Market Manager Hopeful: 'I Don't Think Anybody Else Does What We Do"

Though it hasn't taken over just yet, market operator Raw Inspiration is poised to become the new manager of the .

The market operator responded to a Request for Proposal (RFP), solicited by the Westwood Village Improvement Association in May, and is now in the running to manage the Westwood Village market.

With a recommendation from a WVIA Board of Directors subcommittee under the market operator's belt, in addition to a place on the agenda at the WVIA's Sept. 20 meeting, Raw Inspiration President John Edwards is thinking about potential plans for the market.

Raw Inspiration currently runs 23 markets throughout Los Angeles, including those in Brentwood, Century City and Pacific Palisades.

Edwards said Raw Inspiration prides itself on high quality and quantity of vendors, in addition to strong relationships built with communities.

"I don't think anybody else does what we do," Edwards said.

The nonprofit operator for California Certified Farmers' Markets would replace current operator Steve Whipple, who's managed the market for the past five years.

While Raw Inspiration would bring new vendors to the Westwood Village market, some would remain the same, Edwards said.

"Any good vendor [who] ... contributes to the success of the market will stay," he said.

Edwards also promised more fruit and vegetable vendors if the operator is chosen by the WVIA.

"What we want to do is introduce more fruits and vegetables to as many people as possible," he said.

Raw Inspiration has also worked to bring organic gardens to local schools in communities surrounding existing farmers markets. In addition to schools, Edwards plans to work with local businesses if Raw Inspiration is chosen as market manager.

"I think we'd be very good for Westwood," he said.

Edwards said he's expecting good news at next week's WVIA Board meeting.

"I don't see why (the WVIA) wouldn’t give (the market) to us," he said. "I'm assuming they will."

Who would you like to see manage the Westwood Village Farmers Market? Tell us in the comments section below.

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our newsletter | Blog for us