Read on for more details and how to apply. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, May 22 so get your covering letter and CV into us soon!

Marketing Coordinator for the City Market Downtown

The Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market Association, which operates the City Market Downtown, recognizes that the key contributors to our success are our employees. We are a non-profit organization. Our association has played a pivotal role in creating an impressive local shopping destination which attracts on average more than 25,000 customers in the outdoor season and 4,000 customers in the indoor season. Our market operates outdoors on 104 Street downtown Edmonton from May long weekend to the Thanksgiving weekend in October. We then move indoors inside Edmonton City Hall for the fall, winter and spring seasons.

We pride ourselves in attracting and retaining great vendors. Since 2004, the City Market Downtown has grown from 30 to 40 vendors to 180 in 2013. We are an Approved Farmers’ Market under the umbrella of Alberta Agriculture. We are a make it, bake it, grow or raise it type of market.

We are seeking a part-time Marketing Coordinator (15-20 hours) to help us tell our great story. The primary responsibility of the Marketing Coordinator is to ensure that the City Market Downtown is marketed and promoted to attract and draw customers, vendors and greater community involvement.

Reporting directly to the Administrative Manager and indirectly to the Chair of the Board of Directors, the Marketing Coordinator plays a significant role in executing the marketing needs of City Market Downtown on 104th and in City Hall.

Role and Responsibilities

As the Marketing Coordinator, you will be responsible for:

• Communications with vendors to apprise them of the marketing and PR efforts of the market
• Coordinate and implement all marketing and promotional material including advertising, brochures, signage, online and digital
• Website content management and overall maintenance
• Managing the market’s social media networks (Facebook and Twitter)
• Developing story ideas for the market’s blog, and writing and posting one blog post (written or video) per week
• Writing product descriptions, advertorials, brochure, newsletter copy
• Coordinating the placement of advertisements in traditional media and research of new media.
• Proactive public relations opportunities for the market and its vendors
• General administrative support to including creation of a marketing budget, and tracking and reporting
• Maintaining of key media relationships (City Hall, DECL, 104 Street Business Association, etc.)
• Be an ambassador of City Market to current and potential vendors.

Requirements

• A diploma or degree in Business, Marketing and/or Business Administration
• At least 3 years’ experience in similar role, marketing or project
• Experience in working with WordPress sites and blogs
• Demonstrated experience in managing an organization’s social media accounts and voice
• Proven success in a fast-paced, high volume workload environment
• Ability to conceptualize, innovate, and drive marketing and PR initiatives
• Ability to develop and execute a marketing strategy
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity and originality
• Self-motivated and an ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Strong and confident communicator
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, WordPress, Facebook and Twitter
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Build trust, value others, communicate effectively, drive execution, foster innovation, focus on the customer, collaborate with others, solve problems creatively and demonstrate high integrity
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Detail and results orientated
• Organization and time management skills
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills

Why City Market Downtown?

Our benefits include:

Flexible hours: A minimum of 4 hours a week to be spent at the Saturday market getting to know vendors and their products. The successful candidate will perform their duties from a home or other office. Outside of the time spent at the Market on Saturdays, there is flexibility in when the remaining hours are performed. The Marketing Coordinator must be readily available via email or phone during regular business hours and during Market hours.

The wage is $25.00 to $30.00 per hour, depending on experience.

We provide health and dental coverage for our employees and their families, and a YMCA membership for employees & their families.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a covering letter outlining why you want to be a part of Edmonton’s oldest and most vibrant farmers’ market, and a resume, to:

Diana Neubauer, Administrative Manager
Mail: Box 1214 Main Post Office, Edmonton, AB T5J 2M4
Email: info@city-market.ca
Phone: (780) 429-5713

Deadline for applications is Wednesday, May 22, 2013, or until a suitable candidate is found.

Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Cookie+baking+hobby+expands+into+thriving+business+Sherwood+Park/8053710/story.html

How did you come up with the name Bloom Cookie Company?

I can say that it did not come easy, there was a lot of brainstorming. I had originally gone with one name but with a bit of digging noticed that it had been used quite a bit, so that one got scrapped. My husband and I wrote a whole bunch of different names down and most of them were terrible, until we landed on Bloom. I wanted to find a name that would represent a bit of personal growth as well as one that would be easy to remember. I think we landed on a pretty good one.

What are some of the varieties of Cookies you bake?

Bloom has 8 different cookies right now, and we sell 6 of them each weekend. All of them are egg and dairy free, and totally vegan.

Our Tropical Oatmeal is an oatmeal cookie with dried mangoes and cranberries plus a bit of coconut. This one always intrigues people…not many cookies have mangoes in them!

Lemon Blueberry is our buttery lemon cookie with dried blueberries. I really love lemon blueberry loaf, so I wanted to try and create a cookie like that.

GingerOhSnap! This is the only cookie with a clever name and it might not be that clever, but it amuses me.

The Double Chocolate Mint is soft and chewy dark chocolate cookie with a hint of mint, and is super popular with chocolate lovers.

Chai Spice for the chai fiend in me. I wanted a cookie that would capture those spices. I think they taste just like a chai latte and it’s one of my favourite cookies.

London Fog is our a sugary vanilla cookie with Earl Grey tea blended into the dough. This one is brand new, but based on last weekend, it’ll be a popular one.

And of course we have the classic Chocolate Chip Cookie.

We also have a gluten free cookie, Black Forest Macaroon, which is a cherry chocolate coconut macaroon. A lot of people asked us for a gluten free cookie, so we really wanted to find a good one for them. It’s been really popular and we’re hoping to expand our gluten free options in the future. Gluten free baking is really daunting and kind of its own art form, so progress on our end is slow going.

Where does the inspiration for your recipes come from?

I usually just try and think of flavours that my husband and I really like, and then try and work them into a cookie. It’s a lot of fun to try and rework classic baked goods or fancy drinks. In the past I’ve tried banana bread cookies, brownie cookies, cranberry white chocolate shortbread and others. They were all really great, but I just haven’t perfected the recipes, or figured out a way to make them vegan yet.

What made you decide to sell your cookies at the Farmer s Market?

I wanted to get out this summer and see if there was an interest in my cookies and offer something sweet for those who are vegan or have egg and dairy allergies. It is also my hope that I can continue to stay at home with my daughter while continuing on with Bloom.

What is your favorite part of being a vendor at the City Market Downtown on 104st?

My favourite part of being a vendor at the city market would be the support and community feeling from all the other vendors and city market team. Also getting out and talking to the amazing people who support the market weekly. Oh and getting to buy delicious food every weekend!!

Do you have an interesting or funny story about selling at the City Market Downtown?

One that comes to mind just happened last week. A father with his kids came by the Bloom tent to purchase his treats, I then noticed them sitting on the sidewalk having a little Bloom Cookie picnic. It was so cute! On another occasion there was family whose child had severe egg and dairy allergies. They came down to see us when they heard there was someone making cookies that their son could eat. They were so excited (and so was he) to eat sweets. I think they bought almost 4 dozen cookies!

On which days will you be at the City Market Downtown?

Bloom Cookie Co will be at the city market every Saturday until Oct 6th.

Kevin served the City Market as Crew Chief, arriving by 6:00 a.m. every Saturday morning ready to prepare 104th Street for the market day – clearing garbage and debris; setting up barricades, tables and tents; and helping vendors unload their vehicles and set up their stalls. He would then stay  for the next 10 hours keeping the street safe, the children smiling and the atmosphere of our market friendly. Losing him so suddenly was a shock to us all.

But now there remains a lasting reminder of Kevin and the special contributions he made to the City Market Downtown. The bell has been a fixture for many years, and now, whenever that bell rings every Saturday morning on 104th Street, he lives on. The inscription on the stand is taken from an excerpt of an E.E. Cummings poem and reads, “I who have died am living again today, and this is the sun’s birthday; this is the birth day of life and love and wings; and of the gay great happening illimitably earth.”

Patty Milligan, Kevin’s partner, and their son Rory Fox, made a special trip down that morning to open the market and help us all get a little closure. Thanks for the memories, Kevin. We miss you.

In what flavours do your peanuts come?

The peanuts I sell are Kettle cooked in 25 lb. batches. I offer them plain, salted, and salted and spiced with an Indian red hot chili blend.

Do you roast them yourself?

Yes, I have a small commercial kitchen I acquired about 5 years ago which has been operating in the city for over 30 years. The original owner
supplied bars and lounges, golf courses, etc.

How did you get into selling peanuts at the City Market?

After I took over the commercial kitchen, I thought I might qualify to do the markets because I do make them myself. I started at the Westmount farmers market and met fellow members that suggested other markets I should try. I now do the City Market Downtown and the Collingwood market.

Is there a little known fact about peanuts that people don’t typically know?

Peanuts are a legume that grow under ground similar to potatoes, which a lot of people don’t realize. They are a very good source of protein and are considered one of the top survival foods.

Do you have a favourite recipe in which you use peanuts?

My customers enjoy them with their favourite beverages, and use them in stir fries and salads.

What do you like most about selling at the City Market Downtown?

I find the City Market Downtown to have such mix a of people from the vendors who sell here to the public who come through every week. That’s what keeps me coming back and enjoying every market.

On which Saturdays will you be at the market? Will you be at the Market when it moves indoors to City Hall in the fall?

I’m here on 104th every Saturday and will be moving with the market to City Hall in fall.

What kinds of products do you sell?

We sell all kinds of elk products, such as elk antler capsules, elk antler products for dogs and horses, elk antler crafts like clocks, belt buckles and tea light holders. The capsules are popularly used to help alleviate arthritis pain. They are also used to help with joint and tissue damage, and to help increase energy. We also sell a huge variety of meat cuts and meat products like jerky, Italian sausage, garlic sausage, pepperoni, and bratwurst.

What made you decide to start selling elk products?

We saw a niche market that was interested in a healthy red meat and the benefits of elk antler. We liked the ability to talk
directly to the customers and inform them about our products.

Which product is your most popular?

I would have to say the elk steaks, but my most favourite is the jalapeño cheese smokie.

Do you have a no-fail recipe you can share?

The best recipe and the most simple is steak: season lightly, sear both sides, cook for two minutes on each side and most
importantly let rest off the heat for two minutes.   Have your salad and potatoes ready.  At the market I have three easy recipes available that I love to give customers – Ginger Elk, Hawaiian Chilli and Elk Stroganoff.

Tell us about your farm.

We started our farm in 1998.  We are a first generation farm, which means we had a lot to learn. We have 80 acres and are located 20 minutes South of Sherwood Park.  We, and the elk,  enjoy nice pastures and an abundance of spruce, willow and poplar trees. Barry works off the farm while Christine manages the day to day chores. Elk are a very easy animal to raise. They are not only beautiful but very interesting to be around. Kind of like children. I have many stories I could go on and on about.

Do you provide samples at the City Market Downtown?

Of course. Mostly we sample our smoked products such as garlic sausage or pepperoni.

Why do you like selling at the City Market Downtown?

Lots of reasons! I love being outside. The customers here a great! They have a lot of interesting and thoughtful questions. They truly want to know where there food comes from and how it is raised. It is also interesting to see how other businesses are run and I get to learn more. There are a lot of wonderful products at the market that you can’t readily find anywhere else. So when I get away from my stall I go shopping.

What is the one thing that people typically don’t know about elk?

A lot of people still think that our meat is wild, which of course it is not. Also they think that we only raise the animals
for meat, but our primary focus is on growing antler, making elk antler capsules and providing breeding stock.

Do you have a memorable, unique or funny story about selling at the City Market Downtown?

I have the best memory ever. On the first day I started the market in the winter at City Hall, I was standing with my “stuff” not sure where to go.  Up charged a blue eyed white haired fellow with a big grin who grabbed both my tables and
said “follow me, we will find your spot”. Wow! Smiley and chivalrous, and I must say, fast. That was my introduction to the City Market, Kevin Fox. We sure do miss him.

On which days will you be at the City Market Downtown on 104th Street? Will you be at the market when it moves to City Hall in the fall?

I will be at the market most of the days with the exception of August 11, 18 and 25. I will be inside City Hall again this fall
and winter.

To our customers, thank you for spending your Saturday with us and always making Canada Day long weekend our favourite!

Ken Bautista of StartUp Edmonton rings the bell to open the City Market for the day.

A group of children make sure they get front row seats for Circus Montreal.

Aytahn Ross of Circus Montreal entertains the crowd.

Some visitors from the United States take part in the first ever Scavenger Hunt.

Strathcona Country Kitchen showed their pride..

How long have you been designing clothes and how did it all begin?

I began sewing when I discovered punk-rock music at fifteen. After years of home-sewing I was frustrated with my ability and decided to go
to college — also so I didn’t have to pay rent at my parents. In school I was still unsure about my designing style but 4 years of designing the house brand for Nokomis then 3 years of teaching fashion design helped me to be where I am today. I love creating special few-of-a-kind pieces for quirky professionals who deserve to feel special.

What was the first garment you ever designed?

Bondage pants. They are tight plaid pants with zippers, chains and buckles, very tough, very punk rock. They were my specialty at 16.

Do you have a favourite design? A top seller?

I love my cardigans. I know I’ve sewn many over the past few years. You know the ones, blazer style with appliques on the shoulder and small
of the back. They fit great and although I’ve made quite a few I always create a different style each time by using different fabrics and appliqués which are handmade by me too! I may have 5 of them myself…or more.

Tell us about your studio.

I love my studio. It’s located on the same street as the City Market in the 102 y/o Saddlery Building! I’m so fortunate to have windows which
look onto 104 street.

Is designing clothes your full-time career?

Oh yeah! I spend my week gathering up supplies from local fabric stores and creating special pieces. I don’t make seasonal clothes, I make new designs weekly. My customers know to look at my Facebook fan page each Friday to see my new creations. It makes people come to the market really early.

If someone wanted to get started in clothing design, what advice would you give?

Get an education.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?

I am inspired by the fabrics I buy. I love quirky vintage prints and try to make special fabrics into something unique. My goal is to create timeless items that you would wear for years.

Do you have a funny, unique or interesting story to tell about selling at the City Market Downtown?

I think I’ve petted over a thousand dogs over the years. It’s my favorite thing, the dogs of Edmonton.

Which days will you be at the Market, and will you be at City Hall when the market moves indoors this fall?

I am at the market every Saturday all year long, with the exception of August long weekend because I’m getting married!

Are you on Facebook or Twitter?

Yes, on Facebook fridget apparel and Twitter @fridgetapparel

What kinds of peanut brittle do you make?

We do our regular soft brittle and we also offer spicy brittle. In the fall and winter months we have chocolate covered brittle. In the summer time chocolate covered brittle must be pre-ordered. The chocolate covered version was Mike’s idea because I love chocolate, and the spicy one is my idea. He once made peanut brittle with bacon. We are always trying new flavour combinations.

Is your recipe an old secret recipe handed down or one you created on your own?

Our regular peanut brittle is a very old family recipe. My husband’s Great Auntie Muriel used to make this brittle for family and friends on special occasions like Christmas and Birthdays. She would pass on the recipe to family members, but you were not allowed to give the recipe to anyone else.  Auntie Muriel has been gone for many years now and as a tribute to her we are using her name on the brittle. My husband taught me how to make the peanut brittle and I can assure you it did not go so well for the first few batches. We started having more success with each batch, and often gave brittle away at Christmas time and for Birthdays. We received so many compliments that we decided to take a chance and see if we could make a living by selling our delicious soft peanut brittle. This is how I started selling brittle at markets. I am far from replacing my old income, but I have a lot more fun and job satisfaction. Of course we still give it to family and friends whenever an occasion arises.

What made you decide to sell your brittle at the farmers’ market?

I always thought that selling at the farmers market would be such a cool job. Now with our brittle, that choice came naturally. I am at four markets per week and have enough time for cooking and packaging everything. Instead of working as a waitress for 6 hours, I am cooking in my kitchen for 5 hours and sing to my tunes as loud as I want.

Peanut Brittle is a great treat but is there a special recipe using peanut brittle that you can share? I think it would be great added to muffins and brownies.

Secret recipe, I am not allowed to share, but I will tell you that crumbled up it is great on cereal and ice cream. I’m craving it now!

What kind of feedback to get from customers?

The best of all are the faces when customers taste the brittle. Most are sceptical because they have never heard of a softer peanut brittle, but once they taste it they are very pleasantly surprised and we have quickly built up a large base of
return customers. We always get a kick out of waiting for people to have the first taste because of the almost certain eyebrow raising and the ohhhh and ahhhh comments. We started the business last November and the response has been
nothing short of amazing.

Do you have a unique, funny or interesting story about selling at the City Market Downtown?

I had a special draw for Easter. The prize was a nice gift basket with lots of brittle. We only had 18 entries and the winner was a customer who had put her and her husband’s name on the paper. I am a very romantic person and I was so happy to get a lady who was thinking about her man also. I was not surprised that she and her family turned out to be super nice and she told me that I had made her day when I let her know that she had won. A month later she visited me and she
introduced me to her Mother.

Why do you like selling at the City Market Downtown?

Every Saturday after the market we get to visit family in Edmonton. I love the convenience of being at City Hall in the winter — just drive inside, take the elevator up and I’m ready to go. The market has a great size — it’s easy to get to know all the vendors and I have already become good friends with many of them.

On which days will you be at the City Market Downtown and will you be at the market when it moves to City Hall in the fall?

We will be at the market every Saturday — 104th in the summer and City Hall in the fall and winter.