Local politicians and community leaders described the conference as a small but mighty economic engine, driving global interest in Cleveland's growing local-food scene, its farmers markets and the venerable indoor market. The event, held every few years, attracts roughly 300 people, including market managers, planners and designers.
View full sizeThe West Side Market, which will mark 100 years in 2012, helped Cleveland win hosting duties for international conference focused on public markets. Organizers are considering several weekends, most likely in September of next year, for the event.Local politicians said Monday that winning hosting duties for an international conference on public markets will bring attention to Cleveland's growing local-food economy.
Roughly three dozen people gathered at the West Side Market to hear the Project for Public Spaces announce that it chose Cleveland over London, Toronto, Seattle and Charleston, S.C., to host several days of tours, seminars and events in fall 2012.
The nonprofit group's eight International Public Markets Conference will occur 25 years after its first such gathering -- and will coincide with the 100th birthday of the West Side Market, a key factor in bringing the conference here.
"In 2012, we are going to say to everyone, 'Welcome to our table,'" City Councilman Joe Cimperman said.
Community leaders described the conference as a small but mighty economic engine, driving global interest in Northeast Ohio's farmers markets, urban gardens and Cleveland's venerable indoor market. Held every few years, the conference involves roughly 300 people, including market managers, planners and designers.
"This is a great honor for the city and the tenants," said Vince Bertonaschi, owner of Vince's Meats and president of the market's tenants' association.
The West Side Market attracts more than a million visitors each year to its L-shaped produce arcade and central building stocked with hand-cut meats, cheeses, prepared foods, spices and other goods.
Spurred by the centennial, Mayor Frank Jackson assembled a commission last spring to consider opportunities and potential improvements for the city-owned market building, market operations and the surrounding neighborhood. The effort, led by the city and Ohio City Near West Development Corp., also includes planning for events leading up to the market's birthday. A report outlining recommendations for the market could be finished in late March or early April.
Stephen Davies, senior vice president with the Project for Public Spaces, said the markets conference likely will occur in September 2012. The nonprofit expects to announce firm dates in the fall. The event could occur just before or after Jackson's annual sustainability summit, which is slated to focus on local food next year.
"It's terrific, it's really terrific," Davies said in an interview after the announcement. "The conference can be a catalyst for a lot of things that can help the West Side Market."
Local businesses, nonprofit groups and foundations already have committed more than $70,000 in cash and non-cash donations to support the event.