TodayManager hopes new farmers market will be a 'destination'
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Article RatingMaryellen Stetz learned early on how a seed planted at the beginning can grow into a rich harvest.
She and her four sisters used to tend the family garden of fruit trees, vegetables and flowers at their home in Haddon Township, New Jersey.
The North Middleton Township woman has fond memories of enjoying the fresh produce her parents used to buy from local roadside stands.
“I grew up near a lot of farms,” says Stetz, who started Aug. 28 as the part-time manager of Carlisle Central Farmers Market.
She saw how the small town of Collingswood, N.J., opened up a farmers market which revitalized the entire downtown.
New restaurants and shops moved into empty storefronts as the market evolved into more than just a venue for farm products.
“It became a gathering place,” Stetz, 47, recalls. “My parents would see friends and neighbors they had not seen for a long time.”
Stetz witnessed what a market can do for a community. She wants the same kind of future for downtown Carlisle.
“I would like to see central market become more like a destination,” Stetz says. “I want people to say, ‘This is my market.'”
Her first goal as manager is to fill the market at 117 N. Hanover St. to capacity within the next two to three months.
Twelve vendors occupying 13 spaces were under contract as of Friday. There is one week to go until the Sept. 15 grand opening.
About 28 vendor stall spaces are planned for the rear two-thirds of what used to be the Sadler Caring Center and a J.C. Penney department store.
The 12 include three local produce growers, Stetz says. She adds another eight to nine vendors are interested in central market, but have yet to sign leases.
Her job so far has been to make sure the vendors have everything they need to get up and running on opening day.
Later, she plans to draw in customers by developing special promotions and events such as book signings and cooking demonstrations.
She also plans to encourage vendors to share recipes and build relationships with customers.
Stetz moved to the Carlisle area last fall with her husband Brian. The couple have four grown children.
She started her career in the marketing department of the Spectrum in Philadelphia handling group sales. Stetz eventually became Director of Marketing for the arena responsible for all its sports events, family shows, concerts and cultural events.
Stetz recalls organizing a charity arena concert for the legendary opera singer Luciano Pavarotti who died early Thursday in his hometown at age 71.
“My heart was just crushed at the news,” Stetz says. She described him as having a “very warm and fuzzy” personality. “His concert was extremely moving.”
Later, Stetz was among those involved with the conceptual design of the Wachovia Center. Her job was to market the special areas including the suites and box seats.
Stetz took a year off to be with her children before going back to work as an advertising sales representative for WBEB FM in Philadelphia.
She then did some freelance work for Stafford Sports in Philadelphia, a consultant for new arena and stadium projects across the country.
Stetz says she has a passion for farmers markets along with practical experience in marketing, customer service, advertising and management.
Eric Klinedinst serves as chairman of the all-volunteer board of directors who helped to organize the push for a downtown market.
He says, of the five applicants for the job, Stetz stood out because of her past experience with marketing and special events.
“The job really relies on a person who is self-motivated and self-driven,” Klinedinst says. “She carried herself in a very professional way.”
He adds much of the job depends on the ability to form solid working relationships with both the vendors and customers. “Stetz is good with relationship building. She can carry out the mission and vision of the board while maintaining and creating relationships within the community.”
