LAC LA BICHE - Bev Tkachuk, who has been manager of the Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market for the past 11 years, was recently presented with the provincial Outstanding Market Manager of the Year Award.
Tkachuk was chosen out of 21 farmers’ market managers from across Alberta who had been nominated for the award. She was recognized for her work during the Alberta Farmers' Market Association (AFMA) annual awards night, which was held on Jan. 28 in Red Deer.
“It is such an honour to be recognized along with some really outstanding market managers in Alberta. I believe strongly in the importance of farmers' markets and supporting local homegrown, homemade products.
According to Tkachuk, the award recognizes market managers who have shown innovation in administration techniques, events, community involvement and promotions to improve their market.
Criteria for candidates being chosen for the award include having strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate with vendors, board members, customers, media, surrounding businesses, and potential partners. Candidates, she explained, have a proven ability to stay on top of social media and spread the word about the market but also to quickly and effectively deal with complaints before they become a problem.
“Candidates strive for continuous improvement. They are teachers, visionaries, and big-picture thinkers,” she stated. “They are in tune with what customers want and with what vendors need. They show creative thinking, creative problem solving, and integrity.”
Tkachuk said the Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market, which is one of 140 approved farmers' markets in Alberta, has been a staple in the community for the past 50 years and is an important local institution.
“The market supports small business, stay at home moms, grandmas and entrepreneurs, and our community appreciates and supports us every Friday,” she said.
The Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market starts the 2024 season with a vendor meeting which will be held on Sunday, March 3. The market opens its doors for the 2024 season on March 22 and will be open every Friday at the Lac La Biche Agricultural Grounds until Dec. 13.