I know a couple of farmers. I'm friends with a few artisans. And I'm well connected to many local entrepreneurs.
Despite coming from different walks of life, my acquaintances from all three groups share one thing in common: they understand the basic tenets of good business. They all love what they do, but they are still in the business of selling some kind of product, be it cabbage, paintings or insurance. They understand at a core level that in order to survive and continue doing what they are passionate about they must grow their customer base. They must be profitable.
So, why is it that so many of the farmers, artists, and entrepreneurs of Prince George, who choose to do business as public market vendors, act in a way that decreases the size of their customer base and reduces their profitability?
For a few years now, the Wilson Square Community Market Association (WSCMA) and the Prince George Farmer's Market Association (PGFMA) have continued to do business in two separate locations: the WSCMA setting up on Third Avenue outside of the courthouse and the PGFM on Sixth Avenue behind the Keg. This ongoing battle between the market vendors reminds us on a weekly basis how dysfunctional our city can be. The situation baffles both outsiders and locals. The inability of the two sides to collaborate and establish one single market, for the overall profitability of individual vendors and to the benefit of the customers, is beyond reason.
"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing," says author Stephen Covey. While I've heard various arguments and points drawn by both sides over the years, none of the issues brought forth are 'the main thing.' I read points like 'Wilson Square is historically significant,' 'they have better visual lines of sight,' and 'it's healthier for customers to walk the three blocks between the markets.' I've also heard 'the P.G. Farmer's Market still has a four-year contract left on the books,' 'no dogs will be allowed at Veteran's Square so no one will come,' and 'the tables are $10 cheaper at WSCMA than at PGFMA.'
I hope the following statement will resonate with both sides when I say none of these issues are the main thing. Not a single one.
The main thing has got to be the customer. Without the customer, you can't do business and become profitable. And here's another little gem... profitability will increase when your customer is provided the easiest path to your goods. It is common knowledge that most customers will take the shortest route to satisfy their goals; a very dedicated few will take the long route to help you attain yours.
Therefore, there is but one good solution: there must only be one public market in downtown Prince George if vendors are to be as successful and profitable as possible.
While I'm an outsider looking in and completely unaware if any progress has been made since last year, I optimistically imagine that the associations have been negotiating all winter long. I dream that they have come to a healthy decision and have chosen a permanent location for one single market this spring. I pray that they have accomplished this good work because they have remembered to keep the main thing the main thing and put their customers first.
I believe there is positive energy in a critical mass contained within a concentrated space; an energy that dissipates when spread over three city blocks. If anyone thinks it's healthier for customers to walk most of George Street in order to do business with them, then they should heed their own advice and take that walk themselves to join as one Prince George Public Market.
Until next week, stay in the black and keep coming back.
