In the world of farmer's markets, Statesboro hosted some very prominent visitors this past weekend. Gail Hayden, director of the California Farmers' Markets Association, and her husband Doug came to Statesboro to tour different food production operations and to look at our Main Street Statesboro Farmers Market.
      The Haydens also gave a seminar on Saturday afternoon titled "$elling the Whole Truckload... Maximizing Your Sales at Farmers' Markets" to local vendors who participate in the market. You are probably thinking - why is this such a big deal?
      Every niche in the business world has its gurus, and Gail Hayden is clearly one of those. She was a member of the state of California Department of Food & Agriculture's original management team that developed the Certified Famers' Market system in California. She oversees 15 certified farmers' markets in California, grossing over $16 million annually. And, she has successfully developed and operated over 35 certified farmers' markets in the San Francisco Bay area.
      Did I mention that she has a MBA? Hayden is all about showing farmers how to make money and market themselves at their own market, and she brings a take-no-prisoners attitude with her. Hayden showed picture after picture of successful vendors around the country, ones who had gone the extra mile to create an inviting display.
      "If you aren't selling enough at your table, then you aren't bringing enough, and you aren't merchandising it the right way," Hayden told attendees. "You have to give people a reason to stop and look at what you have. Make it attractive, make it inviting."
      Even the market's director Debra Chester couldn't escape Hayden's close scrutiny of our market.
      "Overall, the arrangement of vendors needs to be tightened and more strategically placed," Hayden said. "This will create incredible synergy among the vendors."
     All of the vendors in attendance listened very carefully to what Hayden and her husband had to say during their two hour presentation which contained a tremendous amount of information.
     Hayden was quick to point out that the Statesboro farmers' market is well on its way to becoming a very successful one, and with continued hard work and the implementation of some basic marketing and management strategies, it should continue to thrive and grow. "It is right here in front of you," she said. "It has the building blocks to be a great farmers' market, and tremendous draw for your downtown."
     How sure is Hayden of her suggestions? She intends to come back in a year to see how things are going. I, however, can't wait until next Saturday. Something tells me things will look a little different, in a good way, of course.