By Lisa Carolin
After more than nine years as Chelsea Farmers Market Manager, Emily Griswold will be stepping down from the job later this summer.
She has been both an inspiration and a witness to the growth that both the Wednesday and Saturday farmers markets have experienced in Chelsea.
“I am very passionate about getting local, fresh, quality food to all people, regardless of socioeconomic status,” said Griswold. “A well-rounded offering without too much saturation of any one product is key to the success of a market. You have to make the space appealing to all people.”
Griswold began the job in April of 2017 and within two years increased her hours from 20 to 36 hours per week, which she credits to giving her the time to pour into the growth and vibrancy of the markets. She also credits 5 Healthy Towns, Eder and Diver Insurance Agency, and the Chelsea Community Foundation, along with already integrated partnerships with the Fair Food Network, SNAP, and Washtenaw County Public Health, with their support.
During her years as market manager, the Wednesday market grew from an average of 10 to 27 vendors, and the Saturday market grew from an average of 20 to 35 vendors.
“The support of our community members and local organizations has helped to expand our market space immensely,” said Griswold. “The Chelsea Community Foundation, 5 Health Towns, the Chelsea State Bank, the Downtown Development Authority, the City, and Chelsea Hospital are all wildly appreciated, but I ultimately believe that continuity of management is what makes a market space (or any space) truly grow. I am replaceable, we all are, but having someone who is dedicated, passionate about entrepreneurship, food, farming, and agricultural sovereignty is what is going to keep this market thriving.”
Griswold also credits the Market Music and the Children’s Tent with creating a sense of community connection.
What will Griswold miss most about being market manager?
“Pollinating!” she says. “The community, single-handedly, is what makes my heart full when I think of the Chelsea Farmers Market. Connecting with people from all demographics and ages brings me so much joy. The market is this gorgeous melting pot of people with at least one shared and common thread, even if they wouldn’t otherwise be connected.”
“Some of the most emotional, powerful, and humorous moments of the last 10 years of my life have taken place in the market space. We have such an incredible contingent of customers who care deeply about the well-being of one another. They show up, time after time, ready to support our local entrepreneurs and be there for one another. I am grateful for that. I am really grateful for all of the presence that this community has shown me and our market over the years.”
Although a co-manager to take Griswold’s spot has not yet been hired, the market’s existing co-manager, Angie Walls, has been working hard to learn as many aspects of the market as she can before Griswold’s departure.
Walls said, “I respect and admire the way Emily thoughtfully takes time for people, sets boundaries in a compassionate way, and leads with a service mindset-often a step ahead, knowing exactly what is needed.”
“Angie has been learning all of the backend and administrative aspects of the management role over the last six months with me and will be an excellent leader in this space,” said Griswold.
Walls, who moved to the area from Denver, says it was a big transition to go from what she called, “urban life to rural life.”
“Chelsea, Michigan can feel like jumping right into a Hallmark movie,” said Walls. “I started a family, and wanted to be more involved in the community and, in turn, build a community for myself. Being a part of the Chelsea Farmers Market has done just that and so much more.”
As for Griswold’s plans, she is currently employed at St. Vincent’s Mercy Hospital in Toledo and Michigan Medicine Sparrow Hospital in her new field of Echocardiography.
“I really love being able to serve my communities in this new and important way,” said Griswold. “I will serve as a volunteer for the market music and will always work to be a resource to everyone in the community as I retire out of this role. I already miss the market and hope to visit as often as my schedule allows me.”
