PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Mark Gifford, Director of Public Works
231.592.4018
[email protected]
Downtown Big Rapids Farmer’s Market Announces
Partnership with Metron of Big Rapids.
The City of Big Rapids is excited to announce the partnership with Metron of Big Rapids for the
Downtown Farmer’s Market 2015 season. The partnership will allow the Farmer’s Market to
expand outreach efforts into the community focusing on special programs that will generate
more community members to enjoy the market and the downtown area. The partnership will
also allow for additional advertising and marketing campaigns to help the Farmer’s Market
grow and be more profitable.
“The Downtown Big Rapids Farmers’ Market has been successful and continues to grow
because of the great partnerships that made it a priority. The City and Downtown merchants
partnered to start the market, the vendors have worked together to make the market grow,
and now we are so excited to partner with Metron of Big Rapids to continue the success into
the future,” states Mark Gifford, Public Works Director.
Mary Roush and Michelle Germaine are the facilitators of the Farmer’s Market and have many
years of experience in operating markets. The mother and daughter team also administers
other successful markets in other areas. “Mary and Michelle are extremely valuable to
Downtown Big Rapids and they do a wonderful job,” says Gifford.
“Metron of Big Rapids is so thankful to the City of Big Rapids as well as Mary and Michelle for
our new partnership. We are very excited to share and implement new ideas and be able to
help expand our already fantastic farmer’s market. The farmer’s market is such a valuable asset
to our community and Metron of Big Rapids is so proud to be a part of it,” reports Jessica
Slendak, Community Relations Coordinator of Metron of Big Rapids.
The Downtown Big Rapids Farmer’s Market opens for its first day Friday, May 8th and is open
every Tuesday from 1pm-6pm and Friday from 8am-2pm. The Market features local source
vendors for produce and goods. There is entertainment for the entire family when visiting the
downtown area and the City of Big Rapids hopes community members make it a regular event
in their schedule. Visit www.cityofbr.org for updates to the schedule of events and information
about the Market.
Metron Integrated Health Systems is family owned, and has been serving West Michigan for
nearly 40 years in its six Health Campus and Rehabilitation Services facilities which are
conveniently located in the cities of Belding, Big Rapids, Cedar Springs, Forest Hills, Greenville,
and Lamont. Metron provides short-term sub-acute rehabilitation services and post-acute care
to help patients resume healthy, happy and productive lifestyles. Metron also offers a wide
range of specialized therapeutic and nursing services, so that you can be confident that you will
receive the best 24-hour care. We provide professional expertise and a caring touch in
addressing the complex medical needs of our long-term residents. For more information, visit
us at www.metronhealth.com or call 800.542.8621.
Pictured: Left to right
Mark Gifford, Public Works Director, City of Big Rapids
Dawn Painter, Administrator, Metron of Big Rapids
Jessica Slendak, Community Relation Coordinator, Metron of Big Rapids
Michelle Germaine, Big Rapids Farmer’s Market Facilitator
Mary Roush, Big Rapids Farmer’s Market Facilitator