John Losinski led us in the Pledge of Allegiance this morning. It was followed by a prayer by Steve Bentley.

Fines were opened and they we rampant against Past-President Greg due to his exemption from being President the past year. Almost every fine proposed was to be paid by Greg regardless of who it was against or for any reason.

Guest this week was George Tanner invited by Ken Cullen.

50/50 Winner was Phil Holmblade (again!). Amazing how one can go so long without winning and then win 3 out of 5 weeks. I will be there to sell those winning tickets.

Meeting Notes

Everyone was asked to make sure they collect complete information on all of the $5000 Raffle tickets sold (email, address, etc). All members were reminded to sell, sell, sell. But most importantly, turn in the money ASAP. It is extremely important to return any unsold tickets, sooner rather than later.

This year’s Inter-Service Club Council Luncheon will be held on Nov 01 at the First Presbyterian Church at 746 S Saginaw St, Flint at noon. Advanced tickets are required. The cost is $15.00 and checks are payable to ISCC.

Guest Speaker

Joe Bushey was the Speaker Chair today. Our speaker was Sean Gartland with the Flint Farmers’ Market.

flint-farmers-market-west-flint-optimist-club

Sean is the Culinary Manager as well as the Facility Manager at the Market.

The original Flint Farmers’ Market was started back in the 1940’s as part of the Works Progress Administration under Franklin D.Roosevelt . The Market was built along the Flint River owned and operated by the City of Flint. The largest Saturday attendance at the Market ever was 7,000 back in 2000.

The new market location is at 300 East First Street and occupies part of the old Flint Journal Printing facility.  The Market is currently managed by Dick Ramsdel who will be retiring soon and Sean will be taking the reigns. The Market currently has 50 vendors, 20 of which are new.  Charlie’s BBQ is now inside and Godfrey’s from the original market is at the new market.

The new Market opened June 21st with 17,000+ visitors and they have had 256K visitors to date.  The new market has modular vendor stalls that are assembled in groups, which makes it easier to refomat for vendor expansions or alterations. Several business type meetings are using the facilities and some weddings have already been scheduled for the rental facilities.

There are two commercial kitchen spaces for rent for those who wish develop and market their food product(s).  The kitchens rent for $15 per hour. The Market has partnered with United Way of Genesee Co. with $10K grants for those who want to consider a start-up business.

The Whiting has a vendor space where tickets can be purchased for their upcoming  events. They are also doing a play on the Farmers’ Market history.

Currently all vendor spaces are occupied and they do expect to have some drop-outs later in the year due to season changes. The Market does plan to be selective on new vendors in order to keep the right mix of services being offered. Their website can be accessed by clicking here.

Optimist Creed led by George Kitchen.

Reminders

Reminders:

  • Board Meeting on Oct 16th, 6 PM at the Bridge.
  • All members are reminded to SELL, SELL, SELL $5,000 Raffle Tickets
  • District Q1 Meeting on Nov 4th in Southfield.

Respectfully yours in Optimism,
Phil Holmblade