Eastern Market is once again partnering with members of the local business community in efforts grow the food industry of southeastern Michigan.
Fresh off the news of the historic market’s partnering with local businesses on a jobs training program, Eastern Market is now teaming with a Detroit-based credit union on a $40,000 grant partnership.
Eastern Market and Diversified Members Credit Union will use the grant to support Grow Eastern Market (GEM) and Eastern Market Growing Communities (EMGC), two of the Eastern Market Corporation’s programs.
The GEM program connects regional farmers with wholesale buyers, including local restaurants and grocers. The EMGC program provides matching micro-grants to Eastern Market growers, merchants, and vendors.
A portion of the grant money has already been used to purchase a refrigerated truck for the GEM program.
Eastern Market Corporation president Dan Carmody characterized the credit union’s support as essential to the two programs while Diversified Members Credit Union president and CEO Kathie Trembath credited the Michigan Credit Union Foundation in supporting the partnership.
The Michigan Credit Union Foundation provided the initial $40,000 grant.
"We are extremely proud to partner with Eastern Market and to offer support to these two great programs," Trembath said.
"Nothing is more gratifying than helping local small business owners thrive."
In addition to the grant partnership, the credit union announced plans to offer low-cost financial services, financial education, and more accessible business accounts to owners and entrepreneurs.
Flower Power: The 53rd annual Flower Day at Eastern Market is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of the market’s hallmark events, Flower Day draws thousands of visitors each year to peruse the flowers, plants, and shrubs of growers from Michigan, Ohio, and Canada.
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Photo by Nick Hagen.
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