Rossland Mountain Market has become incorporated and is now the Rossland Mountain Market Society. With the name change comes a structural transformation with a five-member board of directors to oversee and develop the market. Miche Warwick, one of the directors and long-term market administrator, says the process of becoming incorporated has taken approximately six months to achieve. “The process involves seeking out a board of directors committed to upholding our organizations beliefs and mandates, followed by developing a constitution (purposes of the organization), registering our legal name and filing an application,” said Warwick. Becoming incorporated seemed to be the next logical step for improving the market. The dedicated team of directors are prepared to take on new challenges aiming to generate greater access to local food and consumer products for Rossland and the surrounding Kootenay region. The new board of directors materialized from word of mouth discussion and comprises of passionate foodies with all kinds of skills and experience. They are farmers, growers, artists and musicians. The board has a general interest in supporting the local food movement and some are involved with other food-oriented organizations. Together they have more than 30 years of combined volunteer experience. “Most of us are currently also volunteering with other local organizations and we are all committed to adding value to our community,” said Warwick. One of the benefits of becoming a registered society is the market can now invite a new category of market stall vendors. Farmer’s markets in B.C. that are operated by a registered society are permitted to have local breweries, distilleries and wineries attend as vendors. “This means that in the coming summer, not only will we be seeing Rossland Beer Company at the market, but other local Kootenay artisan alcohol vendors as well,” said Warwick. The market is not a licensed venue so alcohol can only be purchased to consume at home. Additionally, by becoming a registered society the market can access grant funds that are reserved for incorporated groups. The Rossland Mountain Market Society works extremely hard year round to bring people to Rossland, to encourage local spending, and to create genuine community building events. “We are not just a farmer’s market. We are a live local, love local force to be reckoned with. We are here to help everyone understand why supporting local is the best choice to make, for the benefit of our community as a whole,” Warwick explained. The next market will be held on Saturday Feb. 21 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Miners’ Hall on Columbia Ave. in Rossland.

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