I am Tanis Monroy, the executive director of the Broad Street Market. I wanted to address recent concerns and misconceptions that have arisen due to a news article that, in my view, was biased and slanted in its reporting.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the outpouring of support the Broad Street Market has received from our dedicated vendors and the community. Your unwavering commitment to our Market is truly heartwarming, and I want to assure you that our mission remains unchanged – to provide a space where small and new business vendors can offer valuable and locally grown foods to our neighbors.
The recent news segment unfortunately omitted crucial details and painted an inaccurate picture of our operations. It did not adequately convey the challenges we face with insurance and rebuilding, and it failed to mention our 501(c)(3) limitations for fundraising for our tenants. We understand that these omissions may have raised questions and concerns in our community.
I want to clarify that the Broad Street Market is limited in its ability to provide financial assistance to displaced vendors due to 501(c)(3) regulations. We have always encouraged the public to support our vendors through their websites, GoFundMe campaigns, and direct outreach. Additionally, the Broad Street Market is actively working to secure grants and small business loans for our vendors and collaborating with the City of Harrisburg to provide a safe and comfortable structure for them to operate their businesses until the brick building is completed and open.
Our commitment to transparency and open communication remains unwavering. We continue to engage with our vendors through weekly newsletters and in-person meetings, keeping everyone informed about our progress and challenges.
The funds we have raised, which amount to nearly $60,000 since the fire, have been allocated to support the temporary structure as well as the overall Market, including the brick and stone buildings. Donated funds are dedicated to rebuilding and restoring our beloved Broad Street Market.
We recognize that the recent news segment has highlighted the importance of making our mission, values, and the challenges we face more widely known in the community. We need a stronger public presence to ensure that everyone understands the significant role the Broad Street Market plays in our neighborhood. We are committed to promoting the true character of our Market and our unwavering integrity.
Tanis Monroy is the executive director of the Broad Street Market.
For more information on the Broad Street Market, visit their website.
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