly in surrounding counties. Given current economic conditions, it’s a timely opportunity to assess how we’re engaging the broader community and where there may be room for growth. B. Financial Report Provided by Robbi Hutton C. Programs Page 6 of 7 a. POP Club The 2025 POP Club season began on May 31 and has already seen strong participation. The produce-themed activity calendar continues to draw families each week. This year, we’re incorporating “Ask the Vendor” days to encourage more interaction between children and market vendors. The goal is to create more visibility for vendors while teaching kids about local food systems. We’ve also introduced weekly collectible buttons and provided participants with a logo’d messenger bag to display them — a small addition that has been well received. b. Friends of the Market We’ve updated the Friends of the Market program to operate more like a sponsorship opportunity. For a $35 donation, supporters receive an exclusive reusable tote bag featuring a custom logo. This simple structure offers both visibility and a tangible benefit to participants. c. Master Gardener Demonstrations We’ve invited the Williamsburg/James City County Master Gardeners to participate this season. Their demonstrations — including topics like composting and seed starting — will provide valuable educational opportunities for market visitors and support our community engagement goals. Page 7 of 7