Tanis Monroy
Tanis Monroy was exposed to the ins and outs of running a small business at a young age.
His parents owned a restaurant in Carlisle, where he grew up, giving him an appreciation for local entrepreneurship.
So when he heard that Harrisburg’s Broad Street Market was searching for a new executive director, he jumped at the opportunity to apply.
“I loved the farmers market and being able to get produce or sitting down and having a meal,” Monroy said. “I thought I could bring fresh ideas and a new perspective.”
Monroy started his new position as the market’s day-to-day manager in October, filling the shoes of former director Josh Heilman, who had departed months before.
Monroy admitted there has been a learning curve as he’s taken on new responsibilities, but feels his background has prepared him for the job.
The first-generation American, whose parents immigrated from Guatemala, grew up in Carlisle. As a teen, he got involved with the Amani Festival, a multicultural celebration in Carlisle, and would later serve as chair of the event.
“Seeing other people share my background, but also those from different cultures was really exciting,” he said.
Monroy also co-founded Destination Carlisle, to promote business and tourism in the city, and later held jobs in marketing. Volunteering in the local community also has been important to him and showed him how much he enjoyed interacting with the community.
“Now, the Broad Street Market gives me a chance to do that every day,” he said.
As director, Monroy handles everything from finances to building maintenance to relationships with vendors.
Monroy said that he has an “aggressive goal” for the new year in terms of fundraising and outreach. He wants to make the market more of a “community hub,” and plans to host holiday events, movie nights, festivals and other experiences to bring people to the market.
“It’s going to be a busy year for the market,” he said. “I want people to know the market is here for them.”
As business at the market inches closer to pre-pandemic levels, Monroy hopes people will continue supporting vendors. There are currently 40 vendors with only a few open stands.
“I want to encourage people to support the market and our vendors—they need that support,” he said.
The Broad Street Market is located at 1233 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.
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