Ari
Berenbaum
Berenbaum's
Bakery
March
9, 2012
To the
Durham Farmer's Board of Directors,
Upon the
suggestion of market manager Erin Kauffman, I am writing in order to gain more
insight into our bakery's rejection from the new vendor selection process this
year. We would like to know specifically
why our bakery did not meet the criteria for selection.
We believe
that our application fulfilled all the criteria for selection: unique product
(Jewish bread and pastry); existing and enthusiastic customer base;
highly-experienced professional baker; Durham-made, etc.
Many of our
customers ask us, "Why are you not a part of the larger market?" (we
set up outside the market), or "When are they going to let you in?",
to which I never have a sufficient answer.
I appreciate
the opportunity to learn more about the DFM evaluation process, and your
efforts to keep the selection process transparent, as befits a nonprofit community
organization. In my previous experience
with grant application writing, applications are often returned with a score,
based on objective criteria differentiating between levels of quality in
application. I would appreciate knowing
our score, if there is one, or any comments from the Board regarding our
application. It would be helpful to know
the specific criteria for application acceptance. In Ms. Kauffman’s subsequent email to me, she
stated only “uniqueness of product offering, quality of application, dynamics
of current market composition, and fit with Market goals and mission,” all of
which could be interpreted subjectively.
Thank you
for your consideration, and I would appreciate a timely reply. Feel free to reach me by phone or email.
Sincerely,
Ari Berenbaum
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