Urbana’s Market at the Square launches strategic plan update

From the press release:

Urbana’s Market at the Square Launches Strategic Plan Update
Urbana’s Market at the Square, one of Illinois’ largest farmers markets,
invites the public to participate in its strategic plan update. 

Urbana’s Market at the Square Advisory Board—made up of Market vendors, representatives from area businesses, elected officials and members of the public—along with Urbana’s Market at the Square staff will be conducting a strategic plan update, now through January 31, 2016. As part of the update, a survey will be administered to gain feedback from past and present Market at the Square vendors, community groups, and patrons helping to form a blueprint from which to operate the Market for the next several years.

The Community Development Services Department implemented the current strategic plan for the 2010. This was in response to the Urbana City Council’s goals to incorporate the Market as part of the City’s sustainability goals, as well as community interest in the future of the Market. A Steering Committee of stakeholders was recruited to help guide the planning process and the City conducted extensive outreach, including several public meetings, a survey, and an open house through the data gathering stage. The Steering Committee studied the history of the Market, as well as recent trends and issues, forming a mission statement for the Market, along with a set of goals and implementation strategies.

Many of the recommendations of the 2011 Strategic Plan have been implemented. Now at the five-year mark, it is an opportune time to undertake a comprehensive review of the goals and implementation strategies as outlined in the Strategic Plan.

Now through January 31^st, past and present Market at the Square vendors, community groups, and patrons are invited to participate in a survey at www.urbanaillinois.us/MarketStrategicPlan. The survey will take approximately 10-20 minutes depending upon the category of survey chosen. The information gathered from the three categories of surveys will provide the framework for assessing the Market’s current strategic goals and to identify any new goals that should be pursued.

“Market at the Square is huge asset for the City of Urbana and is held very dear by many of our residents, “ said Natalie Kenny Marquez, Director of Urbana’s Market at the Square. “ By undertaking a strategic plan update, we can make sure that everyone participates in developing a vision for the future of the Market.”

For more information, please contact Natalie Kenny Marquez, Director of Market at the Square, at 217/384-2319 ornmkennymarquez@urbanaillinois.us/market.

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Top photo by Jess Hammie.