Category: Updates

Last Chance: Be Recognized as a Public Market Champion!

Posted on by James Shulkin

As the 2024 season of giving comes to a close, we ask that you join those supporters who will be permanently recognized on the Market’s Global Table giving wall. We’re so grateful for these much needed gifts to support diverse entrepreneurs and start-up programming.

There’s still time for you to join with us! Thanks to a generous matching gift from PRL Keystone Foundation, all donations will be doubled up to $50,000 through December 31. We’re getting closer to our match – over $35,000 has been raised. Help us cross the finish line!

The deadline for being included on the Giving Wall is December 31, 2024.

Please consider a celebratory finale gift today. Share this special invitation and opportunity to make a positive, meaningful difference in our local community with your family, friends, colleagues and networks!

Construction Update: December 2024

Posted on by James Shulkin

Progress continues with construction of the Madison Public Market. Now, individual vendor market stalls are taking shape, the parking lot has been poured, landscaping is occurring and the exterior is close to finished. A tour on December 9 resulted in these new photos.

This view shows the main entrance from the large parking lot behind the Market.
This exterior view is taken from First Street. This shows one of many exterior seating areas. A beautiful mural will occupy the large exterior wall.
Another exterior view shows new curtain wall windows for TruStage MarketReady Hall. These face the City of Madison pumping station.
Here’s a view of the main MarketHall looking towards First Street. Note the beginnings of vendor stalls and the high ceilings. Incredible artwork will be hung here.
Another view inside MarketHall, this time looking towards the entrance from the back parking lot.
Continuing our tour of the main MarketHall, here you see the entrance from East Johnson St.
Here’s a view from inside the First Street entrance. It’s actually twice this size as the space is duplicated from behind the camera.
This view is from inside TruStage MarketReady Hall, facing the curtain wall window treatment.
The Mezzanine, as seen from TruStage MarketReady Hall, will provide public seating, administrative space and a view of the entire Market.
This view from inside TruStage MarketReady Hall, shows the wide corridor that connects it to the main MarketHall. The cistern on the left is one of three that will store ‘grey water’ used to flush toilets. The Mezzanine is above.

Now Hiring – Chief Operating Officer and Executive Assistant

Posted on by James Shulkin

NOTE: As of 12/13/2024, the application period has closed for these positions.

As we move closer to the Madison Public Market’s opening this summer, two important positions must be filled. The Madison Public Market Foundation (MPMF) is now hiring a Chief Operating Officer to help support Phase II of the facility construction project, and ongoing operations once the Market is open for business. Phase II includes the tenant build-out phase, as well as establishing business services, and the policies and procedures associated with the same. The COO will provide strategic, operational, and financial insight to the CEO while fulfilling the mission and vision of the MPMF and the Market.

MPMF is also hiring an Executive Assistant. The Executive Assistant to the CEO is essential to fulfilling the market’s mission and vision, not only by providing high-level administrative support but also by managing office operations. In this dual role, they ensure organizational efficiency, streamline communication, and create a productive environment that allows the CEO and team to focus on strategic goals and community impact.

For more information and to apply, visit our Indeed.com page.

Construction Update: July 2024

Posted on by James Shulkin

Progress continues at a rapid pace inside 202 N. First Street, the future home of the Madison Public Market and TruStage MarketReady Hall. Daniels Construction reports that all is moving along as planned and on time. A recent tour resulted in the photos that demonstrate the current status of the project. Photo 1) This provides a view of TruStage MarketReady Hall, the portion of the market that will house the production facilities for small food business startups. It will also provide a significant amount of event space for private functions and Market sponsored events. 2) Inside TruStage MarketReady Hall will be three large cisterns that collect rainwater from the roof. The water will be recycled for use in the Market’s bathrooms. The concrete pad shown will host the cisterns – each decorated with artistic vinyl wraps. 3) Market Hall will house the market, made up of 30+ vendors of all types. In the photo, you can begin to see the structures that will become walls separating the vendor locations. This view faces East Johnson Street (to left) and First Street (to right). 4) Again, Market Hall progress is shown. This view faces First Street. On the right, you can see the gas and plumbing lines for the dozen or so mini restaurants serving fresh, made-to-order foods. 5) Last, an exterior view from First Street. The facade has seen new holes cut into the concrete walls to accommodate the main pedestrian entrance and large, glass-filled windows and doors.

Madison Public Market Foundation Announces the Hiring of New CEO

Posted on by Admin

The Board of Directors of the Madison Public Market Foundation (MPMF) is pleased to announce that Keisha N. Harrison has been selected to serve as the Market’s first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In this role, Harrison will have responsibility for shepherding the final phases of the facility construction, lead the tenant build-out phase, and establish the Madison Public Market as the premier regional market location. She will provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership while fulfilling the mission and vision of the MPMF and the Market – to create a vibrant, year-round public marketplace where entrepreneurs and businesses owned and operated by women, first generation immigrants and people of color can get their start.

Harrison leaves her role serving as the Executive Director of the Indianapolis City Market Corporation. She led activities related to the operation and restoration of the historic city market. Duties included implementation of policies and procedures, vendor leasing operations, stakeholder collaboration, budget development and monitoring, strategic planning and organizing special events. Harrison worked to improve food access for the community with responsibility for a weekly farmers’ market operating alongside the City Market. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Dartmouth College and her Master of Science degree in Library and Information Science at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“I’m thrilled to join the vibrant community of Madison as CEO of the Madison Public Market Foundation. Together, we will create a dynamic and inclusive space that celebrates local food and entrepreneurship, and brings fresh opportunities to our city,” Harrison said.

Karen Crossley, President of the Madison Public Market Foundation, is pleased that this important element of the long-awaited project has come to fruition. “On behalf of the Madison Public Market Foundation that will serve as the Market’s operator, the City of Madison and the community at large, we are beyond thrilled to introduce Keisha Harrison as the Madison Public Market’s first Chief Executive Officer. Keisha brings abundant skills and talents to this position, and is enthusiastically and fully committed to bringing our shared community vision for the Market to life.”

The Madison Public Market Foundation (MPMF), a 501(c)3 organization, has been working closely with the City of Madison, community leaders and engaged local citizens for nearly two decades to build a Public Market. The Madison Public Market promises to be an inclusive, lively marketplace highlighting much of what makes the Madison community so special: locally grown and prepared delicious food, refreshing beverages and handcrafted artwork, jewelry, wearables, and collectibles. The Market will be a vibrant, year-round public marketplace where new entrepreneurs and long-established Madison favorites grow their businesses and achieve success.

The Market’s TruStage MarketReady Hall will house a food -oriented entrepreneurship and business center that will support small business owners who wish to grow, scale, and create food-related products. TruStage MarketReady Hall entrepreneurs will be offered shared, affordable access to commercial food production equipment and infrastructure that are often beyond the reach of typical low-capital start-ups.

The City of Madison is currently repurposing the former Fleet Service Building at the high-traffic corner of First and East Johnson Streets along the bustling East Washington corridor in downtown Madison. Following national best practices among the nation’s large public markets, the city will maintain ownership of the building while the MPMF will oversee the daily operation of the Market.

The former Fleet Services Building, located at 200 N. First Street dates back to the 1950s. It boasts a large open space with 45,000 square feet to house up to 30 permanent vendors, 100+ seasonal/temporary vendors annually, areas to host public/private events, a commercial kitchen, and large garage doors to welcome an open-air breeze during warmer months. Situated on 3.5 acres, the site will accommodate outdoor seating, live entertainment, food carts, and parking. To date, more than 230 applicants have expressed interest in vending within the Market.

MPMF is under the direction of a committed 16-member Board of Directors and is expected to have an initial operating budget of just over $1MM. The CEO position is MPMF’s first hire, the initial step in building a talented and dedicated team to carry out the mission and strategy of the organization. The Market is projected to attract 500,000+ visitors each year, support 130+ local businesses, create 100 jobs, and generate $16 million in local sales annually. The renovation was initiated in December of 2023 and the Market is currently scheduled to open in late Spring 2025.

Harrison will begin her position as CEO in mid-July. The Madison Public Market Foundation will notify the press and the community when she will be available for interviews after her start date. In the interim, Karen Crossley, President of the Madison Public Market, is available for interviews.

Construction Update – June 2024

Posted on by James Shulkin

Progress continues inside and outside the Madison Public Market building. Photos show in order 1) Exterior view from East Johnson Street. This will be one of the entrances to the Market Hall, where visitors will enjoy the offerings of 30+ vendors. 2) A view inside Market Hall. 3) A view from the Mezzanine looking down onto TruStage MarketReady Hall, the new entrepreneur center where start up businesses will manufacture, process and package their food products. 4) Another view of TruStage MarketReady Hall. This part of the building will also host special events, entertainment and other fun offerings. 5) One more view of Market Hall, the actual “public market” space. This view is again from the Mezzanine, looking towards East Johnson Street at the right and the back parking lot to the left. The white pipes in the floor are where some of the food vendors will be located. The Mezzanine will host public seating, offices and bathroom facilities. 6) This view is from TruStage MarketReady Hall looking down a public corridor space that crosses under the Mezzanine into Market Hall. The blue wall at the very end will be a glass doorway opening to East Johnson Street. We are very much on track for a May 2025 opening for the Market.

Construction Update – May 2024

Posted on by James Shulkin

According to the City of Madison Department of Engineering staff, renovations for the Madison Public Market are proceeding on time and without unexpected surprises. At this time, 99% of concrete work has been completed, which involved removing and replacing the cement floors throughout the 45,000 sq. ft. building. The floors needed to be removed to accommodate plumbing, sewer lines and other essential components. Daniels Construction has completed the elevator shaft (first floor to mezzanine), and the back lot is now ready for re-paving. We are still on track for an opening in early Summer, 2025.

Madison Public Market Foundation, TruStage and supporters celebrate Equity Through Entrepreneurship, highlighting the first MPM Vendors

Posted on by Admin

Media Release | February 20, 2024

Madison, WI — The Madison Public Market Foundation and TruStage hosted a special gathering on February 20, 5-7 p.m. at TruStage (5910 Mineral Point Road) to bring Public Market donors, volunteers, diverse vendors, local officials, and other supporters together in celebration of the Madison Public Market moving forward to a Spring 2025 opening. The first four confirmed vendors of the Public Market will provide a variety of multicultural fare and talk about their businesses with attendees. This is the first time the Madison Public Market Foundation has hosted a large gathering to highlight the initial confirmed vendors and experience the equity and cultural connection that the Public Market will offer.

“For two decades, thousands of people from across Madison have played an important role in shaping the vision and actively supporting the development of the Public Market. The Madison Public Market Foundation is grateful for the continued community commitment to the project, and we appreciate our partner TruStage for helping us make the Market a reality,” said Karen Crossley, Madison Public Market Foundation Board President.

TruStage, the Madison Public Market Foundation’s largest private donor, graciously agreed to host and sponsor the celebration. TruStage provided a foundational gift to support the creation of TruStage MarketReady Hall inside the Madison Public Market. The vision for TruStage MarketReady Hall is to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship through shared food production space and a community event hall. TruStage MarketReady Hall will provide affordable access to commercial food-processing equipment and culturally-relevant entrepreneurial trainings, where diverse entrepreneurs can grow their products.

“At TruStage we are committed to making a brighter financial future accessible to everyone,” said TruStage President and CEO, Terrance Williams. “Many entrepreneurs dream of scaling up their business but face insurmountable barriers when dealing with the high cost to access commercial kitchen facilities. The TruStage MarketReady Hall will help remove that barrier to entry and could help diverse founders who access the hall begin the journey of building generational wealth.”

The Madison Public Market Foundation will make two exciting announcements at 5:40pm. First, the Foundation will announce the hiring process for the Madison Public Market’s first Executive Director. This key position will lead the Madison Public Market to a successful opening and beyond. More information can be found at madisonpublicmarket.org.

Second, the Madison Public Market will unveil its new Equity Through Entrepreneurship Program to support new and early-stage diverse entrepreneurs who wish to be a permanent or temporary vendor within the Public Market. Learning from the highly successful MarketReady entrepreneurial training pilot program, the Equity Through Entrepreneurship Program will reduce barriers to entrepreneurship that underrepresented small businesses may face. Key components of the program include:

  • Invest in vendor selection in diverse communities 1) purchase paid advertisements in diverse and multicultural media 2) continue partnerships with diverse chamber of commerce organizations and other community partners
  • Decrease financial barriers 1) offer grants to provide rent subsidy during the first 12 months 2) offer grants to assist with build-out costs 3) establish a revolving loan fund
  • Connect entrepreneurs with resources 1) offer culturally relevant trainings and mentorship 2) provide translating services 3) create key operating technology systems within the Market that are easily accessible and support all vendors

By launching the Equity Through Entrepreneurship Program and concentrating on the success of small diverse businesses, more entrepreneurs will build their financial futures, and the variety of businesses, offerings, and price points within the Madison Public Market will enable people from all backgrounds and cultures to feel welcome, represented, and that they belong. To implement the Equity Through Entrepreneurship Program, the Madison Public Market must raise $1,000,000 by the end of 2024. Already $425,000 has been raised towards the goal.

Construction well underway at the Public Market

Posted on by James Shulkin

Demolition and construction at the future Madison Public Market began in earnest late in October of 2023. Since then, much progress has been made, as these photos suggest. Lots of work is necessary to renovate this former Fleet Service building, operated since the 1950’s by the City of Madison. Daniels Construction is the contractor selected by the City to make the Market a reality. The Market is slated to open in May 2025.

 

Public Market Groundbreaking Event Celebrates Construction Start

Posted on by James Shulkin

A crowd filled with supporters of the Madison Public Market and TruStage MarketReady Hall were on hand Monday, November 27 to officially mark the commencement of the long-awaited project’s construction. Held at the future site of the Market (202 N. First Street, Madison) the event featured remarks from the following:

  • Welcome by Hannah Mohelnitzky, City of Madison Engineering Division Communications
  • City of Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway
  • Madison Public Market Foundation President Karen Crossley
  • TruStage Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Angela Russell
  • Melly Mell’s Catering Owner Carmel Jackson
  • City of Madison District 12 Alder Amani Latimer Burris
  • Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary-Designee Kathy Blumenfeld
  • Dane County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrick Miles
  • Daniels Construction President Sam Daniels

Many of the speakers, including Mayor Rhodes-Conway, Angela Russell of TruStage and Acting Secretary Blumenfeld spoke of the economic benefit the Public Market will have for the community, generating wealth and financial well-being for individuals who are starting new businesses or expanding old ones. Mayor Rhodes-Conway expressed her appreciation for the many  persons who have had a hand in making this day a reality – former mayors, alders, Madison Public Market Foundation members as well as city staff from the Economic Development and Engineering Division.

A video production showing the entire event is available.

Photos below show 1) Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway; 2) Madison Public Market Foundation President Karen Crossley; State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Designee Kathy Blumenfeld and Dane County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrick Miles; 3) Alder Amani Latimer Burris; 4) Carmel Jackson, Melli Mel’s Catering; 5) Angela Russell, TruStage Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer;  6) Sam Daniels, President, Daniels Construction; 7) Madison Public Market Foundation board members.